What does the new U.S administration mean for India?
iasparliament
February 07, 2017
Why in news?
The US President on his swearing in ceremony has announced the Capitals of World countries saying from that day onwards, it’s going to be only “America First”.
Since then several world capitals have heard various interpretations of this announcement, resulting in a more uncertain world.
What are the common grounds?
Security - Both the administrations would be interested in the defeat of Radical Islamic Terrorism.
Defence - India is designated a major defence partner by the Obama administration.
Therefore India’s requests for high technology are now considered with a ‘presumption of approval’ as opposed to ‘presumption of denial’.
The Trump administration is also willing favourably look at India’s pending request for Avenger armed drones and carry forward the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in defence.
What are the areas of contentions?
NGO -The continuing crackdown on U.S.-based Christian charities operating in India can create a rift as the evangelical groups have far higher influence in the current White House than in the previous one.
Jobs - Both the governments have promised job creation. Therefore they could be competing in this area because the last decade witnessed a movement of U.S. jobs to India, and of Indian workers to the U.S.
H-1B Visa -The business model of Indian IT is to locate a crucial part of their workforce in the U.S. who support the operation of jobs carried out in India.
But in recent years, these companies have increasingly hired Americans in their local workforce. So a crackdown on H-1B visas will not affect the business model
But the changes in laws that will not allow these companies to relocate the jobs at all will not be welcomed by India.
What should India do?
Though it has been signalled by the new administration that India would be a friend, it is not of top priority right now.
Therefore India must do more to catch the attention of the new administration.
Not much is needed to be done in areas like cyber security, intelligence sharing, space, disease control, maritime surveillance, agriculture, education and climate change.
They should be allowed to continue in the already existing pace.
The new administration might want India to openly partner with US in tackling China.
Recently US reiterated a long pending demand to sign the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) that would enhance joint surveillance of Chinese vessels.
India’s consistent demand that the U.S. bring more pressure on Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups could be met with another demand for Indian troops in Afghanistan.
They may be less understanding about India’s domestic sentiment.
