Little-known Effects Of Biden’s Victory On the India-US Ties
Joseph Biden, a Democratic candidate, won the most-awaited and high-voltage Presidential election of the United States of America. He defeated Donald Trump, a Republican candidate, who was eyeing a second term in the Office. With a lead of 306–232, Mr. Biden is the new head of the White House. There are many speculations regarding the impact Mr. Biden will have on US-India relations. Let us look at some of the facts the media is hiding from you.
LIBERAL VS RIGHT
Mr. Biden believes in liberalism and internationalism; at least his appointments to various prominent posts say so. That is in strike contrast to the right-wing, majoritarianism policy followed by the BJP government in India. One should, therefore, expect frequent tussles between New Delhi and Washington, given the rising instances of Human Rights violations in India. Be it the Kashmir issue or the CAA, Biden has already made his stand crystal clear. He has expressed his displeasure towards the Indian Government for their high-handedness in handling the Kashmir issue and the Citizenship controversy.
Read a detailed article about the American election by Jairam R Prabhu
BIDEN-KASHMIR
On 5 August 2019, the Central Government abrogated Article 370 and disintegrated Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories of Ladakh and Jammu. Biden was among those who fiercely criticized the complete internet shutdown, the house arrest of prominent political leaders, and the Emergency-like situation that had arisen to maintain “law and order.” The former Vice-President had criticized the clampdown on dissent and urged the Central Government to restore “normalcy” in Kashmir. The Modi Government refuted the claims saying that Kashmir is an integral part of India and the measures taken are strictly an internal matter of the country. It also hit back at the then-Presidential hopeful for ignoring the Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism and said that the special status of J&K only nurtured terrorism. He was quick to welcome the restoration of 4G internet in Kashmir after eighteen months and urged for further normalcy.
STAND ON THE CAA
He had also expressed concern regarding the implementation of the CAA in Assam and the widespread protests that followed. He said that the CAA was an aberration from the traditional “secular stand” of India. The Citizenship Amendment Act(2019) provides a pathway for citizenship to refugees from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh(Muslim-majority countries) who are Hindus, Sikh, Parsis, Jains, Buddhists, and Christians. US diplomats often raise the issue of CAA when they meet their counterparts to discuss India-US ties. Biden has also regularly criticized the Immigration Policy of the Trump Administration that is anti-immigrant, be it against Mexican immigrants or H-1B visa holders.
TRUMP-” THE BEST FRIEND”?
In many ways, Trump and his moves can be considered anti-India. Restrictions on H-1B visas, termination of preferential trade status for India, hate speeches filled with racist remarks against the Indian diaspora settled in the US. During the Trump regime, killings of Indian Immigrants increased sharply in the US. Recently he also targeted India during a debate with his rival-Biden, when he said, “look at their air….it’s filthy”, “they never reveal the real numbers”(about COVID cases). New Delhi never reacted strongly to these instances. Indian media always portrayed Trump as “India’s Best Friend.” The BJP in India and the Republicans in the US share a common ideology (right-wing).
PROSPEROUS TIES
Regardless of the ideological differences, it is evident that the Defense and Trade ties between India and the US will continue to prosper. Secretary of State, Mr. Antony Blinken, has said that the White House is willing to work out on the “differences” even as India-US build greater cooperation and strategic partnership. In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is also evident that the anti-China interests will be a common ground for both countries. Many alliances, like the Quad, could be formed to monitor and control the dominance of China in the new world order. Under the Biden Presidency, America has signed trade deals with various countries. The President has taken steps to reverse the “mistakes” of the Trump administration by re-joining the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, UNHRC, and WHO. After rounds of discussions, the EU has succeeded in brokering a deal between the US and Iran. Trump pulled America out from the Iran Nuclear Deal and imposed harsh sanctions to pressure Iran. Iran responded by further escalating its nuclear developments.
CONCLUSION
Barring exceptions, it is evident that the India-US ties would be progressive. We can expect good coordination and bonding between both countries, except on religious matters. It would do well for India if it supports the US along with its nation-first idea. This way, India can restrict Chinese expansionism and present itself as an alternative to China in South Asia. India will also be able to project itself as a forerunner in the race to World Power!
With Trump leaving the White House, the impact of “Modi charm” remains to be seen. What concerns me more is whether Biden will continue to speak up against the “dismantling of democracy” in India, like Angela Merkel? Or will he, like other leaders, Boris Johnson, Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, overlook the crisis?
What do you think about Biden-India relations? How does the Biden Victory affect India? In what ways do you think we can improve our ties?
Do let us know in the comments below!
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