India - US Bilateral Ties: Potential of Greater Convergence

Analysis

By Angana Guha Roy

PM Modi’s US visit in June 2023 added unprecedented momentum to India- US  bilateral ties. The 58-paragraph readout of the joint statement issued after PM Modi and President Joe Biden’s bilateral meet in the US last year mentioned that “no corner of human enterprise is untouched by the partnership between our two great countries, which spans the seas to the stars”.The sweeping commitments pitched in joint statements issued by the leadership of both countries  — ranging from Technology Partnership for the Future to Next Generation Defense Partnership from clean energy transition to commitment towards strategic convergence was meant to bring “Two great nations, two great friends, and two great powers” closer. One year down the line when we introspect the trajectory of the bilateral relations, it appears translation of these rhetorical commitments requires more determination, commitment, and proactive execution. As US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan is slated to visit India to chart out the shared priorities of India- US relations the focus will be on the viability of commitments made in the previous term of the Modi government.

A Partner in Need

The Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu visited, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh from  May 10-15.  Lu’s trip was aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation with each country and demonstrate US support for a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific. In India, Donald Lu’s visit to India is essentially focused on bolstering bilateral engagement in southern India. Lu’s joint visit to selective South Asian countries followed by Biden’s recent statement referring to India as “Xenophobic” is emblematic of India’s position in the US deliberation of security discourse in the region.

The joint statement issued following PM Modi and President Biden’s meeting in September during the G 20 summit last year called on the respective “governments to continue the work of transforming the India-U.S. Strategic Partnership across all dimensions based on trust and mutual understanding”. The joint statement further laid down an expansive track of agenda for future engagements.

Weeks after PM Modi and President Biden’s meeting at G 20,  the joint statement issued at the  Fifth Annual India- US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in November 2023  underscored the importance of transforming the US.-India relations across domains, based on trust and mutual understanding, mentioning India and US as “ natural and trusted partners”. 

As both parties reiterate their commitment to upholding a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, India and the United States have affirmed their dedication to enhancing supply chain independence and establishing a framework for defense cooperation and co-production, as outlined in the 2023 Roadmap for U.S.-India Defense Industrial Cooperation. Additionally, a mutual decision has been made to commence the joint production of armoured infantry vehicles.

India an outlier in QUAD?

 As the discussion about a deterrence-driven SQUAD takes centre stage ( a four-way alliance between the US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines) questions have arisen about India being an outlier in QUAD.  However, India’s central positioning and geography in the Indo-Pacific make it an indispensable player in the ambit of any security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. The range of issues Quad encompasses in the ambit of non-traditional security threats including health, cybersecurity, climate change, technology, disaster management and relief, and supply chain linkages or global value chain makes it an indispensable part of the wider security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

Following the discussion over the scheduling difficulties of the QUAD leader meeting in January this year, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during the Indian Ocean Conference in Perth expressed confidence in the growing relevance of the Quad grouping.While stressing on the need to reconstruct and reconnect the Indian Ocean he discussed the potential of collaboration with QUAD members like Australia.

US: India and Global South

The  “Voice of the Global South for Human-Centric Development” virtual summit hosted by PM Modi during the G20 summit last year demonstrates India’s willingness to be the voice of the Global South(a grouping of countries classified as low- or middle-income by the World Bank). The summit flagged issues important to developing countries such as sustainable lending, food security, health infrastructure, multilateral bank reform and climate finance.  Amidst the pronounced discussion on India and China’s leadership battle over the Global South, the US with its resources, influence, footprint-building ability and sagacious stakeholdership can step in to support India, an inevitable partner in the region,  to lead the voice of the Global South.  In the recent past, China’s engagement in African countries using non-viable and unsustainable means hasraised suspicions fuelling local resentment. There are instances of African countries cancelling or postponing BRI projects over rising debt concerns.  Hence the US can create broader room for engagement with African countries.

As the saying goes, great power comes with great responsibility. With a GDP of 25.44 trillion dollars and the biggest military and air power, the US has a larger responsibility towards ensuring the security of not only its alliance partners but also small and middle powers in the region.

The India-US ties havethe potential to reach greater heights. However, both sides need to address the minor chokepoints for working towards a seamless relationship. In February this year, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller called the US partnership with India one of the most consequential relationships, stressing US willingness to work closely with India on “most vital priorities”. However, following the rhetorical assurance, US has yet to step up its commitment on visibility and delivery. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan's visit to New Delhi for a review of the bilateral Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology was cancelled in February and April respectively this year. This was preceded by US President Joe Biden’s decline of India's invitation to be the Republic Day chief guest. President Biden’s recent comment calling India and Japan xenophobic , lumping it with countries like China and Russia attracted enormous criticism in Indian media. 

Presently, the US needs to step up its pace and engagement on several fronts to hold on to India as an essential partner in the Indo Pacific region. Its commitment and delivery must be backed by high-level exchanges, visits and enhanced hard power and soft power diplomacy with India.

Disclaimer: This paper is the author's individual scholastic contribution and does not necessarily reflect the organization's viewpoint.