Modi in Washington: A Fitting Reception for a Mature Nation, not an Emerging One

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's successful visit to Washington this week was a good example of the Biden administration's readiness to adapt to, instead of challenging its partners, to nudge them softly to positions desired by Washington. The significance of the US-Indian strategic partnership is evident, as are the considerations of the US presidential elections. It is noteworthy that the United States has accepted India's positions on Russia and the Ukrainian war as they are for now, with the hope that they may evolve in the future. Moreover, the US administration has refrained from criticizing Modi's government's human rights record and seemed satisfied with India's existing stance towards China, without seeking to further inflame it. India boasts vast economic and technological capabilities that position it as a formidable competitor to China, and its flexible policies have the potential to establish it as a global economic powerhouse, surpassing even China. Modi's visit to Washington marks a pivotal moment in India's future position and status in bilateral relations with the United States, expanding beyond the focus of countering China's challenge.

?

It was evident that the priority for the US President and the Indian Prime Minister was strengthening their countries’ economic, security, and military relations to support their strategic relationship. Washington recognizes that India, economically and technologically, is transforming into the next China, and its influence should not be underestimated. Both sides have decided that it is time to secure the US-India relationship and to move forward within a framework for military and security cooperation, yet without pressure to change positions on which the two parties diverge.

?

Regarding Ukraine, the joint statement underscored respect for the territorial integrity of Ukraine, signalling a change in India's positions, as New Delhi had previously sought to avoid taking a stance on the Ukrainian issue.

?

In the context of the extensive economic and energy relations between India and Russia, Washington abstained from criticizing these trade arrangements, which encompassed $40 billion in Russian oil sales to India. The primary objective of the Biden administration now is for the United States to supplant Russia in securing military contracts that hold significant financial and security importance within the strategic relationship.

?

The former Trump administration had adopted a strict approach and pressured India to distance itself from Russia. But the Biden administration has chosen a step-by-step approach coupled with a larger American engagement with India, while maintaining a strong commitment to pursuing arms deals. Therefore, the Biden administration is avoiding embarrassing the Modi government regarding human rights. The Biden administration has adopted a policy of smooth involvement with India, rather than working to force India away from Russia or into confronting China.

?

Modi is comfortable with this approach because while he sees the benefit in India's continued participation in groupings aimed at countering China, especially the "Quad” – the strategic security dialogue among Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, which Beijing views as an anti-China axis – this is as far as Modi is willing to go. Indeed, Modi would like to avoid getting entangled in an outright conflict with China.

?

At the beginning of last week, Biden described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a dictator, which seemed like a gaffe during an election campaign rally. During the joint press conference with Modi, Biden did not back down from describing Xi as a dictator, perhaps because that could deepen the impression of his serial gaffes, which is not in his electoral interest. The US president attempted to soften his words by stating that he did not seek to complicate or undermine the relationship with China. He expressed his expectation of a future meeting with the Chinese president and mentioned that there would be no implications on the US-China relationship due to such opinions.

?

China thinks otherwise. Beijing officially protested in a letter submitted by the Chinese ambassador to the United States, demanding a retraction of those statements, or else face consequences. However, China, in turn, does not currently want to escalate with the United States. It is highly probable that Chinese and American diplomats will navigate a path out of this awkward situation, especially considering the recent visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Beijing, which coincided with the US president's remarks. This visit was marked by a conciliatory tone and a concerted effort to strengthen channels of communication, as emphasized by Blinken, so that "competition…does not veer into conflict."

?

President Joe Biden's foreign policy remarks have been marked by a series of slip-ups and gaffes, causing ripples of controversy. In 2020, he went so far as to label the Chinese president a "butcher." Similarly, he made a bold statement asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin "cannot remain in power," prompting swift qualification from White House aides that this did not indicate a policy of regime change. However, one of President Biden's ‘problems’ here lies in his tendency to candidly voice his opinions and emotions, which often diverges from diplomatic norms, yet this means his gaffes are not merely a slip of the tongue but could rather be an authentic reflection of the true sentiments held by the US administration.

?

The predicament lies in the fact that it is the United States that is seeking to demystify the US-China relationship. China, on the other hand, shows no urgency in doing so, and even if it did, it would not openly express it, as ambiguity is ingrained in its mindset and policy. Consequently, while the relationship may tolerate occasional slips and missteps, it will undoubtedly be impacted in a manner contrary to the goals of the Biden administration. Both the United States and China are averse to confrontation, and American diplomats are effectively conveying to their Chinese counterparts that verbal missteps do not define the policy. Instead, they say, the true essence of the policy is found only in precise official statements, which shape the contours and finer nuances of US foreign policy.

?

The message conveyed by the United States to India holds significant weight, not only in terms of its content but also in its delivery. President Biden characterized the relationship with India as vibrant and thriving, extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Modi as an esteemed guest. The reception accorded to him was exceptional, an elaborate state banquet hosted at the White House and an opportunity to address both the House and Senate. Prime Minister Modi became only the third foreign dignitary to receive such honors during President Biden's tenure, after French President Emmanuel Macron in December and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in April.

?

In addition to bolstering and broadening trade, security, military, energy, technology, and space relations, Biden's unwavering belief in the United States and India as "two great nations, two great friends, two great powers that can define the course of the 21st century" and their potential to serve as role models in tackling the challenges of this era is not mere rhetoric or a mere verbal misstep on the part of Biden. Rather, it is a language reflecting utmost respect for a nation that has emerged in the recent past and has now matured, asserting itself in the scales and manifestations of great power status.