US President Barrack Obama will make his maiden visit to India on 6th November 2010. This will also be overlapping with Diwali, the festival of light and hope. But his official itinerary hasn’t set light on how much the visit will help both the countries.

During Obama’s presidency, the relation between India and US hasn’t been rosy so far. Rather the ties took a dip, due to economic and political reasons. Many would vouch that the approach of his predecessor Gorge Bush was more munificent towards India. The result was the nuclear co-operation agreement. This is way beyond what President Obama has on offer.
With 250 investors travelling with Obama, many economic ties are expected though. India being potentially a very important market for U.S. exports, the president will push for better trade and investment relations. The 126 fighter planes deal would be high on agenda. President would try to push India to open its stalled sectors for the US companies which includes insurance, multi brand retail etc.

Deputy National Security Advisor Michael Froman was quoted by Reuters as saying, “India really is one of the most important emerging economic relationships for the United States, both multilaterally and bilaterally. We work very closely with India in the context of the G-20.”

The protectionist policies, voice against outsourcing may have been applauded in US but in India it is highly debated. The recent hike in visa fees, which Indians feel is highly discriminatory is another big concern. This is something which hasn’t gone down well with India’s business policies.
India will also put forth its unfulfilled demand of loosening the restriction on high end technology. Foreign Secretary, Nirupama Rao recently said “In our view, the removal of export controls on the supply of high technology and dual use items would inspire an even greater degree of confidence in our bilateral relationship and understanding”.

On the diplomatic front, Indian government also looks askance on Mr Obama’s wider Asian strategy. George W Bush considered India as a strategic partner against China and thus favoured a bigger role for India in East Asia. But contrary to that, on a visit to Beijing last year the President Obama urged China to play a greater role in South Asia.

Brahma Chellany, Professor Strategic studies at Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi recently wrote in an article that with China strategy falling apart, Obama is seeking to do exactly what his predecessor attempted — to line up partners. Still, for several reasons, that is unlikely to significantly elevate India’s importance in his foreign policy.

Chellany further writes that “President is coming to India when his presidency is likely to be weakened by reverses in congressional elections. With his approval ratings plummeting, Obama could end up as a one-term president. On key regional issues, especially Afghanistan-Pakistan, Iran and Myanmar, his administration sees Indian policy as not in sync with US strategy. And despite the more-recent erosion in trust and confidence between the US and China, Washington is unlikely to try and contain a country with which it’s economic linkages are likely to remain deeper than with India”.

Indian government also frowned on a US decision to provide a $ 2bn military aid to Pakistan. Tainted records of Pakistan in utilizing the previous aid money have been overlooked by the US administration. India believes that such generous aids would further strengthen Pakistan military and intelligence responsible for nurturing terror groups.

“With Obama determined to end the US led war in Afghanistan, the US needs the Pakistani military and intelligence for its exit strategy in much the same way it relied on them to start and sustain the war” said Brahma Chellany.

Indian side has also made it clear that there is no expectation of any ‘big bang’ news from the US President Barack Obama’s forthcoming visit. But no one will argue on one point that Indo-US relations are as important for the world as they are for both the nations.

 

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