In a recent podcast hosted by NHS Media, Dr. Qamar Cheema delved into the evolving dynamics of US leadership engaging with India. The discussion primarily revolved around the notable developments following the G20 summit held in India and subsequent high-level interactions between Dr. J Shanker and various stakeholders during his US visit. The significant announcement of US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd J Austin’s upcoming visit to India for the 2+2 ministerial dialogue highlights the intensified engagement between the two nations.
Key Points:
- Recent high-level interactions between US and Indian officials, particularly the 2+2 ministerial dialogue, signify an escalated level of engagement focusing on foreign policy and defense strategies.
- The US aims to leverage India’s role in countering China, emphasizing a global partnership within the Indo-Pacific framework.
- India’s unique position, with substantial nuclear capabilities, a robust military, and a sizable economy, grants greater autonomy in foreign policy decisions compared to smaller European nations.
- The strategic partnership raises concerns about regional implications, especially regarding neighboring countries like Pakistan, and their response to the evolving balance of power in the region.
Dr Qamar Cheema said that this dialogue is expected to encompass discussions on foreign policy and defense, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Indo-Pacific region.
Dr Qamar Cheema stressed that the US aims to leverage India’s prominence in countering China, emphasizing a global partnership about Indo-Pacific cooperation. Emphasis has been laid on the leadership of QUAD (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia) and the necessity to advance in tandem with this collaboration.
He highlighted that recently Dr. J Shanker emphasized India’s deliberate choice to refrain from formalizing QUAD as a treaty, highlighting concerns related to binding legal obligations. Dr Qamar Cheema then pivoted to the perceived level of insecurity in Europe and its comparison to India’s strategic position, stressing that India, with its significant nuclear capabilities, robust military, and substantial economy, operates on a different scale compared to smaller European nations. This stance affords India greater autonomy in its foreign policy decisions and collaborations.
The evolving narrative indicates that the US intends to involve India in various working groups under QUAD, encompassing critical domains such as Cyber Space, Climate Change, and Emerging Technologies, illustrating the multifaceted engagement between the two nations.
He said that the 2+2 dialogue signals the US’s acknowledgement and support for India’s regional standing, evidenced by the heightened cooperation on various fronts, despite some differences on specific geopolitical issues. The depth of collaboration was also reflected in the joint statement released during the G20 summit, emphasizing the elevation of engagement across governments, academia, industries, and institutions, indicating an intent to escalate this partnership to new heights.
Crucially, the discussion extended to the contributions of Indian students and businessmen in the United States, highlighting their substantial role and value within the American system. With the Biden administration’s considerable representation from individuals of Indian origin, the alignment between the two nations is portrayed as an ambitious partnership, further emphasizing the seriousness with which the US regards the Chinese threat.
Moreover, Dr Qamar Cheema raised concerns about weak links in the region, specifically referencing Taiwan, stressing the potential repercussions of major industries relocating from the area due to geopolitical tensions involving China. The acceleration of the defense ecosystem collaboration between India and the US was underlined as a strategic advantage for India’s autonomy in defense strategies.
The Indo-US strategic partnership, also raises concerns about the impact on neighboring countries, notably Pakistan, due to the substantial shifts in the balance of power caused by this alliance.
Dr Qamar Cheema concluded by acknowledging the interdependence between the US and China, emphasizing the world’s reliance on China for global business. He highlighted the intricate geopolitical chess game between the US and China in the Indo-Pacific, where the US is striving to maintain its dominant position, while China seeks to regain its influence, thereby strengthening its ties with India.
All in all Dr Qamar Cheema presented the complex interplay of geopolitical strategies, partnerships, and the intricate balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.
