PM in America- Challenges and Opportunities

In September 2014 Narendra Modi was on his first visit to the USA. This visit was special and remarkable in the Indian context in more than one ways. While the prime objective was to address to the United Nations General Assembly, the high point of his visit was his speech at the Madison Square Garden in New York where he addressed a 15000 plus audience, most of whom were NRI’s eager to listen to their Prime Minister. These people, having left their nation for professions and families, were glad to see the leader of their native land and welcomed him with open arms. Modi surely must be having many sweet memories from each of his past USA trips etched in his mind. 

As he sets his foot at the Washington Airport for his much talked about three day visit to the United States of America, several critical issues and agendas would certainly be playing in the PM’s mind. India has shared an interesting and vital strategic relationship with the US. This will be his 5th US Visit in about three years, so the level of acquaintance with the situations in the US and his personal comfort level in negotiating with the concerned authorities over there would certainly be higher.

Each of his previous visits has been crucial and instrumental in strongly putting forward Indian interests at the international level. Modi is pretty well aware of the long term implications this visit might have, not only in the global context but also possibly for accentuating his political and diplomatic credentials here in India. However, this time around the tables have turned in the White House, and turned quite prominently to say the least.  While during all his past explorations to the west, Modi had to deal with the conscientious and composed Barack Obama, this time the capricious Donald Trump awaits him.

While Modi has proved his mettle as an intelligent diplomat all across the globe, his approach to the post-transition USA will possibly be the biggest scrutiny of his Foreign Policy. It is well known that Modi shared an excellent personal rapport with Obama, much of which can obviously be attributed to the friendly nature of the two. But, Trump as it has been clearly seen till now, is perhaps an entirely different personality and is quite fickle and inconsistent as compared to his predecessor. Trump is known for throwing unexpected surprises to his foreign counterparts in such summits, and it would be critical how our Prime Minister deals with any such possible diplomatic uncertainty.  

India’s significance and position in the eyes of the American government would also be something important to analyze for Modi. Obama and his administration gave a decent amount of consideration to India’s interests, or at least tried to ensure a positive projection of friendly Indo-US relations. However, Trump has perhaps been skeptical about India’s growing influence in the Asia Pacific Region. His changing stands on relations with China provide a testimony to the challenges that await Indian policy makers on the Indo-US relation front, and Modi would be well aware of this. Another problematic issue that might cause a disruption in the smooth talks is the Paris Accord. While backing out earlier this month, Trump had targeted India and had accused it of making profits out of the agreement. Climate change has certainly been a topic to ponder for countries and finding a reasonable solution to it is something that both India and USA would be looking forward to.

While the challenges are many, Modi’s visit undoubtedly brings along with it numerous opportunities. Terrorism is undoubtedly the biggest threat that humanity faces today and it has been at the fore of all discussions between the two countries in the recent past. Modi would be looking to seek America’s support to tackle terrorism, which would essentially mean a stern dealing with Pakistan on political and economic fronts. Also on agenda would be defense cooperation with the US and discussions regarding clarity on the civil nuclear deal.

Trump’s unrelenting nationalism has prompted him to take strong steps on foreign visas, which have not gone down well with Indians settled in the US, and even with those who are planning to do so. The Trump administration has tightened the H1B Visa rules, which would adversely affect the job scenario for Indians in America. It is hoped that Modi expresses India’s concern on the issue. A key aspect of most of Modi’s foreign visits has been attracting foreign investment by projecting India as a fertile economic zone and a profitable trade destination. Modi is scheduled to meet top level executives of global business giants such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Apple and Deloitte in meeting at Washington. The aim would be to promote ‘Brand India’ at the global stage and Modi is certainly expected to garner excellent results, considering the fact that a large number of these executives are actually Indians.

Today the world looks onto India as a vehicle for promoting overall growth and prosperity, with sustainability and inclusiveness as the underlying principles. All eyes are on this visit, as Indo-US relations not only affect the two countries but also have their strong impressions at the world level. Both the countries realize each other’s importance and a sense of mutual trust and cooperation between them would go a long way in powerfully combating the issues and perils that our world faces today and further in bringing global peace and progress.

Let us see how the world’s largest democracy and the world’s oldest democracy take up this challenge…….