U.S.-India Ties on Threshold of Big Leap Forward

Donald J. Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi walk together on the lawn of Hyderabad House in New Delhi. / Official White House Photo

On Monday, January 20, the eyes of the world will turn to the far eastern end of the National Mall in Washington DC and gaze with great interest upon the 232-year-old neoclassical-style structure bordered by Constitution Avenue to the north and Independence Avenue to the south.  

The "People's House," known more commonly as the U.S. Capitol Building, will play host to this year's inauguration, as it has for every presidential inauguration since 1945.  And when President Trump places his left hand on the King James Bible, possibly the one belonging to Abraham Lincoln as he did in 2017, and swears to "…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies," it will, among other things, mark a significant (and mutually beneficial) step towards a greater socio-economic partnership with India.

Bilateral values

As the new presidential administration takes office, the future of U.S.-India relations appears poised for a significant leap forward.  This burgeoning partnership, anchored by shared democratic values, economic synergies, and strategic interests, holds immense promise for both nations, strengthening bilateral ties and fostering stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

One of the key pillars of U.S.-India relations has always been their shared commitment to democracy.  As two of the world's largest democracies, the United States and India have long championed freedom, pluralism, and the rule of law.  The new administration's emphasis on reinvigorating alliances and partnerships with democracies worldwide surely aligns seamlessly with India's aspirations for a rules-based international order.

The Trump administration has been adamant in its commitment to hosting and participating in democratic forums, such as the Summit for Democracy, which will provide a platform for the United States and India to collaborate on global challenges like authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights abuses.  By aligning their diplomatic efforts, the two great countries can strengthen the global democratic fabric while setting an example for other nations.

Economic boost

Of course, the relationship also has a significant economic component as the new administration's focus on fostering fair trade, promoting clean energy, and revitalizing supply chains offers a fertile ground for deeper economic engagement with India.  India's fast-growing economy, the world's fifth-largest by nominal GDP, and its position as a hub for technology and innovation present vast opportunities for U.S. businesses. 

American investments in renewable energy and healthcare sectors can drive India's dedication to sustainable growth.  Trump's policies, which encourage the diversification of global supply chains, will also align with India's vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub, thereby reducing dependence on any single country and opening up avenues for expansion.

Additionally, the renewed push for comprehensive trade agreements could address long-lingering issues like market access, intellectual property rights, and tariffs, ultimately paving the way for a more robust economic partnership.

Threat concerns

The Indo-Pacific region should (and has) emerged as a focal point of U.S.-India strategic convergence.  Both nations share concerns about maintaining a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific amid rising challenges, including maritime security threats and economic coercion.  Trump's strategic commitment to strengthening the Quad, a socio-economic partnership, underscores the administration's recognition of India's pivotal role in the region. 

Collaborative efforts, such as joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure development, will enhance regional stability and counterbalance any destabilizing influences that may materialize over time.

Moreover, the administration's focus on countering cyber threats and securing critical technologies, including but not limited to its legal push to ban the uber-popular Chinese-owned social media platform TikTok, aligns with India's own cybersecurity priorities.  Strengthened defense cooperation, mainly through the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), will further solidify the partnership.

Globalized approach

As the world shifts to a smaller and more global community, the international landscape is increasingly characterized by complex challenges that demand multilateral solutions.  The new administration's emphasis on international cooperation resonates with India's approach to global governance.  Although the Covid era will not go down in history as a period most people will fondly recall, what it surely did do was underscore the importance of collaboration in vaccine production and distribution.  India's role as the "pharmacy of the world" and the United States' technological and financial resources make them natural partners in strengthening global health security.

Diaspora angle

The most enduring aspect of U.S.-India relations is the deep connection between the people.  The Indian diaspora in the United States, now over 4M strong, plays a vital role in fostering cultural, economic, and political ties.  Indian-Americans have excelled in diverse fields, from technology and medicine to public service, exemplifying the best of both nations.  By facilitating educational exchanges, work opportunities, and community partnerships, the United States and India can cultivate a new generation of leaders committed to the bilateral relationship, something that the President-Elect has emphasized in his campaign messaging.

Finally, and perhaps most historically, once Vice President-Elect JD Vance is sworn in, his wife, Usha Vance, will become the first Indian-origin Second Lady in United States history.  Speaking from the firsthand experience I have had with Vice President Vance, he is a dedicated family man, a relatable communicator, and incredibly proud of the cultural significance his wife will bring to the White House.

So, as we welcome the 47th President of the United States, let's also welcome the opportunity to take our relationship with India to unprecedented heights.  This partnership can serve as a beacon of hope for future administrative transitions, demonstrating how nations with shared values and complementary strengths can tackle the challenges of the 21st century.  The road ahead is filled with opportunities, and the time to seize them is now.

 

The author is the CEO of the Dallas-based conglomerate Nextt, chair of the Texas Economic Development Corporation, co-chair of the Indian American CEO Council and president of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board and former chair of the Indian American leadership council for Trump 47.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of New India Abroad.)