Indo-US relations are hitting new lows.
US President Donald Trump is for sure on of the most aggressive sales man world has ever seen. That is the only way to define a man who would not only wage a trade war but also like to punish countries for buying defence products from Russia. His business acumen (or lack of it, it up for debate) is sure making US a frenemy if not an outright opponent for all US’ erstwhile friends and allies. India being no exception.
India Vs US on Iranian crude
US went at great length to ensure India switches from Iranian Oil to supplies out of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After US imposed renewed sanctions on Iran after pulling out of JCPOA, India was given a limited exception to get its affairs in order. The exception ended in May and India had to pull out of its trade deals with Tehran inspite of having startegic interests to not do so.
India Vs US on Trade ties
India was forced to impose retaliatory tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples, starting 5 June to counter the increase in steel and aluminium tariffs by the US and the withdrawal of duty-free benefits to Indian exporters.
While US has challenged Indian import duties in WTO, the fact that US is effectively destroying World Trade escapes no one.
India Vs US on S-400
This is most curious case of all. US is forcing India to not buy S-400 or buy at least a few F35s along with it. While Trump may see it as a trade deal, for India its a question of survival with potential nuclear adversaries both on Eastern and Western borders. No government, much less the nationalist Government of Modi can survive in India while compromising her security to satisfy Trump’s trade realignments. The recent skirmishes with Pakistan have demonstrated beyond doubt that India needs to modernise her defence forces fast and S -400 will go a long way into that. Expansion of Chinese into Indian ocean too is another concern.
Given the fact that even the usage of US military hardware is tied to Washington’s geo-political interest at the time, it makes little sense for India to buy them in bulk. Indian strategic thinkers will always like to go with Russian, French or even British inputs as the US will always be a question mark to them.
Options Before India
Like many other nations, India too is waiting out for next US Presidential elections.
Little seem to work with Trump. It seems POTUS believes in creating monopolies foced with US military might. From North America to transatlantic Europe, no one knows what Trump wants. The worst thing is the fact that the chaos he is creating has positive correlation with US’ growth.
Given US’ engagements both in east and west of Indian Subcontinent, the wiser heads in state department will be advising the President to not stretch things beyound repair. In the new world order, India remains a potential ally that is yet to be integrated into western ideology and US leadership.
While putting America first, Trump may have given enough incentive to rest of the world move beyond the US of A.
