Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and Canada, Ajay Bisaria, highlighted a positive shift in the India-US relationship following a challenging period during President Trump’s second term. He described US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to India as a move towards reassurance and strategic realignment post the turbulent tariff phase. Bisaria emphasized the importance of the visit as a means of damage control and political reassurance from the US.
The rollback of Trump-era tariffs earlier this year played a crucial role in stabilizing the bilateral ties that were marred by economic uncertainties. Bisaria reflected on the challenging 16-month period marked by tariff disputes, emphasizing that the relationship improved significantly after the tariffs were removed. He identified key issues that strained the relationship during the Trump administration, including tariff conflicts and Washington’s evolving stance towards Pakistan.
Bisaria expressed concerns over the US’s engagement with Pakistan, particularly post-Operation Sindoor, which he felt overlooked India’s apprehensions regarding terrorism perpetrators. He noted a shift in the US approach towards Pakistan, driven more by transactional interests than strategic considerations, which raised alarms in New Delhi. Despite these challenges, Bisaria acknowledged the enduring positive trajectory of the broader India-US ties, underpinned by strong collaboration in defense and technology sectors.
Highlighting the importance of defense technology cooperation and the positive role of US Ambassador Sergio Gor, Bisaria emphasized the overall positive direction of the India-US relationship. He also commended the improved relations between India and Canada under Prime Minister Mark Carney, noting a significant turnaround in ties post the invitation extended to PM Modi for a meeting. The professionalization of security dialogues between the two nations has facilitated progress in political and trade discussions, marking a depoliticization of sensitive security matters.
Bisaria’s insights, drawn from his diplomatic experience, shed light on the evolving global dynamics as India navigates complex relationships amidst geopolitical tensions involving key players like China, Iran, and the Indo-Pacific region. The strategic cooperation between India and the US, spanning defense, technology, energy, and Indo-Pacific coordination, has witnessed steady growth over the years, with initiatives like the Quad grouping strengthening regional partnerships.
