U.S. and India Viewed as Natural Allies

On October 20, 2010 Center for a New American Security (CNAS) released a report titled Natural Allies: A Blueprint for the Future of U.S.- India Relations. The report discusses vital aspects of U.S. – India relations in the run up to President Obama’s visit to India in November. The report, endorsed by a nonpartisan group of more than 20 American and Indian experts, recommends “a bold leap forward” in the U.S.-India relationship. It is co-authored by Richard Armitage, deputy secretary of state in the previous administration, and Nicholas Burns, formerly undersecretary of state in the previous and the current administrations. Proximity of CNAS to the Washington establishment calls for a close reading of the report to gather hints about the focus of President Obama’s upcoming visit and future of bilateral relations.

Natural Allies recommends that the United States give concrete meaning to the phrase “strategic partnership” by deepening relations and strengthening collaboration in a number of areas, including: protecting and preserving access to the global commons; countering terrorism and violent extremism; ensuring access to global energy resources; bolstering the international non-proliferation regime; promoting democracy and human rights; and fostering greater stability, security and economic prosperity in South Asia. The report also recommends that the U.S. should commit, publicly and explicitly, to work with India in support of its permanent membership in an enlarged U.N. Security Council.

A series of working papers highlight the bilateral and global dimensions of U.S. – India partnership. Kenneth I. Juster and Ajay Kuntamukkala discuss potential of bilateral defense trade between U.S. and India. The paper examines the complex web of export controls and other issues surrounding bilateral defense trade between the United States and India and offesr concrete recommendations to both Washington and New Delhi for deepening the relationship in this critical area.

While discussing America’s Interests in India, author Marshall Bouton explores U.S. strategic interests in a deepened relationship with India and argues that strengthening relations with India is in the long-term interest of the United States and will help ensure an international system in that accords with U.S. economic and political values.

The potential of U.S. – India partnership in protecting the air, sea, space and cyberspace commons is examined by C. Raja Mohan. According to Raja Mohan strategic cooperation in global commons would provide the much needed framework for setting the next stage in bilateral relations; the next ‘big idea’ in U.S. – India relations.

Ambassador Teresita Schaffer identifies areas in which India and the United States are likely to increase cooperation in the next 10 years as well as areas of potential tension. Ambassador Schaffer points to stronger cooperation in the Indian Ocean and lively security relationship as drivers of U.S. – India relationship in the next decade.

Rajiv Kumar analyzes the growing ties between the United States and India outside of official government interaction and offers concrete recommendations for deepening ties between the Indian and American private sectors.

The general sense emerging from the Report and working papers is: though U.S. – India relationship is currently thriving there is potential for growth and this potential can be realized by policy and perceptual adjustments on both sides. The Report categorically states, “We believe that it is critical to rejuvenate the U.S. – India partnership and put U.S. relations with India on a more solid foundation.”

The broad contours of U.S. – India relationship have largely overlapped since the end of the Cold War; the strains emerge in discussions on specific issues. For example, India and the U.S. support the cause of nuclear non-proliferation but both countries have disagreed on the issue of sovereign right for developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Governments on both sides, despite domestic pressures, enthusiastically supported the civilian nuclear deal in 2005. However, India’s recent move with regard to the nuclear liability law is threatening the implementation of the ambitious deal.

George Tanham observation that “status and symbolism matter greatly in Indian society, particularly in India’s strategic calculations and military perceptions” stand true even today. India’s role as a critical partner for the U.S. in the next decade is indeed going to flatter the Indian Government. However, this partnership can’t be solely based on India’s potential and America’s desire. The potential for partnership will be actualized through policies and decisions by both sides. It is here that India faces its greatest challenge. India will have to balance traditional insistence on strategic autonomy with merits of partnership with U.S.

The U.S. is eager to partner with India for not only what India is but also for what it can be. India’s record as a democracy has been appreciate but can India serve as a partner in spreading democratic values in other countries? The Natural Allies Report mentions that the U.S. and India should work together to spread the culture of democracy in lands where it does not yet exist. India claims to be a responsible power while continuing to technologically develop it strategic capabilities. Will India agree to draw a brighter line between ISRO’s legitimate civil space activities and the ballistic missile programs to enhance confidence of its American partners? The recent revelation that FBI had advance information relating to the planning of the Mumbai 26/11 terror attacks is likely to make India’s balancing act somewhat difficult. Will India revel in the partnership status bestowed by the U.S. or will India pressurise the Obama administration to ensure that the counter-terrorism cooperation serves India’s specific needs as well?

Given the contemporary global realities, India’s partnership with the U.S. is desirable. India will have to make some hard bargains to ensure that the partnership serves its national interests.