The relationship between India and the United States has seen its share of ups and downs over the decades. Recently, tensions have escalated, particularly under the Trump administration, leaving many to wonder about the future of this crucial partnership. A ToI piece (by Rudroneel Ghosh) analyses the historical perspective, revealing a complex narrative filled with many peaks and troughs.
In the early days following India's independence, the United States held a favourable view of India. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the US in 1949, where he met President Harry Truman. However, Nehru's decision to adopt a neutral stance in the Cold War and lead the Non-Aligned Movement shifted the dynamics. This decision led to a covert struggle for influence in India between the US and the Soviet Union.
A significant high point in Indo-US relations came during the 1962 India-China border conflict. Nehru reached out to President John F. Kennedy for support, and Kennedy responded by recognising the McMahon Line as the border and providing military assistance. This move greatly enhanced Kennedy's popularity in India.
However, the assassination of Kennedy and subsequent events, such as the 1965 Indo-Pak war and Nixon's support for Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, marked a downturn in relations. India’s response was a strategic partnership with the Soviet Union.
The 1960s also saw a breakthrough in agricultural collaboration that led to India's Green Revolution, making the nation food self-sufficient. Despite this success, geopolitical tensions stifled further technological advancements for years.
The nuclear ambitions of India, particularly under Indira Gandhi’s leadership in 1974, generated friction with the US. In response to India's nuclear tests, the US imposed sanctions and rallied international support to restrict India's nuclear programme. A further setback occurred when Atal Bihari Vajpayee conducted nuclear tests in 1998, resulting in additional sanctions from President Clinton’s administration.
The early 2000s, however, brought a renewed sense of hope. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the US sought new allies and shifted its focus towards India. The pivotal 123 Agreement in 2005 marked a turning point, ending India's nuclear isolation and fostering bipartisan support for India within the American political landscape.
Fast forward to the Trump era, where the relationship has faced significant challenges. Trump's scepticism towards globalisation impacted trade relations, with India finding itself on the receiving end of increasing restrictions. Former officials like Pankaj Saran and Syed Akbaruddin have highlighted that the current situation transcends mere trade disputes; it involves strategic realignment.
Former ambassadors suggest that India's approach to dealing with the Trump administration should be tactical. Rajiv Dogra questioned the reasoning behind Trump's sudden shift in attitude towards India, while KP Fabian emphasised the need to differentiate between the Trump administration and the broader US.
In the early days following India's independence, the United States held a favourable view of India. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the US in 1949, where he met President Harry Truman. However, Nehru's decision to adopt a neutral stance in the Cold War and lead the Non-Aligned Movement shifted the dynamics. This decision led to a covert struggle for influence in India between the US and the Soviet Union.
A significant high point in Indo-US relations came during the 1962 India-China border conflict. Nehru reached out to President John F. Kennedy for support, and Kennedy responded by recognising the McMahon Line as the border and providing military assistance. This move greatly enhanced Kennedy's popularity in India.
However, the assassination of Kennedy and subsequent events, such as the 1965 Indo-Pak war and Nixon's support for Pakistan during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, marked a downturn in relations. India’s response was a strategic partnership with the Soviet Union.
The 1960s also saw a breakthrough in agricultural collaboration that led to India's Green Revolution, making the nation food self-sufficient. Despite this success, geopolitical tensions stifled further technological advancements for years.
The nuclear ambitions of India, particularly under Indira Gandhi’s leadership in 1974, generated friction with the US. In response to India's nuclear tests, the US imposed sanctions and rallied international support to restrict India's nuclear programme. A further setback occurred when Atal Bihari Vajpayee conducted nuclear tests in 1998, resulting in additional sanctions from President Clinton’s administration.
The early 2000s, however, brought a renewed sense of hope. Following the events of September 11, 2001, the US sought new allies and shifted its focus towards India. The pivotal 123 Agreement in 2005 marked a turning point, ending India's nuclear isolation and fostering bipartisan support for India within the American political landscape.
Fast forward to the Trump era, where the relationship has faced significant challenges. Trump's scepticism towards globalisation impacted trade relations, with India finding itself on the receiving end of increasing restrictions. Former officials like Pankaj Saran and Syed Akbaruddin have highlighted that the current situation transcends mere trade disputes; it involves strategic realignment.
Former ambassadors suggest that India's approach to dealing with the Trump administration should be tactical. Rajiv Dogra questioned the reasoning behind Trump's sudden shift in attitude towards India, while KP Fabian emphasised the need to differentiate between the Trump administration and the broader US.
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