By Dr D.K. Giri
The much-awaited state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the United States has happened. Not only in India but across the world, perhaps for the first time, world attention is focussed on it. Modi was accorded the singular honour of addressing the US Congress for the second time, after a couple of leaders like Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. Modi becomes the only major world leader to do so. This is not a small recognition which United States of America bestows, and the American government is not an admirer of Modi. This honour signifies the American intent of embracing India as a partner.
Many observers are wondering, why America is rolling the red carpet for Modi, who was once denied visa as a Chief Minister of Gujarat for his controversial role in the communal pogrom in 2002. During this visit also 75 Congressmen and women from the Democratic Party have written to President Biden to raise the issues of human rights, shrinking democratic space, and insecurity of religious minorities etc. There were also protests by human rights activists. This is not uncommon. On a TV panel debate I was asked the very question. Why is America so warming up to Modi despite his blemished record on human rights? My answer was as follows:
America is not cuddling Modi as a person. They are warming up to the most populous country in the world and potentially the biggest market. Estimates are that by 2030, India will have a working population of 1 billion which is more than the G-8 population. Today, it has internet coverage almost equal to it. Furthermore, India’s per capita mobile data consumption ranks number one in the world, which is more than that of US and China combined. Americans have noticed how people in India’s remote areas can access sophisticated healthcare with digital help. American economists have predicted the steady growth of the Indian economy as that of China peaks whenever the Western countries decide to pull the rug under its feet. Second, in inter-governmental transactions, the national interests, a euphemism for realpolitik, prompts the countries not necessarily human rights. Many developed democracies have expressed the difficulty of their governments in balancing human rights and trade.
Third, to be fair to both Biden and Modi, both societies, American and Indian, face their respective challenges in upholding democracy and human rights etc. Remember, the politically abominable sight of the supporters of Donald Trump storming and vandalizing the Capitol Hill to disrupt the peaceful transfer of power. However, Modi’s ‘stoic silence’ at the time of violence against or violation of fundamental rights of the minorities in India raises questions about his attitude towards religious minorities of non-Indic origin.
The second question amid the hype and brouhaha in the media is, what would the visit accomplish in material terms? Will the US and India become allies? Again, there is scepticism shown by observers. Noted journalist Barkha Dutt dismisses this possibility in an article in the Washington Post, titled “Sorry, Friends Yes, But Not an Ally”. I disagree with her prognosis. America and India may be fumbling a bit in becoming formal allies just yet. But the geo-political situation will nudge both the countries into a formal alliance. Ironically, China is the catalyst that will foster this relationship.
In fact, there has been greater reluctance on India’s part and inconsistency shown by Americans as I have repeatedly said in this column. Both leaderships will do well to remember the axiomatic advice proffered by Carol Elizabeth Mosley Braun, a former US Senator and diplomat, “In politics, there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, just permanent interests”. India will have to shed the sentiments about the history of relationship with USSR/Russia and America will have to stop its touch-and-go contacts with China and Pakistan.
Thankfully, there was evidence of a new mood and strategic shift in this visit. Sample the words and note the warmth in the speeches of both the leaders in South Lawn of the White House. Some may say they are diplomatic platitudes. But not really! Again, for the first time, Indian Americans in a sizeable number were allowed entry into coveted premises of the White House, who of course made a funny spectacle of chanting Modi-Modi during his speech. Immigrants and NRIs display an irrational degree of emotions for their home country. That said, let us also study the critical agreements made during this visit. Thus, both utterances and actions associated with the visit inevitably will lead to the consolidation of the relationship.
Biden in his welcome remarks said three things which will have a bearing on the evolving relationship. He said that India-American bilateralism “will be a defining relationship of 21st century and will impact world politics”. Second, he said that three beginning words in our respective constitutions, which are, “We the people” inextricably bind us together. He added that it is 15 years since the US has accorded a state visit to the Republic of India. Third, he underlined that the world is at an inflection point where multiple challenges are staring at us, mainly Russia’s unprovoked war in Ukraine. It is time two big democracies, two powerful countries, stand together. The reference to the war in the presence of Modi indicates that America will push the envelope on the Ukrainian war and try to nudge India into their side sooner than later.
In his reply, Modi was equally effusive about America’s overture and hospitality. He said “I cannot thank Biden and the first lady enough for inviting me to address the US Congress for the second time.” He added, post-Covid, the world is taking a new shape. In the new scenario, India and American relationship which is becoming determined and strongly strategic will contribute to global good, peace, stability and prosperity. He brought in his usual Indian traditional Vedic saying, Sarvajana Hitaya, Sarvajana Sukhaya (well-being to all and happiness to all) as the motto of India’s world policy. Modi underscored the weight of Indian demography as he said, “I bring the aspirations and goodwill of 1.4 billion people in India and 4 million plus Indian Diaspora in America.”
India and the US on 22nd June, declared a number of agreements on defence cooperation, critical emerging technology, health, environment, issuance of visas and space: the last one could pave the way for an unprecedented transfer of Jet Indian technology to India. The General Electric and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited announced the signing of a MoU to jointly produce GE 414 jet engines in India for the Tejas Mk2 light combat aircraft. The Defence Ministries of the two countries also launched the inaugural session of an innovation platform – INDUS-X in Washington DC on 21 June hosted by the US-India Business Council. That will foster defence industrial collaboration.
All these agreements were characterised by Biden as “next generation partnership”. He added, “The decisions we make today are going to determine our future for decades to come”. Some critics point out that Modi did not get much in strategic terms as Chinese aggression against India and occupation of its land in Ladakh was not mentioned. Admittedly, both countries are treading cautiously but surely on China which is the common denominator in the relationship. So, all in all, this visit has taken the next big step in India-America relationship. —INFA
(The writers is Secretary General, Assn for Democratic Socialism)