Through personal rapport and strategic collaboration, leaders of India and the United States have navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
By Vipul Tamhane
The relationship between the United States and India has undergone a profound evolution over the decades, influenced by the unique personalities and policies of their leaders. The relationship between India and the United States has been a dynamic interplay of highs and lows, shaped by historical events, leadership changes, and evolving global contexts. The history also witnessed some quite notably entertaining and quirky moments that brought a lighter touch to diplomacy between the two allies.
In the formative years of the Indo-US relations, Jawaharlal Nehru and Franklin D Roosevelt laid the groundwork for bilateral ties, with Roosevelt recognizing India’s independence aspirations. However, Cold War dynamics complicated their rapport, as Nehru’s non-aligned stance occasionally clashed with US interests. Nehru's visit to the US in 1961 was humorously dubbed the "worst state visit ever" by President John F Kennedy due to a series of diplomatic faux pas.
Yet, Indian diplomatic prowess shone through, allowing the Nehru government to maintain a cordial relationship with the Kennedy administration. During Lal Bahadur Shastri's brief tenure, the 1965 Indo-Pak War strained US-India relations, exacerbated by President Lyndon B Johnson's support for Pakistan. Despite this, Shastri’s leadership resonated with American sentiments. In 1966, newly appointed Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the US, meeting Johnson to discuss industrial development in India.
However, tensions resurfaced during Richard Nixon’s presidency, particularly during the 1971 war that led to Bangladesh’s creation. Nixon’s derogatory remarks about Gandhi strained their relationship. Yet, during her 1982 visit, Gandhi found common ground with President Ronald Reagan, agreeing on cooperation in science and technology, showcasing diplomacy's ability to transcend personal animosities.
In the 1970s, President Jimmy Carter emphasized human rights, aligning with Indira Gandhi’s vision for India. A pivotal moment occurred in 1976 when Carter, then President-elect, sent a message to Gandhi, expressing hopes for improved US-India relations, aiming to woo a nation leaning towards the Soviet Union. In contrast, Ronald Reagan’s administration sought to strengthen ties with India as a counterbalance to Soviet influence.
This trend continued under Rajiv Gandhi, who embraced economic reforms and defense cooperation. The 1989 India-US Convention on Taxation, signed by Narasimha Rao and George H W Bush, aimed to prevent double taxation, paving the way for increased trade and foreign investment in the 1990s. The relationship has not been without its challenges; like every alliance goes through some lows to test the conviction from time to time, this one did too.
The nuclear tests conducted by India in 1998 whilst Bill Clinton in the office, led to US sanctions, straining relations significantly. The tests culminated into a historic visit in 2000 marked a significant mend in relations and emphasized economic cooperation. Talking about an able leadership, turning lows into highs; President Clinton was invited to India by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
These rekindled cordial relations whilst Bill Clinton’s visit to India in 2000 saw him join in a traditional Indian dance, showcasing his enthusiasm for Indian culture. This trip overturned the bitterness of the sanctions into ushering an era of economic cooperation and strategic partnership for both the nations. Over the decades, this partnership has seen moments of remarkable cooperation alongside periods of significant tension, illustrating the complexities of international diplomacy.
The US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2005 under George W Bush further solidified this strategic partnership. This momentum continued with the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2005, negotiated under President George W Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. This agreement not only allowed India to engage in civilian nuclear trade but also recognized it as a major global player, fundamentally altering the geopolitical landscape.
A beautiful moment of affability showed during Manmohan Singh's visit in 2005, his wife gifted a beautiful sari to Laura Bush, which she later wore, symbolizing the cultural exchange that enriches diplomatic ties. PM Manmohan Singh and President George W Bush shook hands to establish the US-India CEO Forum in 2006, which further facilitated business ties, showcasing the mutual benefits of economic cooperation.
Following the September 11 attacks, India’s support for US-led counter-terrorism efforts solidified bilateral ties, with joint military exercises and intelligence sharing reflecting a shared commitment to security. PM Narendra Modi’s ascent to power in 2014 transformed Indo-US relations, prioritizing economic ties and defense collaboration. The personal rapport between Modi and President Barack Obama was highlighted during their casual “Chai Pe Charcha,” resonating with the Indian public.
This camaraderie fostered cooperation on climate change and counter-terrorism. However, during the Trump administration, while a personal connection with Modi developed, trade tensions arose, culminating in the revocation of India’s preferential trade status in 2019, leading to retaliatory tariffs and strained economic relations.
In the 2020s, President Joe Biden sought to enhance the US-India partnership, emphasizing shared democratic values and security cooperation, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. However, concerns over human rights issues in India, particularly regarding religious freedoms, complicated this relationship, leading to perceptions of interference in India's internal matters. The revival of the Quad alliance, comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia, marked a significant step in strategic cooperation, focusing on climate change, technology, and security.
The historical ties between US presidents and Indian prime ministers reflect a complex interplay of personal rapport and geopolitical considerations. High-level dialogues have addressed tensions, fostering alliances like the Quad to counter regional threats. Economic cooperation remains vital, exemplified by initiatives like the US-India CEO Forum.
A memorable moment during a state dinner showcased the human connection in diplomacy. Amid nearly 400 guests, Modi lightened the mood with jokes about his singing skills, recalling a previous dinner in 2014 when he was fasting. His playful remark, “Well today, I’m making up for it,” fostered a warm atmosphere. Prime Minister Modi lightened the atmosphere with jokes about his singing skills, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relations in navigating this evolving partnership.
Such anecdotes highlight the humor and human connection that underpin serious diplomacy, strengthening ties between nations. PM Modi and President Trump have interacted previously, with Modi having met Trump during his tenure as the 45th President of the United States. Their past engagements suggest a foundation for a working relationship. The bonhomie between the two was evident whilst the ‘Howdy-Modi’ trip.
Trump, being of a conservative approach to governance, may resonate with Modi's vision of India from an Indian first perspective, enhancing personal rapport. Both leaders are likely to prioritize newer strategic outcomes in national security, economic cooperation, and lead to newer collaborative initiatives. Their relationship can promote cultural exchanges, deepening mutual understanding.
They see capitalism from a contrasting perspective given their end of spectrum backgrounds however they share the same zeal as apex leadership. Both of them can foster empathetic diplomatic dialogue, emphasizing collaboration on key issues like trade, climate change, and regional and International security. As global dynamics evolve, their visibility may inspire other nations to prioritize gender equality, reshaping international relations and enhancing India-US cooperation.
The historic relationship between India and the United States has evolved into a powerful alliance, shaped by the visionary leadership of Indian Prime Ministers and US presidents. Through personal rapport and strategic collaboration, these leaders have navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
The personal connections forged during pivotal moments have transcended geopolitical interests, creating a bond that is both resilient and dynamic aiding in favor of this bilateral relation. As we look to the future, the enduring partnership between these two great democracies stands as a testament to the power of diplomacy, shared values, and the unwavering commitment to a brighter, more prosperous world. India wishes an exponential growth in relations with President-elect Trump now rising to the helm of affairs to build camaraderie alongside his Indian counterpart PM Modi.
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(The writer is a counter-terrorism expert and a visiting faculty with Pune University (SPPU) at the Department of Defense and Strategic Studies. He is also the founder & editor-in-chief at Diplomacy Direct, a public interest think-tank. He can be contacted at [email protected])
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The views expressed are not necessarily those of The South Asian Times
