The U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is visiting India this week.
What is the tone of the summit?
The Secretary of State highlighted the growing mutual strategic priorities between the two big democracies.
He also notably criticised China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific and the “Belt and Road Initiative” - BRI.
Areas of convergences like connectivity, trade & economics and counter-terrorism cooperation is expected to be the focus.
While sentiments look positive for India, it would be wise to wait for a clear policy from the US before celebrating.
What are India’s main concerns?
Trump has been very ambiguous in his foreign policy thus far.
The contradiction is particularly significant for India, as Trump’s South Aisa doctrine is particularly very unclear.
Pakistan - Despite severely censoring Pakistan for supporting terrorism, U.S. rejoined the Pakistani-led Quadrilateral Coordination Group along with Afghanistan and China.
Also, Washington has not condemned the Pakistan government’s decision to drop terrorism charges against LeT Chief Hafiz Saeed.
Iran - U.S. is expected to increase sanctions on Iran, as it has recently blamed it for supporting terrorism.
This might make trading with Iran very hard due to various constrains like banking.
Lack of trade may hence reduce Iran’s interest in Chabahar port, thereby impacting India’s connectivity plans for Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Also, India would be under pressure to reduce oil imports from Iran and give up future investment plans in Iran.
What else does the trip hold?
Delhi will host Afghan President Ashraf Ghani on the same day that Mr. Tillerson arrives which would be perceived as trilateral.
As Mr. Tillerson will travel to Delhi from Islamabad, he will also carry the Pakistan perspective - which calls for more caution.
In the absence of a clearer path for the US, India should stay vigilant from being drawn into the larger strategic designs.
