A shift in India’s perceptions of the US, sparked by recent deportations and tariffs, threatens to redefine the country’s relationship with its long-time ally.
A recent development has changed the way Indians perceive their relationship with the United States, causing a headache for the Indian Prime Minister.
The US-India relationship has undergone significant transformations since India's independence in 1947.
Initially, the US maintained a distance due to India's non-alignment policy and close ties with the Soviet Union.
However, with the end of the Cold War, bilateral relations improved, and the 'US recognized India as a major player in regional affairs.'
The two countries have since strengthened cooperation in areas like trade, defense, and space exploration.
According to the US Department of State, bilateral trade has grown from $2 billion in 1991 to over $142 billion in 2020.
There’s been a political backlash in India after the Trump administration deported dozens of Indian migrants who were in the U.S. without legal status. This comes after the U.S. had announced 26 percent tariffs on India, which are currently suspended. Those events have changed Indians’ perceptions of what they had thought was a cozy relationship with the U.S.
The Impact on the Indian Prime Minister
These recent actions by the U.S. government have caused a significant shift in how the Indian public views their country’s relationship with the United States. The deportation of Indian migrants without legal status has raised concerns about the treatment of foreigners and the fairness of the immigration system. Additionally, the imposition of tariffs on India has highlighted the economic differences between the two countries.
The President of the United States can issue executive orders to implement policies and direct federal agencies.
These orders are not subject to Congressional approval and can be revoked by a subsequent President.
Executive orders have been used throughout history, with notable examples including the Emancipation Proclamation and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the American Presidency Project, over 13,000 executive orders have been issued since 1789.
The Indian Prime Minister is facing a challenge in navigating this new landscape of perceptions. The government must now balance its relationships with other countries while also addressing the concerns of its own citizens. This shift in perception is likely to have long-term consequences for India’s foreign policy and trade relations with the U.S.
India's foreign policy has undergone significant transformations since independence in 1947.
Initially, the country followed a policy of non-alignment, avoiding close ties with any major power.
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) was formed to promote economic and political cooperation among developing nations.
In recent years, India has shifted towards a more proactive approach, engaging in strategic partnerships with countries like the US, Russia, and Australia.
The country's Act East Policy aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia and the Pacific region.
A Changing Relationship
The events described above are part of a broader trend of changing perceptions between the United States and India. For many years, the two countries had enjoyed a close relationship, with the U.S. viewing India as a key partner in regional security and economic development. However, recent actions by the U.S. government have created tension and raised questions about the nature of this relationship.
As the Indian public continues to grapple with these changes, it is likely that the country’s foreign policy and trade relations with the U.S. will evolve as well. The deportation of Indian migrants without legal status has highlighted concerns about the treatment of foreigners, while the imposition of tariffs on India has raised questions about economic fairness.
A New Era of Diplomacy
The shift in perception between the United States and India is likely to be a defining feature of their relationship for years to come. As the Indian Prime Minister navigates this new landscape, it will be crucial for him to address the concerns of his own citizens while also maintaining relationships with other countries.
The U.S. government must also take steps to repair its reputation in India and restore trust between the two nations. This may involve addressing the deportation of Indian migrants without legal status, easing tensions over trade policy, and engaging in more constructive dialogue with the Indian public.
Ultimately, the future of the relationship between the United States and India will depend on how both countries choose to navigate this new era of diplomacy.
- npr.org | Indias Relationship with the U.S.
