Emphatic Obama’s visit to India

After the three days of bonhomie between the leaders of two great democracies the World is astounded by their incredible chemistry. Besides the similarities which have drawn both nations quite close- be it the unstinted belief in democracy or the binding life line of unity in diversity, a new air of optimism and positivity has dawn over the two nations.

India was traditionally perceived to be a close friend of Russia. Impressed by its steady progress and social structure India has imbibed the guiding philosophy of socialism and owned the concepts of commendable five year plans of Russia that formed the back bone of our economic policies. After Modi assumed power, these two concepts began to bite dust with his rousing call to the World of Make in India. He drubbed the planning commission and replaced it with Neeti Aayog and showcased to World his serious intent to reframe and revitalise India. While the results of the new changes are yet to yield results, it surely have caught the attention of mighty US. The UPA government under Man Mohan Singh has eventually sculpted a new path of friendship with the US. But he couldn’t carry the relationship further as the civil nuclear bill throttled by liability clause failed to evince US’s interest in India.

Diplomatic Card

Trumping all predictions of critics who believed that rightist Modi would thwart India’s friendly ties with the US, Modi galvanized the powerful nation with his infectious dynamism and proactive engagement. Against the popular belief of begrudging the US for denying his Visa twice, Modi displayed exemplary character and won the accolades of the President and Indian Diaspora as well during his US trip. Back in India, Modi’s US trip was sharply criticised as being high on euphoria and low on substance by the opposition who were forced to retract their words when President Obama surprised everyone by accepting the invitation to preside over Republic Day celebrations. This major diplomatic stratagem startled political pundits who underestimated the foreign policy acumen of Modi.

The culmination of personal connects between Modi and Obama extended beyond the discussions of economic, strategic and diplomatic polity of the two countries. Personal reflections and musings generously offered by stalwart leaders in the joint Mann Ki Baat echoed their cordiality. Conventionally politics and high offices have been the domain of the rich and well connected families. But defying this existing cult of dynastic rise in politics, both these leaders from humble backgrounds christened new chapters in these respective countries. They have been through phases and periods of scorn, deprivation and discrimination. Against all odds they captivated electorate by reinvigorating a horizon of new hope and aspiration. Subsequently, they spruced up their respective democracies by rising to the highest offices by the dint of the unparalleled people’s support. Thus, a grandson of a cook and a tea seller steered into upper echelons of power. Indeed the inherent qualities of conviction to serve people, exuberant dynamism and the struggle endured by the two electrifying personalities might have been the invincible magic that catalysed the association. Besides mutual admiration, sympathetic understanding, fighting for larger global causes and above all the compelling need to stall the overtures of the Asian giant has brought both nations much closer.

Treaties/ Agreements

It is worth reckoning that beyond the warmth and extraordinary hospitality Obama’s trip was high on business. In a major leap towards assertive future cooperation the limbo on the civil nuclear deal was overcome endowing India with self reliance in power generation. With flow of $4 billion funds from US, India can substantially fund several developmental initiatives. Major agreements were reached on bilateral investment treaty wherein renewed defence framework with co-production and co-development can boost the concept Make in India. Both leaders prioritised their commitment towards climate change and cooperation for tracking terror. By inking agreements on clean energy, the US promised transfer of technology and know-how for extensive solar generation.

Economic and Strategic Cooperation

Against its earlier stance towards, US made a major U-turn augured by Modi’s commitment to transform India through a slew of efficacious business easing measures. Barring US all other major economies have slowed down across the world and it is looking forward to India. India after a period of economic dud is trying to rebound. With exhaustion of cheap labour the intangible asset of China, US wants to diversify its business. India with its three D’s (Democracy, Dividend and Demand) seems to be a lucrative market.

Under Modi, India is trying to shed its image of a meek and inhibited partner. The joint China-centric strategic vision to rein on the muscular dragon has strengthened the cordial relations between the nations which are contemplating on an extensive strategic cooperation. During the Indo-US joint statement, Modi indicated about trilateral dialogue with Japan and also reinforced his interest in forging relations with Asia-Pacific partners. The US putting a full stop to its jarring silence for the absence of India in the largest trading group of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum) reiterated its support for full membership to India. In short the paradigm shift in US’s policy is cornered around the realisation that India can be a major player in rebalance of Asia. Also, the three million strong Indian Diaspora in the US largely restructured US’s calculus towards India.

 Meanwhile, Obama made brilliant efforts at the Siri Fort Auditorium to cast an impregnable mark on Indian soil similar to Modi’s Madison Square Garden act. While the Modi-Obama romance has been feted, India needs to exercise caution and be wary of the largest economic power. Unlike other allies of the US who side with US on international platforms India must be wary of extending similar support to US on all issues at the UN. Undoubtedly, the economic ties with the US provide the needed impetus to Indian economy but India can ill afford to delineate its historical friendly ties with Russia.

 

 

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