India Between America and Russia: Need to Tilt Towards U.S.

16 Jan, 2001    ·   449

Satish Kumar hopes that the new grammar of bilateral relations evolved between the “natural allies” during Clinton’s regime would expand further under the relations
Satish Kumar
Indian foreign policy makers are trying to establish a delicate balance between Russia and America . The two different poles of the Cold War are coming closer to India and desiring a strategic partnership with it. One is a traditional ally and the other is a natural ally. India has three options. One, go with the traditional friend who has always stood by India . Second, India can deepen its friendship with the U.S. The third option is to maintain a certain distance from both and select between them depending on needs and opportunities.

 

 

It will be wise to blend the second and third options. Realists argue that a state should pursue its national interest, since there are no permanent friends or foes in international politics. In the last few years India has become important to Russia and the U.S. President Clinton and Putin have both praised India ’s democratic system. The strength of the economy in general, and the information technology sector in particular, have changed the Indian image.

 

 

This is a good for India to reformulate its foreign policy and use its cooperative relationship with the US whilst giving to Russia . But if choice becomes inevitable, then India must favour the U.S. Let us take a look at the limitations of Indo-Russian relations.

 

 

In the beginning of the 1950s, America tried to contain China . It did not transfer sensitive military technologies to China , so China turned to Russia . When the Russian military-industrial complex was going though its worst phase, China was able to lure hundreds of indigents Russian scientists and obtain the latest military technologies. In fact, military cooperation between Russia and China has always been a matter of concern to India . Both are working on a number of military projects-like an anti-missile defence system to face the American threat to dilute the 1972 ABM Treaty and deploy a theatre missile system in East Asia to protect Japan , South Korea and Taiwan . 

 

 

At this juncture Indo-US relations could be made more productive. It could be categorised into economic, political and strategic dimensions. Economically, India ’s reforms with the U.S. as it offers a huge market for US exports and investment. Clinton categorically said that “globalization does not favour nations with a licensing raj, it does favour nations with a panchayat raj. And the world has been beating a path to your door,” during his visit to India .

 

 

On numerous political issues, the antagonistic attitudes of both countries have subsided and a new understanding has been created based on a convergence of interests in both countries. Clinton said, while delivering his speech in the Indian Parliament, “I have certainly not come to south Asia to mediate the dispute over Kashmir . Only India and Pakistan can work out the problems between them.”

 

 

On the CTBT and terrorism, there is the possibility of an agreement between the US and India . The American stand on CTBT has become flexible. Clinton pointed out that only India can determine if it will benefit from expanding its nuclear and missile capabilities. Recently, America has criticised the threat of a suicidal attack by Pakistan based terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Toiba on the India Prime Minister’s residence. The U.S. cautioned Pakistan that if any untoward incident occurred, Pakistan would be heed responsible. America has been critical of human rights violation in Kashmir by the Indian Army. But recent initiatives by Vajpayee like the cease-fire on Kashmir , and giving passports to the Hurriyat leaders have altered U.S. perceptions.

 

 

India and the United States have common geo-strategic concerns on many issues. First, both countries would like to ensure the security of commercial and naval traffic in the Indian ocean . Secondly, India can only manage to have regional stability in South Asia with the help of the U.S. Thirdly, the outgoing American president has recognised India as a great nation and sought a strategic alliance with India . On the other hand, the newly elected American President Bush has decided to downplay its strategic alliance with China . According to Bush, China was not a “strategic partner,” but a strategic competitor.” The Republicans have decided to broadness their relationship with India . There is a strong lobby in the United States who acknowledge Indian security concerns vis-à-vis China . Fourth, there is also a growing convergence of American national security objectives with those of India in what New Delhi calls its “extended  neighbourhood” –the Persian gulf , Central Asia and South East Asia . Pakistan is no more a linchpin for the U.S. to promote American interests in Islamic countries. 

 

 

It is to be hoped that the new grammar of bilateral relations evolved between the “natural allies” during Clinton ’s regime would expand further under the relations. 

 

 

 

 

 

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