Policy Shifts and Leadership Changes: The New U.S. Administration’s Vision”

11 Nov Policy Shifts and Leadership Changes: The New U.S. Administration’s Vision”

SYLLABUS MAPPING:

GS-2-International relations-Policy Shifts and Leadership Changes: The New U.S. Administration’s Vision.”

FOR PRELIMS:

What are some key policy shifts introduced by the new U.S. administration?

FOR MAINS:

Analyze the key policy shifts introduced by the new U.S. administration and discuss their potential long-term impact on the country’s domestic and foreign policy.

Why in the news?

Former President Donald Trump has won the U.S. presidency, and Republicans have regained control of the Senate. Control of the House of Representatives—currently held by Republicans with a narrow majority—is still up in the air. If Republicans secure the House, a second Trump administration would gain broader authority to advance its tax, energy, trade, and regulatory agenda.

India-USA relationship ties till now:

1. Historical Background
Cold War Era (1947-1991): India’s non-alignment and U.S. ties with Pakistan led to a cool relationship, with differences over issues like the Vietnam War and India’s ties with the Soviet Union.
Post-Cold War (1991-2000s): India’s economic reforms and nuclear tests (1998) initially strained ties, but the 2005 Civil Nuclear Agreement marked a shift toward closer cooperation.
2. Strategic Partnership
Defense Cooperation: India and the U.S. have built strong defence ties, including joint exercises and agreements on defence technology. India is now a “Major Defense Partner” of the U.S.
Counterterrorism & Regional Security: Both countries collaborate on regional security, particularly in the context of China’s growing influence and tensions with Pakistan.
3. Economic Ties
Trade & Investment: Bilateral trade exceeds $160 billion, with the U.S. being a major investor in India. Key sectors include IT, energy, and infrastructure.
FDI: The U.S. is one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment (FDI) into India, and India has increased its investments in the U.S.
4. Global & Regional Cooperation
Indo-Pacific & China: Both countries have a shared interest in countering China’s influence, particularly through the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) framework.
Climate Change & Health: The U.S. and India work together on global issues like climate change, health, and space exploration.
5. People-to-People Ties
Indian Diaspora: The large and influential Indian-American community fosters stronger economic, political, and cultural ties between the two nations.
Education & Tech: There’s significant collaboration in education and technology, with many Indian professionals leading U.S. companies.

Furthering areas of Cooperation under the new US administration:

1. Continuity of Policy
Strategic Cooperation: Both countries have maintained a consistent partnership, emphasizing shared democratic values, security, and global stability.
2. Defense Cooperation
Key Agreements: Growing military ties, with agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA, alongside joint exercises, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Partnership: India is a major defence partner, strengthening regional security and countering China’s influence.
3. People-to-People Ties
Indian Diaspora: The large Indian-American community fosters cultural, educational, and economic links.
Educational Exchange: Thousands of Indian students in the U.S. strengthen long-term ties.
4. Trump Administration’s Approach
Stronger Ties: Focused on bolstering defence, trade, and diplomatic relations.
Pakistan: A tougher stance on Pakistan, aligning with India’s security concerns.
China: Increased cooperation to counter China’s rise in the Indo-Pacific.
5. Pakistan Sanctions
Terrorism & Security: U.S. sanctions and pressure on Pakistan for supporting terrorism aligned with India’s security priorities.
6. China Policies
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Shared concerns about China led to stronger ties, including through the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia) to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Issues that can hunt India- the new US administration:

1. Migrations & H-1B Visas
H-1B Visa Restrictions: U.S. visa restrictions for skilled workers, especially in tech, affect Indian professionals. There are concerns about job competition and tightening visa quotas.
2. Trade Issues
Tariffs: Both countries have imposed tariffs on each other’s goods, particularly on steel, agricultural products, and tech.
Intellectual Property: Disagreements over U.S. intellectual property protections, particularly affecting India’s generic drug industry.
Trade Imbalance: The growing U.S. trade deficit with India remains a concern.
3. Defense & Arms Restrictions
Sanctions: India’s defence deals with Russia, like the S-400 missile system, have raised tensions, as U.S. law (CAATSA) sanctions countries that purchase Russian arms.
Cooperation vs. Procurement: While defence ties have strengthened, India’s reliance on Russian military equipment complicates full alignment.
4. Regional Organizations & Alliances
China & Indo-Pacific: Both share concerns over China’s influence, but India’s cautious approach to organizations like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) contrasts with U.S. policies in the Quad.
BRICS: India’s participation in BRICS (alongside China) occasionally diverges from U.S.-led initiatives.
5. Global Governance (WTO, WHO)
WTO: Disagreements on agricultural subsidies and intellectual property rights.
WHO: Tensions over U.S. criticism of the WHO during the COVID-19 pandemic, though both countries are now cooperating more on global health issues.
6. Climate Change
Paris Agreement: Differences on climate financing and emission reduction commitments, with India seeking more financial support from developed nations.
7. Tech & Cybersecurity
Data Localization: India’s laws requiring data storage within the country create friction with U.S. tech firms.
Cybersecurity: While collaboration on cybersecurity is growing, there are concerns over digital trade and foreign tech control.

Managing ties with new US administrations:

1. Strategic Dialogue & Diplomacy
Regular High-Level Talks: Mechanisms like the 2+2 Dialogue (foreign and defence ministers) and Strategic and Commercial Dialogue can address security, trade, and technological cooperation.
Track-II Diplomacy: Encouraging informal discussions to build trust and resolve sensitive issues.
2. Cooperation in Science, Technology, & Health
Technology Collaboration: Joint ventures in AI, space, and green energy can drive innovation. The U.S. and India can focus on sustainable tech solutions to address global challenges like climate change.
Public Health: Post-COVID, both can collaborate on vaccine development, disease surveillance, and health data technology.
3. Managing Common Concerns (China)
Quad: The U.S., India, Japan, and Australia can counter China’s influence by enhancing maritime security, infrastructure investment, and cybersecurity.
I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, USA): Strengthening energy, water security, and technology ties as a counterbalance to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
4. Economic & Trade Relations
Trade Liberalization: Negotiate agreements to enhance market access and reduce trade barriers, particularly in agriculture and services.
Investment: Foster greater bilateral investments in tech, healthcare, and infrastructure.
5. Global Challenges: Collaborative Action
Climate Change: Both nations should lead global efforts to reduce emissions and invest in clean energy, especially for developing nations.
Geopolitical Stability: Partnering in conflict resolution, ensuring a rules-based international order, and promoting democracy in the Indo-Pacific.

Conclusion:

Prelims Question:

Q.The U.S. has designated India as a “Major Defense Partner” under which administration?
A. Bill Clinton
B. George W. Bush
C. Barack Obama
D. Donald Trump

Answer: C

Ritik singh