Seema Sirohi, a foreign correspondent with over 30 years of experience covering US-India relations, joins Amit Varma to discuss her book and the love-hate relationship between both countries. They explore challenges of reporting, the diminishing space for different viewpoints in India, the complex dynamics of the US-India relationship, the Afghan war, the Indian nuclear deal, and the evolving India-US relations under different administrations. They also touch on challenges of decoupling from China, the future of trade, India's geopolitical scenarios, and offer advice to aspiring journalists.
Reporting on major events in India-US relations during the early days involved highlighting the US perspective for a foreign audience.
Maintaining nuance and accuracy while writing for a foreign audience required navigating complex issues and providing a balanced view of US-India relations.
Developing sources, monitoring State Department briefings, and staying in touch with the Indian Embassy were crucial for gathering insights on India-US relations.
US-India relations faced challenges due to conflicting interests, American arrogance, and the US focus on short-term interests over shared values.
The nuclear deal played a pivotal role in improving India-US relations by recognizing India as a responsible nuclear power and providing opportunities for business and cooperation.
Deep dives
Covering significant events in India-US relations
The early days as a reporter for the Associated Press (AP) involved reporting on major events in India-US relations, such as the Punjab insurgency, anti-Sikh riots, and the Bhopal gas leak. The focus was on providing news for the foreign audience and highlighting the US perspective on these events.
Navigating the challenges of reporting for foreign audiences
Writing for a foreign audience meant simplifying complex issues and prioritizing information that would appeal to an international readership. This posed challenges in maintaining nuance and ensuring accurate reporting. However, the journalist learned to navigate these demands and provide a balanced view of US-India relations to her Indian audience.
Building sources and monitoring news outlets
The journalist relied on newspapers like the New York Times and Washington Post for information, scoured the State Department briefings, and closely monitored hearings at Capitol Hill. Developing sources, staying in touch with think tanks, and regular communication with the Indian Embassy were crucial for gathering insights and updates on India-US relations.
US-India Relations in the Late 80s
During the late 80s, India's relationship with the US was strained due to conflicting interests. The US prioritized its alliances with Pakistan and China, while India faced immense challenges, including terrorism sponsored by Pakistan, limited technology sharing, and a lack of recognition. The American arrogance and focus on short-term interests often overshadowed the shared values between the two countries as democracy and liberalism faced difficulties in forging a stronger partnership.
Changing Dynamics in a Unipolar World
With the end of the Cold War, a new unipolar world emerged, requiring India to adapt and navigate a new international landscape. While India had to shift its prior relationships with both the US and the Soviet Union, the US also had to reassess its global role. The US had the opportunity to build stronger ties with India but often failed to recognize India's importance. The US demonstrated arrogance and overreached in its attempt to establish unchallenged hegemony. Despite some setbacks, India began making efforts to engage with the US, overcoming initial challenges.
The Clash of Values and Interests
The clash between values and interests often played a significant role in US-India relations. While shared values such as democracy were acknowledged, US foreign policy was primarily driven by short-term interests. Value-based decisions were usually overshadowed by strategic interests, such as countering Pakistan's influence in Afghanistan and engaging China. However, with the changing geostrategic landscape and the rising significance of India as a regional power, interests and values started to intersect, leading to a transition in US-India relations.
The Nuclear Deal and Changing Dynamics
The podcast discusses the pivotal role played by the nuclear deal in improving India-US relations. The deal, signed on July 18th, 2005, marked a significant breakthrough in the relationship between the two countries. It allowed India to separate its civilian and military nuclear programs and gain access to nuclear fuel from other countries. The US, recognizing India as a responsible nuclear power, opened up opportunities for business and cooperation in various domains. The deal also strengthened India's strategic position and provided a platform for greater engagement with the US.
Factors Driving the Nuclear Deal
The podcast highlights several factors that contributed to the nuclear deal. One factor was the changing perceptions about China within the US administration. Concerns about China's rising influence and its cooperation with Pakistan led the US to view India as a potential ally in countering China's power. Additionally, the deal opened up economic opportunities for American businesses, promoting a closer partnership with India. The Bush administration, with key officials like Condoleezza Rice and Ashley Tellis, worked meticulously to overcome obstacles and ensure the deal's approval, recognizing the long-term strategic benefits of a strong India-US relationship.
The Importance of Strong US-India Relations
The podcast episode explores the significance of the strong relationship between the United States and India. It highlights three major factors that contribute to this alliance: the China factor, gaining India's trust, and promoting business opportunities. The episode discusses how the nuclear deal played a key role in strengthening this relationship and how subsequent administrations, including Obama's, navigated various challenges and opportunities. It also touches upon the positive impact of Trump's presidency on US-India relations.
Geopolitical Considerations and Potential Scenarios
The podcast episode discusses the geopolitical considerations and potential scenarios related to India's relationship with other countries. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring countries, particularly in the face of China's influence in the region. The episode also highlights the need for India to engage more actively in East Asia and supports the idea of creating alternate supply chains outside of China. Additionally, it touches upon the polarization and division present in both American and Indian societies as potential challenges. The episode encourages young people to pursue journalism with integrity and stick to their core values.
