Estranged Democracies to Engaged Partners: US-India Strategic Relations in the 21st Century
By Rudra Chaudhuri
6 Jul 2007
Today, the Bush administration is doing what some in the American Congress view as a blatant betrayal of America’s historic commitment to non-proliferation. Many have branded the American administration of playing a game of double standards. The Bush Administration is accused of threatening Iran with sanctions and the use of force unless it suspends its nuclear enrichment activities; while at the same time, offering India an exception to US non-proliferation laws, that is historically unprecedented.
The ruling party in the current Indian coalition, the Indian National Congress, seems to view this “deal” as part of the broader strategic relationship between two equal partners. Some view the deal as a key strategic move designed to hedge India against China’s bourgeoning economy and military prowess. The future of US-India relations can be characterised in terms of ‘engaged partners.’ While the estrangement thesis is certainly not dead, it no longer dominates the overarching strategic discourse between the two states. Common interests, and a fundamental appreciation of each others strategic goals will pave the way for future collaboration on key issues, but only if the issues debated are in consonance with India’s immediate strategic interests.
6 Jul 2007
Today, the Bush administration is doing what some in the American Congress view as a blatant betrayal of America’s historic commitment to non-proliferation. Many have branded the American administration of playing a game of double standards. The Bush Administration is accused of threatening Iran with sanctions and the use of force unless it suspends its nuclear enrichment activities; while at the same time, offering India an exception to US non-proliferation laws, that is historically unprecedented.
The ruling party in the current Indian coalition, the Indian National Congress, seems to view this “deal” as part of the broader strategic relationship between two equal partners. Some view the deal as a key strategic move designed to hedge India against China’s bourgeoning economy and military prowess. The future of US-India relations can be characterised in terms of ‘engaged partners.’ While the estrangement thesis is certainly not dead, it no longer dominates the overarching strategic discourse between the two states. Common interests, and a fundamental appreciation of each others strategic goals will pave the way for future collaboration on key issues, but only if the issues debated are in consonance with India’s immediate strategic interests.
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