India discusses with the US how to deal with China?

(Baonghean) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting the US on June 7 and 8. In the context of China's increasingly aggressive expansionist actions in the Asian seas, which are affecting the interests of both the US and India, this trip is considered a move by Mr. Modi to contain China. In addition, it is the goal of moving towards the "natural alliance" relationship that both sides are expecting.

US President Barack Obama (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) talk in New Dehli in 2015. Photo: Reuters.

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Having gone through many ups and downs, public opinion could hardly have expected the US-India relationship to change so quickly and develop at such an impressive pace as it has in recent times. One of the main reasons pointed out is the increasingly strong rise of China - a common concern that is heating up day by day for both countries.

On the Indian side, since taking office, Prime Minister Modi has clearly recognized that China is New Dehli's top rival in the Asian region. China's economic development and expansionist actions in Asian waters such as the East Sea and the Indian Ocean have created huge challenges for the Modi administration.

These are pressures on security policy, foreign affairs or development space. If these challenges are not handled well, the Modi government will find it difficult to implement its “Look East Policy”. In such a context, a strong handshake with the US would be the best move for India at this time.

As for the US, many of its interests in the Asia-Pacific region under President Obama’s “pivot to Asia” strategy are also related to China. The US clearly understands that China is both its biggest partner and rival in the region.

Mr. Ashley Tellis, a former US State Department official, commented that President Obama or whoever takes over the White House cannot avoid the China issue. In that context, the US has found a good partner in India with the goal of sharing the burden of regional security.

US President Barack Obama (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (right) after their meeting in New Dehli on January 25, 2015. Photo: Politico.

Chumulti-purpose swallow

Not only because of the common concern about China, Indian Prime Minister Modi's turn to the US also aims at a series of other strategic goals.

Firstly, also stemming from the need to contain and deal with China, security, military and defense cooperation between the two countries is developing strongly like never before.

In a recent speech in New Delhi, India, Admiral Harry Harris, Commander of the US Pacific Command, stated: “In the not too distant future, Indian and US naval vessels sailing side by side in the Indo-Pacific-Asia waters will become a common and welcome phenomenon in the region.” Admiral Harris also emphasized that the two sides will cooperate to maintain and ensure freedom of navigation for countries in the waters of this region.

Recently, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar “agreed in principle” to share military logistics. Previously, the US had for many years urged India to quickly sign a Logistics Support Agreement, which would allow the two countries’ militaries to use each other’s naval, land, and air bases for supply and repair operations. After many years of consideration, both the US and India have now confirmed that this agreement has reached a preliminary consensus.

Another highlight in the current US-India relationship is technology exchange, with a focus on the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) which has been in development since 2012. Currently, India is also seeking US support in two main areas: engine development technology for advanced Indian-made medium-range fighter aircraft and electronic aircraft launch systems.

In addition, if the contract for the purchase of M777 ultra-light artillery, C-17 Globemaster III transport aircraft and P8-I maritime aircraft continues, the US will become India's largest arms supplier. According to statistics, defense contracts between the US and India have reached 14 billion USD since 2007.

In addition, strengthening relations between Asia's leading dynamic economy and the world's number 1 economy will only bring great benefits to both sides. This is also in line with the "Make in India" strategy to attract foreign investment, especially from the US, that Prime Minister Modi has put forward.

In particular, while the relationship with Russia does not bring much value because Russia is still struggling to confront difficulties, reaching out to the US is the right strategy for Mr. Modi at this time. Therefore, the two leaders have set out an ambitious plan to increase total US-India trade by 5 times from the current more than 100 billion USD to 500 billion USD in the next 10 years.

Meanwhile, on the US side, this country and many Western countries are also tending to shift investment out of the Chinese market, which is fraught with many risks. The US is also not afraid to express its intention to increase and shift investment, turning India into the world's new manufacturing center.

Are the US and India trying to remove barriers to get closer? Photo: Internet.

There are still barriers

Thus, the motivation for the US and India to come closer together is very large. However, the tightening of relations between the two countries is not without barriers.

In a letter to Prime Minister Modi in February this year, a group of US lawmakers expressed concerns about human rights in India. In addition, some opinions said that India is not an ally and has not sent soldiers to join the US military in recent wars.

On the Indian side, policymakers also realized that the US had sidelined India when implementing the peace path in Afghanistan through Pakistan. Or that the US still secretly supported the China-Pakistan economic corridor and the plan to develop Pakistan's Gwadar port.

Of course, any special relationship between major countries has its difficulties and barriers. However, national interests will be paramount. An India that is trying to rise in Asia and globally, and an America that wants to increase its role and position in the Asia-Pacific, will certainly not hesitate to work together to remove barriers to come closer together.

Khang Duy