Modi US Visit: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his highly anticipated visit to the United States, the world eagerly awaits the potential impact of this significant journey. In a time marked by heightened global economic and geopolitical tensions, Modi’s trip holds immense importance.
The eyes of the international community are fixed upon this crucial diplomatic endeavour, as it holds the promise of shaping the trajectory of relations between India and the US while navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
The US government is preparing to warmly receive Mr Modi, ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place. His visit is an official one, and the United States will extend the utmost diplomatic protocol accorded to visiting world leaders.
On the upcoming Thursday, a series of events spanning three days will unfold as Narendra Modi graces the esteemed corridors of the White House with a warm reception. Subsequently, he will have a direct meeting and interaction with US President Joe Biden. Subsequently, a state dinner shall be ensured alongside a gathering with prominent CEOs, while Modi’s eloquent address to a unified session of Congress remains in store.
Behind these events, there’s an important conversation that could bring new energy to India-US relations and affect the world. In the Indo-Pacific region, where many forces meet, the United States needs India’s strong influence. The US sees India as a key ally in balancing China’s growing power in the region.
In anticipation of this forthcoming visit, the US Congressional Committee has gone so far as to propose that India be extended an invitation to join NATO’s Western alliance through the creation of the ‘NATO Plus Group’. However, India’s inclination to swiftly embrace an intimate alliance with the United States and other Western nations might not be evident at the moment.
However, Indian diplomacy is actively emphasizing its commitment with greater determination, as it believes that the current global stage presents the opportune moment for the country to do so. The underlying factors behind this stance are manifold. India presently stands as one of the select few major economic destinations globally.
Geopolitically, the circumstances are favourable, with numerous countries seeking an alternative manufacturing base to China. Additionally, India possesses a vast market, with a burgeoning middle class that has expanded over the years. Consequently, this presents an attractive option for both the China Plus One strategy and global corporations.
How Have India-US Relations Changed Over Time?
In the wake of India’s liberation in 1947, the initial era unveiled a distinctive void in robust ties between the two nations, as Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru chose a path independent of alignment with the United States amidst the Cold War epoch when prevailing global powers were embroiled in a geopolitical contest against the Soviet Union. In 1961, Nehru steered India toward the Non-Aligned Movement, which consisted of developing and neutral countries.
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According to Dr. Jamie from Chatham House, India, having freed itself from British rule, was reluctant to subject itself to another Western power’s influence, akin to its colonial history.
While India did procure weaponry from the United States, its reliance shifted when the US refused to supply additional arms following the 1971 war with Pakistan. In the pursuit of its defence requirements, India subsequently turned toward Russia.
According to findings from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, an overwhelming proportion of India’s military assets stem from Russian sources. Incorporated within these statistics lies a striking composition: an astounding 90% of their mechanized vehicles adorned with armour, 60% of their aerial combat vessels soaring through the skies, and a substantial 44% of their maritime fleets consisting of ships and submarines.
Despite India’s dependence on Russian weaponry, it has recently entered into defence agreements with the United States and obtained American arms. Despite the endeavours made, former US President Donald Trump’s official visit to India in 2020 proved unsuccessful in convincing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to endorse a free trade agreement.
India refused to condemn Russia after it invaded Ukraine and continued to buy Russian oil despite Western sanctions. However, conversely, India and China have also increased their mutual trade.Viraj Solanki of the International Institute for Strategic Studies says that India engages with various powers on various issues but does not agree to be part of any alliance.
How Did India’s Relations with America Become Stronger?
India and the US have signed four security agreements since 2016. India’s expenditure on defence products from American manufacturers during the period spanning from 2000 to 2021 totals approximately 21 billion dollars.
Furthermore, India has allied with the United States, Japan, and Australia, known as the ‘Quad’ group. Viraj Solanki says that the Quad is aimed at improving the security of the sea trade routes for commercial purposes, but in reality, it is aimed at blocking the route to China.
In regards to China’s expanding influence in South Asia, he affirms India’s profound concerns, while simultaneously emphasizing the United States’ concerted efforts to counter China’s pervasive global influence.
India-China Relations: Unveiling the Current State in Ongoing Territorial Disputes
China asserts its ownership over portions of Aruna Chal Pradesh, whereas India maintains its claim over Aksai Chin, leading to strained ties between the two nations.The two countries fought a war in 1962 these disputes, while there have been border clashes in 1967, 2013, 2017, and 2020.
A future conflict with China is a threat based on which India is modernizing its armed forces and developing an Indigenous defence industry that it expects to reach $25 billion by 2025.
India’s rejection of the ‘Belt and Road’ initiative, which aims to construct global ports and transportation networks for expanded product exports by China, stems from escalating tensions between India and China. In addition, India has implemented a ban on the popular Chinese social media application, TikTok.
In a distinctive formulation, Michael Kugelman, the director of the South Asia Institute, a distinguished think tank housed at the esteemed Wilson Center in Washington, expressed his observations regarding the evolving perceptions of the United States and India as they embark upon comprehending the wider realm of the Indo-Pacific theatre.
Expanding on this notion, Kugelman articulated, “A discernible shift is underway, with America finally awakening to the profound significance held by the Indian Ocean region.” For many years, India’s main concern was the Indian Ocean region. While America’s eyes were on the South China Sea region along the Pacific Ocean. But now they will keep an eye on the maritime security of this region as well.
Can India Become a NATO Ally?
A US congressional committee had suggested in early June that India be invited to join the ‘NATO Plus group. An exceptional coalition led by the United States brings together Australia, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the esteemed NATO defence alliance, forging a formidable union.
The American committee, called the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition between the US and the Chinese, said that if India joined the group, it would help deter China. The American Committee has no decision-making authority on foreign affairs and is merely a recommendation on their part.
Notwithstanding, a stern caution has been issued by China to NATO, advising against the pursuit of novel partnerships in the Indo-Pacific realm. Chinese Defense Minister Li Shengfu recently stated that doing so would escalate the fighting and plunge the region into endless conflict.
Dr Palvi Roy of the University of London says that India will be reluctant to become a part of NATO Plus. He says that NATO is seen as an anti-Russian organization and India will not offend Russia.
However, conversely, this action will simultaneously convey a distinct message to China, an indication that India has joined forces with an alliance aimed at countering China’s influence. Such a development could potentially yield detrimental consequences for India.