A Display of Nurtured Relationship between India and the USA Courtesy Indian Americans

President Trump and Prime Minister Modi at Houston September 22.
By Ven Parmeswaran
The Indian American leadership deserves credit and praise because this single event has transformed USA-India relations to a new high.   It should not be forgotten that the Indian Americans played a key role in the Civil Nuclear Deal offered by President George W Bush.  That deal lifted the 30-year sanctions against India.  Contrast that with Trump’s offer of 100% transfer of all U.S. technologies to India.

 First, I wish to congratulate the leadership of the Indian Americans who organized the Modi-Trump event in Houston attracting 50,000.  This is the largest rally that Trump and Modi have attended in the U.S.A.  When the audience chanted ‘USA-USA’ Trump was pleased and we showed our patriotism to the USA.    The Indian American leadership deserves credit and praise because this single event has transformed USA-India relations to a new high.   It should not be forgotten that the Indian Americans played a key role in the Civil Nuclear Deal offered by President George W Bush.  That deal lifted the 30-year sanctions against India.  Contrast that with Trump’s offer of 100% transfer of all U.S. technologies to India.

Prime Minister Modi and President Trump seized the opportunity.  Inspired and motivated by the most disciplined and respected Indian Americans, they offered each other unstinted support.  President Trump’s speech characterized India as “CLOSE ALLY” and offered cooperation in economy and defense.     4.6 million Indian Americans, though small in numbers, are the highest educated and the highest earners.  In the 2010 census, Indian Americans ranked No.1 in education and income, making Jewish Americans the runners up.   Both Modi and Trump are aware of the growing strength and unlimited potential of Indian Americans in all levels of society.

MODI DEMONSTRATED POLITICAL SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP

Modi has met Trump several times since he was elected Prime Minister in 2014.  We were able to see only the photographs of all their previous meetings showing body language including embrace, handshake, handholding, smiles and facial expressions.   But the meeting in Houston created opportunities for Modi and Trump to capitalize on their personality and leadership.  Modi as a host to Trump in the USA felt highly confident and was enthusiastic to introduce Indian Americans as his family to Trump.  Trump was no doubt excited and impressed with the love of the Indian Americans to Modi and Trump.

It is not easy to develop deep friendship with President Trump, who has had a rough going even with his close allies such as Canada, U.K., France, Germany and Australia.  Trump demonstrated his respect and deep friendship to Modi and India.   In international relations such personal relations will go a long way to fostering security and peace.

ISLAMIC TERRORISM AND BORDER SECURITY – MOST IMPORTANT FOR TRUMP

When President Trump spoke vehemently against Islamic terrorism and defending sovereignty and border security, the Indian Americans cheered enthusiastically.    This is an indirect message to Pakistan and China.  Pakistan should stop cross border terrorism.  China must respect sovereignty of India and territorial integrity.    USA and India have been signing several military deals that also include sharing in sophisticated communications and intelligence. India never enjoyed such a high trust since its independence in 1947.

MODI’S SKILLS IN STATECRAFT AND DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS SHOULD BE APPLAUDED

The big question is how Modi has been able to develop good relations with the USA without compromising his relations with others.  Modi has developed excellent relations with Japan, France, Russia, Australia, Germany, Canada, and the countries in the Middle East.  Modi has also excellent working relationship with China.   Contrast this with the policy of Nehru dynasty that first practiced neutralism.  Later, nonalignment, though aligned with the Soviet Union/Russia.  Modi has made a big change of India in the world.  Of course, Trump has also made a big change in America’s foreign policy in Asia. This is the first time the USA is using India to balance against China.  China is now the second superpower racing for the first.  Trump is calculating that if India can modernize fast, it may have better potential to compete with China.  Therefore, it is possible that the leadership of the future world may belong to the oldest and the largest democracies – USA and India.

The world is watching.

 

(Ven Parameswaran, is Senior Adviser, Imagindia Institute, New Delhi;  Chairman, Asian American Republican Committee; Former President & CEO, First Asian Securities Corporation, NYC. He can be reached at  vpwaren@gmail.com)

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