Will India Take America’s Side Against China? (Podcast Takeover)
Dec 6, 2023
auto_awesome
Exploring the shared concerns and challenges between the US and India, including the impact of India's nuclear tests, the Biden administration's stance on India and its implications, the limitations and concerns of US-India collaboration on China, the differing views on the Quad, and the limitations and challenges in the US-India relationship.
The United States and India share a concern about the rise of China, bringing them closer together despite challenges in their relationship.
India's ambitions for an independent role in global affairs and pursuit of a multipolar world order should be recognized and respected.
Deep dives
US-India Relationship: Historical Challenges and Common Concerns
The podcast episode discusses the long and complex history between the United States and India, focusing on recent developments and challenges in their relationship. It highlights the shared concern about the rise of China as a key factor bringing the two democracies closer. The episode explores the need for the United States to have a clearer understanding of Indian interests and the potential conflicts that may arise in their approaches towards China. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing that India and the United States do not always align in their goals, particularly with regards to the desired global order and the concept of multipolarity. The episode also delves into the evolution of the US-India relationship, from its struggles in the aftermath of India's nuclear tests to the current emphasis on defense cooperation and the Indo-Pacific region.
Building a Stronger US-India Partnership: Expectations and Realities
The podcast episode examines the expectations and realities surrounding the US-India partnership, particularly in the context of China's rise. It cautions against expecting too much from India in terms of its contributions to US strategic objectives, highlighting that while there is a genuine convergence between the two countries regarding the challenge posed by China, there are still significant gaps in their interests. The episode underscores that India's ambitions for an independent role in global affairs and its pursuit of a multipolar world order should be recognized and respected. It stresses the need for a realistic understanding of the limitations and divergences within the US-India relationship and the importance of managing expectations.
Challenges in Defense Cooperation: Interoperability and Strategic Autonomy
The podcast episode delves into the complexities and diverging expectations in defense cooperation between the United States and India. It highlights that while India is willing to collaborate in areas such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, as well as surveillance of Chinese shipping movements, it becomes more cautious when it comes to full interoperability and war-fighting synergies. The episode explains that India's objective in defense cooperation is to enhance its own independent military capabilities, which differ from the US emphasis on building partnerships for potential military actions. It emphasizes the need to understand India's political and strategic goals in defense cooperation and to navigate the differences in objectives.
Balancing Values and Interests: The US-India Relationship in a Changing Geopolitical Landscape
The podcast episode explores the tensions between shared values and diverging interests in the US-India relationship. It acknowledges the differences in values, with India becoming more self-regarding and open about pursuing its own interests. The episode cautions against overestimating the alignment of values and highlights that India's independent foreign policy and desire for strategic autonomy may lead to differences in approach, including on issues like China. It acknowledges that the United States has made a pragmatic decision to prioritize engagement with India on mutual interests, while recognizing the limitations of pushing for changes in India's domestic policies or values. The episode concludes by emphasizing the ongoing need for realistic expectations and understanding within the US-India relationship.
The United States and India have a long and complex history. In recent years, the two democracies have grown closer, linked by their shared concern about the rise of China. But the relationship has also been marked by a number of challenges. Just last week, U.S. authorities foiled a plot by an Indian national to assassinate a Sikh separatist on U.S. soil. Is the United States thinking about India the right way? And do the two countries share the same goals with regard to China? In this week's podcast takeover, host Dan Kurtz-Phelan and guest Ashley J. Tellis discuss all this and more in this Foreign Affairs Interview episode.
