‘Modi injected much needed momentum into bilateral relationship.’
By Raif Karerat
WASHINGTON, DC: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Washington, DC, for his third U.S. visit — and second to this city — on March 31st, The American Bazaar asked three India experts to analyze the premier’s overall performance and also whether they have seen any qualitative difference in US-India relations under his government . We asked all the three the same questions.
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Here are the answers from Ronak D. Desai, associate at the Belfer Center’s India and South Asia Program at Harvard University:
How would you rate Prime Minister Modi’s performance so far?
Prime Minister’s Modi’s performance so far is mixed at best. On the economic front, his government has put the country on more secure footing, but key reforms remain unfulfilled. With respect to foreign policy, the former chief minister of Gujarat earns high marks. Through the scores of state visits he has made in a relatively short amount of time, Prime Minister Modi has dramatically increased India’s profile on the world stage. Particular credit should be given to his efforts engaging the Indian Diaspora community around the world. His record on civil liberties and social issues, however, is less encouraging. There is little doubt his government has a long way to go in this realm. Overall, however, India appears to be in better shape now than it was before Mr. Modi became prime minister.
Have you seen any qualitative improvements in the U.S.-India ties since Modi came to power?
Yes. Prime Minister Modi’s landslide victory injected much needed momentum into the bilateral relationship. He conscientiously moved Delhi closer to Washington. The several bilateral summits he and President Obama have enjoyed in less than two years reflect not just the personal chemistry between the two leaders, but the strengthening ties between the two countries. Cooperation between Washington and New Delhi continues to burgeon in almost every imaginable arena. At the same time, however, given the congruence of interests and values underlying U.S.-India relations, bilateral ties will remain robust regardless of who occupies the White House or the Prime Minister’s residence in Delhi.
In your opinion, what are the pressing issues on the bilateral front?
Strategic cooperation, combating extremism, achieving the full potential of the economic partnership, and collaborating on climate change constitute just a few of the most pressing issues on the bilateral front. Like with any substantive relationship, differences will emerge between the United States and India. The two countries still share serious differences with respect to intellectual property rights, trade policy, nuclear liability legislation, and Washington’s ties with Islamabad. That being said, no single one issue is capable of hijacking the relationship or changing its underlying strategic logic. Bilateral relations have proven remarkably durable over the past 15 years and will remain so moving forward.