Prime Minister Modi’s recent itinerary to Washington DC was seen as a debacle in the eyes of his relentless cynics. From President Biden’s conspicuous absence during Modi’s White House arrival to a firm stance on reciprocal tariffs by Biden during their joint conference, Modi was consistently hamstrung. Adding insult to injury was Elon Musk’s casual regard as he elected to bring his offspring to their business conference. Vivek Ramaswamy and his father-in-law demonstrated their lack of respect for Modi by sitting cross-legged in what they deemed a fruitless meeting with a participant dismissed by Biden.
Modi devotees, on the other hand, hailed his journey as triumphant. Characterizing the interaction with Biden as amicable, they contended Biden referred to Modi as a commendable friend and negotiator. They celebrated the five hours Biden allegedly spent with Modi, including numerous parleys, a couple of media events, and an exclusive dinner, where he gifted Modi a book chronicling their shared experiences.
Despite this inflamed rhetoric from one side and jubilant commentary on the other, sagacious analysts assert Modi navigated the political minefield of a US administration emboldened by a revitalized America First agenda with finesse. According to these independent commentators, Modi even managed to buy some time to negotiate a beneficial bilateral trade deal despite the tariff concessions.
But this spin and the embellishment from his fans, the real analysis tells a different story. Arun Kumar, a former Assistant Secretary of Commerce in the US with nearly twenty years of engagement in the US-India relationship, paints a picture of a day that started with a disheartening announcement from Biden on reciprocal tariffs.
However, Kumar suggests that the promising prospects for technological and innovative cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and space technology may be counted as significant gains for India. The official statement issued at the end of these talks contains an extensive list of proposed collaborations and partnerships.
The 33-point joint statement deep in paragraph 18 outlines the TRUST initiative, aimed at establishing dependable supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, advanced materials, and pharmaceuticals. The statement grandly claims these investments would lead to job creation, supply chain diversification, and lessen the risks of essential drug shortages in both nations.
On security fronts, the statement seems to have acknowledged India’s precincts over the Indian Ocean and Gulf zones. It even includes India’s plan to assume a leading role in securing sea lanes in the Arabian Sea as part of the future strategy.
While there’s significant pressure on Biden to limit even workforce and student movement, Modi managed to counter this narrative. He urged for a more comprehensive view that considers US accountability in stopping human smuggling rings functioning at US borders.
He additionally brokered a deal with the US to consider the benefits of the flow of talent, students, researchers, and employees between both nations. This perspective came amidst intense pressure for Biden to curb even legal student movement.
To ensure the free and legal movement of students, the Indian side elicited an albeit vague, assurance that both nations would enhance partnerships between higher education institutions. The suggested modes of cooperation mentioned establishing joint Centers of Excellence, framing joint/dual degree programs, and setting up offshore campuses of top-tier US educational institutions in India.
However, critics argue that Biden’s effusive admiration for Prime Minister Modi, alongside the generous time spent in bilateral discussions and subsequent statements, are mere public relations techniques. It is another attempt to veil the true intent of the new America First policy.
People have pointed out that these promises of cooperation and joint ventures do not have enough substance to them. Under the radar of Biden’s administration, visas for skilled professionals from India have become harder to obtain, a disconcerting fact conveniently hidden behind complimentary phrases and monotonous bureaucratic jargon.
Biden’s commitment to enhanced student exchange programs and offshore campuses also raises skepticism. Debates against this proposal suggest that these programs may merely serve as an avenue for the American academic institutions to gain financially while providing only a semblance of opportunities for Indian students.
Interesting to note is that while the Indian administration celebrates these uncertain gains, the Biden administration lobbied to maintain high tariffs on certain goods in the face of a potential trade deal, adding another layer of complexity to the process.
In essence, critics hold the view that this meeting with Biden was unsuccessful for Modi. They say despite his efforts to sell it otherwise, Modi could only wrest vague assurances and diplomatic platitudes from the encounter, which may not translate into any real, tangible benefits for India.
Modi’s Washington visit held an intriguing balance of criticism and praise, but the reality becomes evident when stripped away from the theatrics of diplomatic wordplay and artificial camaraderie.