INDO-US BONHOMIE - CONVICTION, NOT CONVENIENCE

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States may have explored a shared strategic future with political capital and mega defence deals, but the relationship will move forward based on conviction, not convenience

- NINAD D SHETH, PRAKASH NANDA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic US visit sets the stage for a deeper military engagement between New Delhi and Washington within a wider foreign policy cooperation framework. The two sides have come closer together despite great mistrust in respective power circles and bureaucracies. The U S State Department never took India seriously and scorned its rise while the Indian defence and foreign policy establishment were traditionally supported by the erstwhile Soviet Union and later Russia. However, now, mutual dependence, an assertive China and greater economic engagement are making the US realise the value of India as a close partner.

India found itself in an awkward position when its standoff with China happened in the high Himalayas. An aggressive China on the mountains, at sea and in the air, coupled with its growing military ties with Pakistan, made India realize that it needs to look in the direction of the United States to diversify its international relations and foreign policy capabilities.

The changing political equations between Russia and China have also been a factor that has necessitated India’s tilt towards the USA. India realizes that while Moscow is essential for Indian strategic capability, Russia cannot be the kind of ally that the Soviet Union was. The main worry for India is Moscow bending over backwards to make common cause with China, India’s main adversity and open threat.