The India-US Rapprochement

The rapprochement between India and the US, under the government of Manmohan Singh, has translated into many collaborations and strategic deals—including the 123 agreement. It may be based on some quid pro quo though. While Washington would like to transform India into a long-term ally to defend the American interests and values, New Delhi seems to be willing to partner with the US so long as this relationship serves its interests in economic and strategic terms, regarding Islamist groups and their Pakistani protectors especially. New Delhi, for instance, may not join hands with the US in the World Trade Organization at all and may also resist American attempts to instrumentalise her against China and Iran.But the economic and societal links that have been built between India and the US, because of massive investments and the growing role of the Indian diaspora in the US, may make it difficult for the Indian government to backtrack, even if it wishes. What may well be at stake is nothing more than the autonomy of the state vis-à -vis non-state interests, ranging from the corporate sector to the new Indian middle-class, which—during the Bush years—appeared to be more pro-American than any other public opinion.