The United States and India seemed to be heading into a deepened relationship. This past summer, President Biden invited Prime Minister Modi to the White House and allowed him to address Congress. India was also the host of the latest G20 summit, giving the country the ability to show off its culture and even flex its muscles. The United States has noticed India’s growth for decades. In the 80’s and 90’s the United States focused on becoming a strong ally of India. Unfortunately, 9/11 shifted America’s focus, and India did the same. Since Modi has taken power, the United States and India have reengaged in relations to combat Chinese aggression.
Even more recently, the United States and India are continuing to strengthen ties like never seen before. In the summer of 2022, the White House and India released a joint statement covering 58 points that saw bilateral cooperation on various issues. The issues included technology, supply chains, defense, clean energy, and global growth. Both countries are focused on development, security in the Pacific, and growing their economies. The United States and India in 2022 traded over $191 billion, doubling growth since 2014.
Photo Credits: U.S. Secretary of Defense
It is clearly no coincidence that the United States is looking towards India as a key strategic ally. Together, they create a balance against China, tipped in their favor. With a growing economy and natural resources, the United States has an opportunity to invest in an emerging market, with an incredibly large labor force. Both countries are also the largest democracies, so a partnership just makes sense.
But the United States needs to be smart. Yes India is a great partner, and of course, Modi wants the United States on his side, but Modi has a clear policy to look at India’s self-interests first. There are many different cases that prove this notion. First, was when India abstained in the General Assembly resolution to condemn Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. India’s purely selfish reasons were to continue receiving cheap Russian crude. India is also a large part of BRICS because they see economic opportunity with the new block. India also has large ties with the West and the United States.
So what does this mean? Selfish of course is not bad. India has the sovereign right to act in any manner, as long as it’s within international law. The problem lies with the United States. Washington champions itself as a human rights activist. Yet, the United States has clearly failed to address the questionable treatment of Muslims within India. The United States also has a clear objective of retaining the liberal world order, whereas India shares a common understanding with China to create a new one.
These discrepancies can potentially fracture the relationship. Washington has so far made it clear that they value India’s strategic partnership over potential human rights violations and questionable allegiances. In the future, when Washington runs into these issues, which they will, ties between the two will change drastically. The Biden Administration is treading that fine line. I fully believe that this strategy is correct. India can change drastically in the future and there is no reason to fracture a growing relationship. But, the future may be questionable, and Washington must be cautious moving forward.
Author: Joshua Cheatham
