Q.20 What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions” Explain with suitable examples. 

Model Answer:

Introduction 

The relationship between India and the United States, two of the world's largest democracies, has evolved significantly over the past few decades. From the cold distrust of the Cold War era to the current status of the "Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership," the ties between these nations have grown increasingly important in the 21st-century geopolitical landscape. However, despite the progress made, there remains an underlying tension that stems from a fundamental disconnect between India's aspirations on the global stage and its position within the United States' strategic calculus.

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These ambitions stem from:

Historical significance: India's rich cultural heritage and its role in the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War. 

Economic potential: Projected to become the world's third-largest economy by 2030. 

Demographic dividend: A large, young workforce powering its growth. 

Geopolitical importance: Strategic location in South Asia and the Indian Ocean region.

Washington's global strategy

The United States' global strategy has evolved over time, but generally focuses on:

• Maintaining its superpower status and global influence 
• Countering potential rival powers, particularly China and Russia 
• Promoting democracy and free markets 
•  Ensuring global security and stability 
• Advancing American economic interests

The disconnect between US strategy and India's aspirations

The friction arises from the fact that the US has not fully integrated India into its global strategy in a way that aligns with India's self-perception and ambitions. This disconnect manifests in several ways:

• India's desire for strategic autonomy vs. US expectations of alignment 
• Differing priorities in regional and global issues 
• Inconsistent treatment of India compared to other US allies

Examples of friction in India-US ties

a) Defense and strategic partnerships:

• India's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems, despite US opposition and threats of sanctions
• US reluctance to share advanced military technology with India

b) Economic and trade issues:

• Disputes over intellectual property rights and market access
• India's exclusion from the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program

c) Regional politics:

• Divergent approaches to dealing with Pakistan and Afghanistan
• India's stance on Iran, which often conflicts with US policies

d) Global governance:

• India's push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, which has not received unequivocal US support
• Differences in climate change negotiations and commitments

Potential solutions and future outlook

To address this friction and find a satisfactory position for India in its global strategy, the US could consider:

• Recognizing India as a strategic partner on par with its closest allies
• Supporting India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat 
• Enhancing technology transfer and defence cooperation 
• Addressing trade disputes through mutually beneficial agreements 
• Collaborating on regional security issues, particularly in the Indo-Pacific

Conclusion

In conclusion, while India-US relations have improved significantly in recent years, the underlying friction stems from a mismatch between India's aspirations and its current position in US global strategy. Addressing this disconnect requires a recalibration of the US approach to fully leverage the potential of this partnership and satisfy India's national self-esteem and ambitions.

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