India’s tryst with United States

For someone who has grown up hearing slogans like ‘Destroy American imperialism’ and seen burning of American flag and an attack on American consulate in his city, the recent rendezvous in Indo-American relationship is a pleasant surprise. For years, we have been ruled by pro-left political parties whose leaders send their children to United States for studies and Green Cards but shout slogans against America for their political gains. While India always stated that we are ‘non-aligned’, we were actually aligned towards the USSR and China. The Russian press dominated Indian media for years and the so-called loopholes of a capitalist economy were projected with a magnifying glass. We have even seen political parties withdrawing support from Central Government on account of India-US civil nuclear deal! However, educated Indians kept migrating to the US for a better life and only a few came back. Given this background, ‘overcoming the hesitations of history’ and migrating from ‘natural allies’ to ‘truly aligned with the United States’ has been a very difficult and tedious journey over the last 70 years.

 It all started with Narasimha Rao and his pro-market economic vision. It took 44 years after independence for India to realize that US is not untouchable. It took years to realize that if India has to develop, investments need to come from US. In a world torn by poverty and conflicts, India’s friendship with US is bound to usher in prosperity for the mankind because after all, 1 out of 6 persons in this world is an Indian. In fact, India and the US are truly natural allies – both follow a democratic governance process, are diverse in terms of ethnicity, culture and language and are fighting the menace of terrorism on a daily basis. Rule of law prevails in both nations and Courts uphold the Constitutions in both countries.

 Mr. Modi is demonstrating supreme maturity in harnessing the relationship with United States - the most powerful country on earth. Every relationship (whether person or political) requires time and trust. Despite US denying visa to Mr. Modi for several years for his alleged role in the Gujarat riot (an allegation that Indian Courts have rejected after a prolonged trial), since he has become Prime Minister, Mr. Modi has never carried the baggage of the past and approached Indo-US relationship with an open mind. He has been able to develop a good rapport with President Obama and this has augured well for both nations. US need a strong ally in Asia and India needs US for investment and technology. An large economy growing at seven and half percentage can be the perfect partner for the US. The American people will elect a new President soon but whether it is Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, I strongly believe that India’s relationship with US will only grow from here and we will collaborate in many new areas in future for the betterment of the human race.