The victory of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the President and Vice President of the United States, respectively, should mark the beginning of a new chapter in the already strong friendship between India and America.
Already, think-tanks and prominent Indian-American experts have said the President-elect will continue strengthening India-US relationship.
“A Biden administration will be mostly positive for India,” according to Rick Rossow of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies think tank.
Stating “I expect most positive areas of cooperation — notably defence — to be maintained,” he added that there are two key issues that could really define the US-India ties.
“First, how will the Biden administration handle potential sanctions on India over Russian defence purchases? And second, if the US is louder in raising concerns about social issues in India, will it create a wedge?” Rossow said.
He also opined that under Biden administration, India will face less pressure over ties with Iran and renewable energy cooperation will be highlighted. However, he said, that trade tensions between the countries will persist.
Ashley J Tellis, Tata Chair for Strategic Affairs at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think tank, said, “Without a doubt, Joe Biden will continue strengthening the US-India relationship.” Good signs, indeed.