Joining hands to save democracy

Democracy is under assault around the world from crumbling institutions created after World War II to authoritarian regimes in Turkey and Brazil and a stronger axis between China and Russia.

- TIM ROEMER

As populism, nationalism and corruption creep into previously established democracies, numerous governments are experiencing a troubling decline in people’s trust and loyalty. As the oldest and the largest democracies on the planet, this is one of the most compelling reasons for the United States and India to develop even closer strategic ties, resolve thorny trade issues and establish new energy and defence relations.

President Trump is scheduled to make his maiden visit to India on February 24 and 25. Such trips are potential “action-driving events” and can result in deeper relationships and even more progress with an already busy bilateral partnership. President Bill Clinton made a largely symbolic visit to India at the end of his second term in 2000 which ended up accomplishing many substantive policy objectives. Most importantly, it reset the relationship after the controversial Indian nuclear testing issue. President George W. Bush initiated a brand-new idea, moving forward with full civil nuclear cooperation with India, if it agreed to international safeguards and membership in the International Atomic Energy Agency. President Barack Obama, recognising our mutual vulnerabilities to international terrorism after the Mumbai attacks in 2008, proposed a robust new set of intelligence-sharing ideas, defence sales, homeland security agreements and regional partnerships. He visited India twice in his eight years in office. This indispensable partnership has significantly grown with bipartisan support from both the United States Congress and the Indian Parliament.