Will Modi and Trump strike a rapportIJ It’s needed for India-US ties to reach next level
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be visiting Washington, DC, again, but this time to meet Barack Obama's successor, the new American President, Donald Trump. The Prime Minister's first meeting with Obama had hit the right chord and paved the way for a stronger India-US relationship; pulled the latter to visit India for the Republic Day celebrations and also for a chai pe charcha at Hyderabad House. But situations are different now. For, there can be no guesses as to what's running in the new US President's mind, who has been somewhat unpredictable ever since in power early this year. To this end, the first ever meeting between Trump and Modi is being vigorously underplayed by both sides — and for good reasons. No formal agenda has been fixed; no expectations have been raised for the June 26 meeting; all that looms large is uncertainty tinged with hope. This is understandable as the two leaders have not met before. It is, therefore, reasonably clear that the first meeting between the two leaders would primarily be about sizing each other up and seeking to establish cordiality. Every other development that must happen has to emerge from the kind of relationship they establish. The meeting will also be a testing time for the kind of chemistry they build — which flourished between Obama and Modi. Besides, the meet will set the tone for subsequent interactions, the next immediate one being the G-20 Hamburg summit early next month. But there’s also no reason to be overly apprehensive given that the two leaders, although not having met each other, would know enough about each other from the impressions they might have developed. There are a few commonalities between the two. Both are strong leaders; both have a focused vision for their respective nations; and both are willing to try out-of-box solutions. From the Indian point of view, the really important aspect is that Trump, during his election campaigning, had taken an aggressive stance against terrorism and countries that foster terror. All of this will be tested when the two leaders meet.
There are a number of issues that India will hopefully raise with the US President. First, of course, is terrorism. On this front, Prime Minister Modi must forcefully put India's case vis-à-vis Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, including the farce case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. Already, there are unconfirmed reports that the US may announce stepped-up drone attacks against militants on Pakistani soil. Additionally, the US may further cut on its aid to Islamabad. If these indeed happen, they will be good signals for New Delhi. The second is on immigration policy, especially the H1-B visa issue. There can be no arguments on the Trump Administration's ‘America First' policy. The US President is well within his rights to protect the cause of his country and its citizens. The Prime Minister should convince the Trump regime on how Indian skilled workers contribute heavily to the US economy. The third issue is related to enhanced defence and trade cooperation. lockheed Martin and Tata Advanced Systems have inked a pact to jointly manufacture F-16 fighter planes in India. More of such should follow.