My Reflections on President Obama’s Visit to India
Atul V. Minocha
Professor at Hult International Business School Partner & Consultant at Chief Outsiders Founder at CrazEconomics
As I write this, President Obama is on the last leg of his 3-day visit to India. At Ty Cobb’s request I am penning down my thoughts and observations on this historic visit – the first time a US president attended India’s Republic Day parade as its chief guest, and the first time a US president has visited India twice. I must confess, I have been glued to my computer and iPad, watching the proceedings “live”!
There are two dimensions along which we can take measure of this visit. One, we can assess it for its symbolism and what it achieved here in the US as well as in India. And two, we can take stock of the key substantive issues that were on the table before and during this visit.
In my opinion, both of these dimensions are equally important.
On the symbolic front, this was a huge success in both India and the US. Based on what I read in the Indian press and my direct conversations with family and friends in India, Michelle and Barack Obama struck the right notes in the minds and psyche of Indians at large. They felt honored and proud at the same time.
The importance and success of symbolism was perhaps best summed up by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he went off-script at the joint press conference and remarked (in Hindi), that “chemistry is more important than commas and full-stops on paper” in any relationship between nations. Breaking protocol, PM Modi received the president at the airport. Add a few spontaneous bear hugs, and this newfound but genuine and warm connection between the two leaders was obvious.
President Obama, from his side, made note of the significance of chai pe charcha (loosely translated as “discussion over tea”) during which PM Modi personally made and served tea to the president. Later, at the state dinner, President Obama did not hesitate to make some warm and affectionate remarks about the prime minister that only close friends would feel comfortable making.
On substantive issues, at first glance, there seem to be some unfinished business. But that is perhaps more a matter of unfettered expectations than reality. After all, in democracies, leaders can only propose and negotiate ideas. Actual acceptance and implementation is dependent on support of the majority of representatives of the people, including those in opposition. And that takes time.
Let’s examine the four key issues that were on the table.
Nuclear Reactors: The much-touted nuclear “deal” struck between PM Singh and President Bush (predecessors of Modi and Obama, respectively) in 2008 was stuck in neutral due to some key details around “traceability of materials” and “liability” in case of an accident. US has now withdrawn its demands and has accepted that India will only need to conform to IAEA safeguards already in place. On the liability front, in an ironic twist not uncommon in functioning democracies, PM Modi was put in a position to work around legislation that was brought about by his own party when they were in opposition. Partnership between public sector insurance companies in India and the government of India will create a satisfactory level of insurance pool to address this potential liability. For all intents and purposes, it’s game on for American nuclear energy suppliers.
Defense related trade: It has been an oddity that as world’s largest international arms buyer, India’s defense related trade with the world’s largest international arms supplier, the United States, has not been of greater significance. Until now, that is. The fact that much of the defense equipment including missiles, tanks and fighter jets paraded before its esteemed chief guest from the United States came from Russia, France and the United Kingdom was likely not lost on president Obama or anyone else watching the parade. As a result, US and India have now agreed to “co-development and co-production” of Raven mini-drones, C-130 transport aircraft, mobile hybrid power plants, and Uniform Integrated Protective Ensembles that guard against chemical and biological warfare. All this will make the US India’s largest defense supplier.
Climate Change: Coming at the heels of a landmark deal between China and the US, there was some expectation of something similar to emerge during this visit. It did not. For one, India’s contribution to global pollution is only about 1/5th that of China’s. Second, India has always maintained its need to focus on economic development and growth and has been justifiably reluctant to sign up for anything that might hamstring its growth ambitions. That said, both leaders were wise to discuss “clean energy, energy security, and climate change” as a package and an appropriate MoU was signed. US has also agreed to help India achieve its goal of 100 GW of solar power by 2022.
Regional Security: Somewhat surprisingly, “Pakistan” and “China” were not mentioned in any public forum or official statements during the visit. In my view, that speaks to the maturity of the leaders and the relationship the two are forging between the nations. Clearly, India has set its mind well above the usual neighborly bickering and squabbles that have been observed before, during and after such visits in the past. That said, it is interesting to note that leading Pakistani and Chinese papers are still dismissive of the significance of this visit with an unmistakable flavor of sour grapes.
In closing, I want to comment on what some in the US media have dubbed as “the end of India’s non-alignment”. In my opinion, India has never confused its “non-aligned” stance with “isolationism” or “with-us/against-us dichotomy”. Instead, it has always tried to reach out to all nations that were able and willing to deal with India on an equal and mutually beneficial basis. Just to put this in perspective, President Obama’s historic and significant second visit to India was preceded by equally heralded visits by Prime Minister Abe, President Xi Jinping and President Putin – all occurring within the last 6 months.
Atul Minocha, born in India, is currently living in Nevada.