THE STATE OF US' INDIA POLICY

Unfortunately, when it comes to India, State seems to be one of the departments least interested in improving relations. As a result, the first step in improving relations with India would be to ensure that engagement strategy is truly a US strategy and not just a State strategy.

- CLEO PASKAL

The United States sends mixed messages to India. On the one hand, Washington highlighted the importance of India's rise and leadership in its Indo-Pacific Strategy, designated India a Major Defense Partner, and renamed PACOM as INDOPACOM in recognition of India's important role in the region.

On the other hand, in spite of statements about the importance of peopleto-people relations, it currently takes years for someone in Delhi to get an appointment for a US visa, India's efforts to feed and provide power for its people are described as being against the greater good and, well, Pakistan.

So, what's going on? Well, as with any country, there is more than one "United States". So, for example, while the Department of Defense "gets" India, others seem to have different priorities. So, who is in the driver's seat when it comes to shaping US foreign policy?

WHICH UNITED STATES?

Some, especially those in the Department of State, will say that say State alone and exclusively is responsible for foreign policy.

That is not legally accurate. In some areas, such as declaring war, Congress plays a role. And, within the executive branch, foreign policy is the responsibility of the President.

Under the President there are a range of departments and agencies, including State. When more than one works together, that is called "interagency", and there is a lot of interagency involved in foreign affairs. There is also the National Security Council that convenes, coordinates and advises.

But, as with any large organisation, there are laws, rules and regulations, and then there is the bareknuckle brutality of bureaucratic warfare. And State is very good at that.