The recent visit of the US Secretary of State John Kerry to India to participate in the Fourth round of Strategic Dialogue between the two countries was considered significant in political circles in New Delhi.
The talks, initiated by President Barack Obama four years ago, have set a new pattern for bilateral relations between the two economic powers, expanding the scope and range of their partnership.
India and US share common grounds on a number of issues, the most significance of which is combating terrorism, as both have been victims of terrorist attacks.
The talks are leading towards a stable relationship, although an alliance in the military sense appears remote. Both countries have coined a new phrase called, ‘Indo-Pacific Cooperation.’
Mr Kerry was focused more on security issues covering regional and international arenas, and the ways and means of establishing political stability in Afghanistan.
He was also keen to facilitate a New Silk Route connecting South Asia with Central Asia.
The mood in New Delhi was to create a greater strategic cooperation covering various aspects of political, economic, trade and other issues, rather than confining understanding to regional and global security.
The Factsheets
Eight fact sheets were issued during Mr Kerry’s visit, involving a review of progress in Science and Technology, Cyber Security, Culture, Economic Cooperation; International Security, Health, Space and Higher Education.
Experts agreed that there were several imponderables that should be overcome before the Indo-US relations and Indo-Pacific Cooperation could have a meaningful impact, not only between the two countries but also the rest of the world.
However, the much paraded Strategic Cooperation has not translated into a tangible and progressive relationship between the two countries in specific areas.
India’s core security interests are in its continental borders, while its peripheral security interests are in the Indian Ocean.
India is also keen to maintain its image of strategic autonomy, avoiding internal insurgency and political storm over what could be perceived as resumption of military alliance.
The Afghan imbroglio
India views the political situation in Afghanistan as a security problem and sees its role as a facilitator, which will help in its overall national security strategy rather than a military-strategic problem which involves military presence. Despite its strategic and security interest, India keeps a low-profile in Afghanistan, contributing US$ 1.2 billion (the largest in the region) towards the country’s reconstruction programme.
Prior to Mr Kerry’s visit, Afghan President Hamid Kazari was in Delhi to discuss his ‘Wish List’ of military supplies with Indian President Dr Manmohan Singh and his Government.
India and the US differ on the diplomatic approach to Iran. There is also a call from within India to push for a greater diplomatic role which involves acting as a conciliator or even a facilitator of talks between Iran and the US.
Look East Policy
There is political accord in India and other South East Asian countries, including Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia, on its ‘Look East Policy.’
However, the real strategic problem from India’s perspective is its ambition to shift from its current status of a regional power to a great power in the Indo-Pacific region.
The US is receptive to India’s expanding maritime influence in the Indian Ocean and up to and inclusive of South-West Pacific.
The Quadrennial Defence Review (2010) and the subsequent Pentagon Document on Strategic Guidance titled, ‘Sustaining Global Leadership: Priorities for Twenty-First Century’ (January 2012) are titled in India’s favour. The Defence Review acknowledged India’s rise as a military power in Asia-Pacific and the dominant role its Navy could play in the ensuing years.
Strategic cooperation between US and India will involve a situation where despite the latter’s core security threat in its Northern Borders, the two countries will not be able to form a strategic alliance.
However, both countries see eye-to-eye on non-traditional security threats and threats involving emanating from and around Afghanistan.
Balaji Chandramohan is our New Delhi Correspondent.
