22 June 2023, NIICE Commentary 8663
Dr Soumya Awasthi
With this maiden state visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made some exclusive marks for India; before him, it was former President S Radhakrishnan in 1963 and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2009 who was given the State Welcome. As per the US diplomatic protocols, State Visits are only for foreign Heads of State and not Heads of the Government (Prime Minister), but in this case, the US did not hitch in creating another category called the ‘Official State Visit’, which is the highest ranking visit to the US. So far, the president of the United States (POTUS) Joe Biden is known for being selective about extending an invitation for a state visit to his counterparts in foreign countries. Previously, President Biden has hosted only two visits since 2020; one was for French President Emmanuel Macron and another for South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
PM Modi’s state visit consecrates that the United States considers India as one of the most significant allies and a friend in contemporary geopolitics. Despite numerous criticism and condemnations of India on particular matters like the Ukraine crisis, the purchase of Russian oil and the India-Russia arms trade, the relationship between India and the United States is evolving. In a recent visit by the United States National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan said that the US deeply respects India, values strategic dialogues, and will play a “long game” with India. There is divergence of views between India and the US but they both agree to disagree, and therefore it doesn’t appear to be jeopardising the relations between the two nations.
It must be said here that the commentators on India-US relations must stop using shibboleths of nonalignment and democratic values to obfuscate the inexorable strategic logic that is a force behind strengthening the relationship between the two countries. The visit is considered to be momentous in several ways, as both nations converge on some pertinent issues like the China question out of many, which are hand-wringing both in New Delhi and Washington DC. China’s blind support to Pakistan, which incubates terrorism, is the biggest challenge for India, while for the US, China is sour in the eyes for multiple reasons from trade war to North Korea and chest-thumping in South China Sea. As Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar propounded India-US relationship is guided by the 3 M’s- Mutual Sensitivities, Mutual Respect, and Mutual Interests.
Modi’s visit to the US is highlighted as the most awaited defence deal, which will take the two countries’ defence relationship to another pedestal. India has long indicated a desire to purchase massive, American-made armed drones. But for years, a deal for SeaGuardian drones that might be worth USD 2-3 billion has been stalled by bureaucratic roadblocks. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is now or has previously been used by the Quad group of nations, which consists of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. India is currently renting MQ-9Bs to use in intelligence collection.
Additionally, India intends to purchase 30 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones with weapons. The co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, like armoured personnel carriers, is another topic Modi and Biden anticipate addressing. The two countries aim to cooperate on defence and technology despite official security agreements. India has long indicated a desire to purchase massive American-made armed drones.
But for years, a deal for SeaGuardian drones that might worth USD 2-3 billion has been stalled by bureaucratic roadblocks. The MQ-9B SeaGuardian is now or has previously been used by the Quad group of nations, which consists of the United States, India, Australia, and Japan. India is currently leasing MQ-9Bs to operate in intelligence collection. Additionally, India intends to purchase 30 General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones with weapons. The co-production of munitions and ground vehicles, like armoured personnel carriers, is another topic Modi and Biden anticipate addressing. The two countries aim to cooperate on defence and technology despite official security agreements.
The American company General Electric will be signing the deal for F414 military aircraft engine, which powers state-of-the-art fighters like the Boeing Super Hornet and Saab Gripen. The pact to build them in India for the LCA Tejas Mk2 marks a key milestone in India-US ties and the final burial of the ‘technology denial regime’.
It is essential to note that India is the only country to crack this deal, not be part of the military allies and NATO countries membership, and yet be closer to the US defence orbit. India-US defence deal will be a step ahead of the buyer-seller relationship and is more of a co-production and co-development relationship. Therefore, regarding defence cooperation, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing military ties, intelligence sharing, and joint exercises. Focusing on defence technology transfer and collaboration has deepened their partnership, contributing to regional stability.
Another aspect of the relationship that received attention was trade and investment, a critical discussion area during the visit. Efforts are being made to strengthen economic ties, promote bilateral investments, and expand market access. Steps were taken to address trade imbalances and create a more conducive environment for thriving businesses. Another critical aspect was climate change and clean energy cooperation. India and the US have demonstrated their commitment to combat climate change by focusing on renewable energy, sustainable development, and technology transfer. The visit showcased both countries’ determination to collaborate on global climate initiatives.
Regarding regional security, discussions revolved around Indo-Pacific cooperation, countering terrorism, and maintaining maritime security. Both nations expressed their shared vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region, emphasising the importance of rule-based order. Prime Minister Modi’s visit has reinforced the India-US relationship, highlighting the two nations’ shared values and common goals. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit have set a positive trajectory for future collaborations, signalling a strengthened partnership in various domains.
To conclude, the India-US relationship is heading towards a positive trajectory following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit in 2023. Both countries expressed commitment to deepening their strategic partnership and increasing cooperation on global challenges. The visit emphasised the shared values of democracy and a rules-based international order. It is hoped that India-US relations continue to go on an upward trajectory in times to come and that India emerges as the global south leader, which can speak for itself and all the nations in the global south.
Dr Soumya Awasthi, Consultant, Tony Blair Institute, UK.
