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Round The World
New Delhi, 24 June 2023
Modi in America
BREAKING NEW GROUNDS!
By Dr D.K. Giri
(Secretary General, Assn for
Democratic Socialism)
The much-awaited state visit of Prime Minister Modi to the
United States has happened. Not only in India, across the world, perhaps for
the first time, the 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 an observer is 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 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 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, an 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 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 Indian 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,
that there are no permanent friends or permanent enemies, jut 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 since 15 years that US is according 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 presence of Modi indicates that
America will push the envelope on Ukrainian war and try to nudge India into
their side sooner than later.
In his reply, Modi was equally effusive about American’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, 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 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 the 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
(Copyright, India News & Feature
Alliance)
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