The pressing question is whether India and the United States can collaborate effectively to curb China's manufacturing dominance and promote a more balanced global economy.
By K S Tomar
Rahul Gandhi's recent three-day tour of the United States has sent ripples through India's political landscape, causing unease within the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In candid discussions at the University of Texas, Georgetown University, and with members of the Indian diaspora, Gandhi delivered pointed critiques of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). His assertive predictions about the success of the INDIA alliance in the upcoming 2024 general elections underscored his role as Leader of the Opposition and his determination to challenge the incumbent government.
Addressing China's economic ascendancy
One of the most notable aspects of Gandhi's US trip was his critique of India's — and the West's — strategic oversight in allowing China to dominate global manufacturing and supply chains. He warned that excessive reliance on China has enabled it to become an imposing global power, advocating for a revaluation of trade policies to reduce dependence on the authoritarian regime.
This perspective aligns with a growing international consensus that unchecked Chinese economic dominance poses risks, not only to global supply chains but also to geopolitical stability. Gandhi's call for India and its allies to develop strategic alternatives was a key takeaway from his visit, signaling his intent to position India as a leader in fostering economic diversification on the global stage.
Reconnecting with the Indian-American diaspora
A primary objective of Gandhi's US tour was to engage with the influential Indian-American community — a demographic wielding significant social and political influence. Historically aligned with the BJP, this group became the focal point of Gandhi's efforts to re-establish the Congress party's relevance abroad. Through passionate appeals advocating democratic values, human rights, and pluralism, he aimed to resonate with those disenchanted by India's current political direction under Modi's leadership.
For India, maintaining robust ties with its diaspora is crucial, as these communities play a pivotal role in shaping bilateral relations between India and the United States. Gandhi's emphasis on pluralism and democratic ideals —values that strongly resonate within American political culture — has the potential to recalibrate the influence of India's political parties among overseas Indians.
Championing democracy and human rights
Central to Gandhi's speeches was a clarion call to safeguard democracy, human rights, and pluralism—principles he believes are under threat from the current administration. His narrative aligns with global concerns about democratic backsliding, a topic that holds significant weight in the United States, where the promotion of democratic ideals is a cornerstone of foreign policy.
By positioning the Congress party as the guardian of India's democratic legacy, Gandhi presented it as a credible alternative to the BJP in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. This strategic messaging, targeting both domestic and international audiences, could prove pivotal in reshaping perceptions of India's governance on the world stage.
The geopolitical significance of Gandhi's visit
Gandhi's visit coincided with a period of strengthening India-US relations, particularly in the defense and economic spheres. He utilized this platform to articulate his vision for India's role in global affairs, addressing pressing issues such as climate change and international cooperation. By doing so, Gandhi sought to portray himself as a leader capable of navigating the complexities of global diplomacy and economic challenges.
Congress leaders expressed satisfaction with Gandhi's performance, dismissing the BJP's attempts to portray his remarks on Sikhism as divisive. They contended that the BJP has a history of misconstruing Gandhi's statements, emphasizing that his comments were part of a broader critique of religious intolerance. For the Congress party, the US tour marked a significant step in solidifying Gandhi's image as a global statesman poised to lead India toward greater international collaboration.
The Sikh controversy and the BJP's response
Despite skilfully navigating sensitive topics during his visit, Gandhi's remarks on religious freedom ignited a fierce response from the BJP. Speaking to Indian expatriates in Herndon, Virginia, on September 9, he expressed concerns over the perceived erosion of personal freedoms in India. Gandhi questioned whether citizens could continue to freely practice their faith, choose their attire and diet, and resist the imposition of a singular cultural identity.
The BJP swiftly criticized Gandhi, accusing him of hypocrisy and referencing the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that occurred under Congress rule, which resulted in the tragic loss of over 3,000 lives. The ruling party framed his comments as selective indignation, pointing to the Congress party's controversial history regarding the protection of religious minorities.
Advocating for marginalized communities
Domestically, Gandhi highlighted the underrepresentation of marginalized communities within India's governmental structures. He noted that approximately 90 per cent of the population — comprising Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Scheduled Tribes (STs)—remains significantly underrepresented in senior bureaucratic positions. In contrast, upper castes continue to dominate key decision-making roles, an issue Gandhi has consistently addressed throughout his political career.
His remarks served as a direct appeal to these communities ahead of the 2024 elections, emphasizing the Congress party's commitment to inclusivity and equitable representation. Predictably, the BJP responded by accusing Gandhi of defaming India abroad and misrepresenting the government's efforts to uplift marginalized groups through reservation policies and social welfare programs.
PM Modi's upcoming US visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States on September 22, where he will address the Indian diaspora at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in New York. The event, themed "Modi and US Progress Together", is expected to attract over 24,000 attendees and will likely serve as a platform for Modi to indirectly counter Gandhi's narrative. While Modi is not expected to mention Gandhi by name, his speech will almost certainly aim to address the critiques raised during Gandhi's visit.
Unlike Gandhi's interactive sessions, Modi's event is anticipated to be a monologue focusing on his vision for US-India relations. The high-profile gathering is designed to reinforce Modi's image as a global leader and statesman.
India's future on the global stage
Gandhi's US visit represents a significant chapter in his political journey, as he seeks to redefine both his image and that of his party on an international platform. As India assumes a more central role in global geopolitics, its leaders — including Gandhi and Modi — will be evaluated not only on domestic policies but also on their international outlook and diplomatic acumen.
For India, the challenge lies in balancing democratic values with economic pragmatism amid the intensifying US-China rivalry. The pressing question is whether India and the United States can collaborate effectively to curb China's manufacturing dominance and promote a more balanced global economy.
Gandhi's visit has laid the groundwork for this vision, but the ultimate test will be how India's leaders navigate the shifting dynamics of the global order in the coming years.
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(The writer is a strategic affairs columnist and political analyst based in Shimla.)
