The US-India Strategic and Commercial Dialogue in Washington removed some of the misconceptions which clouded India’s attitude to the US. The two countries are now committed to specific outcomes. Bilateral diplomatic cooperation is to expand. A new mechanism has been set up between India’s Foreign Secretary and the US Deputy Secretary of State. A new institutional partnership has been started between the US state department and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. The trilateral with Japan has been elevated to the Ministerial level. The US and India have decided to step up the war on terror. Pakistan has been asked to bring the perpetrators of 26/11 to justice. India and the US would build on their 10 year Defence Framework Agreement to strengthen defence ties and increase defence production via Make in India. The Indian cabinet has approved a roughly $3billion helicopter deal with Boeing. India is looking forward to greater participation in internet governance organisations like ICANN. Stress has been put on joint efforts towards climate change. There will be a new five year MoU on energy security, clean energy and climate change.
Modi has to convince US businessmen that his government can put through reforms and remove barriers to foreigners doing business in India. India’s internal divisions have somewhat dampened diaspora enthusiasm. There should be a more friendly attitude in Delhi to NRIs. India has to give further proof of its multi-laterism. Only a defensive attitude to confident pragmatism will not work out. Modi’s repeated visits to the US should build a bridge.
