Three perspectives on a relationship

Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to USA was amongst the most keenly observed events globally.

- HARSHA KAKAR

The attention to detail given by the White House as also multiple visits to Delhi by high-ranking US diplomats displayed efforts by the Biden administration to make it a success. While the visit hogged headlines in India and the US, which was expected, it drew adverse comments from China even before it commenced.

An editorial in the Global Times quoted Wang Yi, director of the CCP’s Foreign Affairs Commission and erstwhile foreign minister as saying, “The US's geopolitical calculations are not difficult to read. Washington's vigorous efforts to strengthen economic and trade cooperation with India is primarily to slow down China's economic development.” He added, “India's trade with the US cannot replace its trade with China, nor can India replace China in global supply chains.” It cautioned on developing Indo-US relations by mentioning, “US pays lip service to India but seldom delivers.”

In another article titled, ‘India may ask for higher price as US to woo Modi during visit,’ the Global Times mentions, “completely leaning toward the US for its strategic pursuit means India will alienate itself from China and Russia.” It also stated, “Unless the US is willing to keep paying a high price to attract India, sooner or later, the two sides will disappoint each other.” It added that India will not be a US military ally.