(L-R) Gopal Srinivasan, Richard Verma, Karan Bilimoria, Harsh Shringla / Indiaspora

The India-US relationship has become more strategic and focused on trade and security, marking a shift from its earlier broad-based approach, said Richard Verma, former Deputy US Secretary of State for Management and Resources. 

Speaking at a panel discussion “The Global View of India” at the Indiaspora Forum for Good (IFG) in Abu Dhabi, Verma highlighted the evolving nature of India-US ties, stating “We have a very strong relationship. We have a very positive relationship. But I think it's decidedly different.” 

He highlighted that key areas such as healthcare and sustainable development, which President Clinton had said formed an integral part of bilateral collaboration, are now absent from the agenda.

“If you look at the joint statement between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, for the first time, it talks about shared interests, not shared values,” he said.

“For the first time, there is no mention of collaboration on health. There's no mention of sustainable development goals. There's no mention of climate or clean energy or solar or wind or battery storage. There is a focus on two of those four pillars that President Clinton talked about, trade and security.”

According to Verma, this transformation signifies a narrower yet more focused relationship between the two nations. “So we are entering, I think, a much narrower relationship, a much more focused relationship. It doesn't mean it's bad or good, but I will say for this room in particular, it puts enormous, enormous burdens on all of you.”

He stressed that India and the US had previously worked not just for each other’s benefit but for the world at large. “It was Prime Minister Modi who said, the real value of the U.S.-India relationship is not what we do for each other. It's what we do for the world. I think that part has ended. It's up to you to fill that void.”

Global Leadership and Diplomacy

India’s expanding diplomatic influence was a key theme at the forum. Former Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla highlighted India’s leadership in promoting human-centric globalization post-G20 and its diplomatic role in global peace efforts.

“Prime Minister Modi said that this was the first time the G20 was convening on something that is not financial, economic, but humanitarian in nature. And he called for, and I'm quoting him, a human-centric globalization.”

Shringla also emphasized India’s balanced stance in international conflicts. “I think Prime Minister Modi had already made it very clear that we believe that this is not an era of war, that we are on the side of peace. We are not on any side in the conflict.”

Economic Rise and Global Standing

Karan Bilimoria, a member of the UK House of Lords, underscored how India’s rise as the world's fifth-largest economy is not just a matter of numbers but a reflection of its growing diplomatic and economic power. 

Bilimoria emphasized that India’s success is not merely about economic size but about the strength of its partnerships. He cited India's deep and respectful relationships with countries like the UAE and the UK, despite their smaller populations. “The UAE makes up less than 1 percent of India's population, and yet is seen as a respected partner of India. The UK is less than 5 percent  of the population of India, and yet we can still be equal partners in terms of mutual respect and capabilities.”

This reflects a broader shift in global power dynamics, where India is seen not just as an emerging economic giant but as a trusted partner in international collaborations.

Indians, India, and Indianness: A Cultural and Strategic Strength

Gopal Srinivasan, chairman of TVS Capital, argued that India’s true global influence lies not just in its economy or its diaspora but in the concept of "Indianness"—a cultural and philosophical identity that has global resonance. “India, Indians, Indian-ness are three different things, all interrelated. Everybody wants to have a relationship with India.”

He elaborated on India's economic potential, predicting that in a decade, Indian households will reach a per capita income of $20,000, making India one of the world's largest consumer markets. However, he stressed that India's real strength lies in its people.

Srinivasan challenged the common narrative of celebrating individual Indian success stories abroad, arguing that Indian talent is now a natural part of the global workforce.

He pointed to Prime Minister Modi’s emphasis on Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam—the idea of the world as one family—at the G20, arguing that this philosophy can be India’s greatest export to the world. “I think that's just the beginning. The Indianness is something that we can actually offer more to not only within India, but to the world.”