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The re-election of President Barack Obama augurs well for India-US relations despite the fact that relations between the two democracies now enjoys bipartisan support in America. This is the impression of former foreign service officials who have either served or been connected with the US.
In his congratulatory message Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh said “I have no doubt that there is much more we can do together to further strengthen the India-U.S. partnership and thereby advance peace and stability, expand mutual economic opportunities, harness the potential of science and technology, innovation and higher education and empower our people to address global challenges.”
Former IFS officials point out that relations between the two countries have now reached a stage where irrespective of whether a Republican or Democratic candidate wins, relations will continue to progress.
“I do not subscribe to the argument that one party or another winning is good for India-US relations. Any US President will pursue US national interest whatever that may involve. While Obama’s re-election will guarantee continuity in the relations India-US relations are now etched in such a manner that it is bi-partisan. A lot of work is already being done in sectors like science and technology which are not grabbing the headlines like nuclear deal,” said Shiv Shankar Mukherjee, who has represented India twice in the United States.
Commenting on military cooperation, former ambassador G Parthasarathy said that this has been moving substantially with India already buying substantive arms from the US. Asked whether President Obama in his second term is likely to give any major push to economic relations between India and the US, Parthasarathy said it will require the Indian Government to take steps including controlling the budget deficit.
Several Ambassadors felt that issues like out sourcing were mere elections rhetoric which will die down now that the elections are over.
In a statement the Ministry of External Affairs said “we look forward to continuing to deepen and widen the engagement between India and the U.S. in the years ahead”.
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