Modi’s US visit

PRIME Minister Modi’s visit to the US comes at a critical juncture, marked by electoral tensions in the US and diplomatic challenges. The visit is notably subdued compared to his 2019 tour, where he famously endorsed Donald Trump with the slogan ‘Ab ki baar Trump sarkar.’ This time, India is cautiously treading the line between engaging with both Republicans and Democrats as the US election looms, ensuring it does not appear to favour either side. At the heart of the current diplomatic equation is India’s need to maintain a balanced relationship with both political factions in the US. Modi’s rapport with Trump may have served India well during the latter’s presidency, but it would be risky to appear partisan in the evolving geopolitical landscape. With Vice-President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee, India must ensure that its strategic ties with the US are not jeopardised, regardless of who wins the White House.

Further complicating matters is the backdrop of the Gurpatwant Singh Pannun case. A US court recently issued a summons against key Indian officials over an alleged plot to assassinate the Khalistani activist. While India has dismissed these charges as ‘unwarranted’, the issue remains a thorn in India-US relations, threatening to sour diplomatic ties.

This visit focuses on multilateral engagements like the Quad summit and the UN Summit for the Future, marking a shift from Modi’s earlier high-profile, personality-driven diplomacy to a more nuanced approach. The agenda includes strengthening ties on regional security, technology and climate change, along with solidifying India’s position as a global peacemaker. Modi’s engagement with the Indian diaspora in the US and meetings with CEOs also underscore his government’s aim to bolster economic partnerships. The trip reflects India’s focus on a more nuanced, long-term diplomatic vision while navigating geopolitical complexities and US electoral politics.