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Beyond transience: India and US’ strategic congruity dissected

Editor's ChoiceBeyond transience: India and US’ strategic congruity dissected

New Delhi

In a recent editorial by Global Times on the Prime Minister’s visit to the United States, the characterization of US-India relations as “temporary, unstable, and unreliable” was profoundly misguided. This erroneous perception suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of the true essence of the bonds between these two nations. The ties that bind the US and India are far from being merely transient or unstable. On the contrary, they are the fruit of shared values and strategic congruity, rather than a fleeting alignment of interests. It is an association that extends far beyond the realm of mere convenience. It constitutes a profound partnership, underpinned by mutual respect.

In fact, the Prime Minister’s recent visit proves that India-US relations are neither temporary nor unstable or unreliable. The visit covered numerous strategic sectors, contributing to the progression of shared interests. In the first place, US President Joseph Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi endorsed the idea of their countries being among the world’s closest allies. They named this alliance the US-India Comprehensive Global and Strategic Partnership, built on trust, mutual comprehension, and common democratic values.

A crucial highlight of PM’s visit was the introduction of the “Innovation Handshake”. This new initiative was aimed at solving regulatory obstacles that hamper collaborations between the two nations. The visit ended with stronger economic connections, joint manufacturing initiatives, and an increased diplomatic presence.

The reinforcement of this alliance underscores India’s strategic importance in the broader global context. The visit also aimed at enhancing strategic technology collaboration in areas such as defence, semiconductors, space, and artificial intelligence.
Lastly, the two nations initiated a roadmap for defence industrial collaboration that focuses on joint production and an intense engagement between their industrial ecosystems. A noteworthy outcome was the landmark deal between GE and India’s HAL for co-production of jet engines in India, involving a liberal technology transfer.

The issue at hand is that China struggles to comprehend how India wields such sway over Western countries and the Global South. China’s perspective on India’s diplomatic strides is perpetually coloured by a China-centric viewpoint. They invariably perceive India’s diplomatic initiatives as posing some sort of menace. Regrettably, the greatest obstacle to China’s diplomatic efforts is its very own diplomatic modus operandi.
China’s recent transition to a more aggressive diplomatic stance, known as “Wolf Warrior” diplomacy, marks a profound deviation from its traditional diplomatic style, which was typically restrained and modest. Under President Xi Jinping, China has adopted a more assertive, combative tone. Chinese diplomats have stepped into the limelight, throwing themselves into fiery social media disputes and responding vehemently to criticisms.

India, however, treads a different path in the world of diplomacy. It favours peaceful engagement and negotiation over forceful confrontation. In the diplomatic arena, India responds to belligerence not with retaliatory aggression but with decorum and finesse, skilfully negotiating to safeguard its interests.

Whereas the well-balanced approach of India towards diplomacy has resulted in its amicable relations with both the Western and the Global South nations. By prioritizing peace, negotiation, and constructive dialogue, India has managed to cultivate relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. While the world grapples with the sudden shift in China’s diplomatic tactics, India’s steady and calculated approach has not only secured its national interests but also fostered a sense of trust and India has garnered significant respect from both the Global South and the Western world due to its balanced and strategic diplomatic efforts. Its role in promoting the interests of the Global South, coupled with its continuous commitment to foster strong ties with the West, showcases its versatile foreign policy.

India’s leadership in the Global South is clear in its recent actions, particularly its 2022-2023 G20 presidency, where it notably advocated for underrepresented Global South countries. Its significant role involves representing developing nations’ concerns and rights in global politics.

This position was further underscored at the Voice of the Global South Summit in January 2023. The event, focused on improving global governance for developing nations, elevated India’s standing within these countries. Meanwhile, India has also diligently cultivated its relationship with the West. The West is India’s key trade partner, a major source of capital, technology, and home to a large Indian diaspora. Its strategic alliances with powers like the US and Europe have also been significant.

The West has recognized and appreciated this balanced approach. This strategic diplomacy, focusing on both the Global South and the West, has garnered India substantial global respect. Championing the Global South while maintaining robust Western ties underlines India’s diplomatic versatility.

In essence, India’s diplomacy, as evidenced by the Prime Minister’s visit to the US, paints a picture of a nation that is neither transient nor unstable in its global alliances. It showcases an India that is strategic, proactive, and balanced in its engagement with both the Global South and the West. It’s a nation that deftly counters the “wolf warrior” diplomacy of China with its own brand of mature, respectful engagement. The misinterpretations that mar China’s perception of India’s diplomacy only serve to reveal the vast difference in their diplomatic styles. India’s steady rise on the global stage, as an able negotiator and a responsible leader, is a testament to its thoughtful diplomatic approach, a strategy that is proving to be both reliable and enduring.

Aditya Sinha is Additional Private Secretary (Policy & Research), Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister. He tweets adityasinha004. Views expressed are personal.

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