"US, India have good potential, steady common balance," says Expert
New Delhi, May 24
Foreign Affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said that the visit of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been at an important turn of the India-US relations.
Sachdev, in a conversation with ANI, said that both nations have an extremely good potential and a very steady common balance.
He said, "The visit of Marco Rubio is definitely a very important visit at a very important time, and when many important issues are outstanding between the US and India on a bilateral basis. The last year has unfortunately been the lowest and the worst of US-India relations in the past 25 years. In the past, we also had ups and downs on many issues and topics, policy differences, and disputes. But the last year has taken the cake in terms of being a chaotic year in India- America relations."
He added, "Of course, the fact is that the two nations have an extremely good potential and a very steady common balance. The differences of last year need to be repaired or rejuvenated now. So Rubio's first top mandate, I would think, for this visit is to bring relations with India on an even and stable keel with a common minimum program so that both nations can move past the differences of the last year."
Meanwhile, US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, said that the new Support Annex Building reflects their commitment to serving the American and Indian people more effectively.
"I was honored to join US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the dedication ceremony for our new Support Annex Building, which will house our management and consular sections in New Delhi. This modern facility reflects our commitment to serving the American and Indian people more effectively, while supporting the enduring strength of the U.S.-India partnership."
Gor also celebrated 250 years of American independence in the presence of Rubio.
"Celebrating 250 years of American independence and excellence! Delighted to host US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Roosevelt House this evening for a wonderful gathering with our friends and partners from the Indian government and business community, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Union Minister of Commerce Piyush Goyal, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Taranjit Singh Sandhu."
— ANI
Reader Comments
"Steady common balance" is a nice phrase but let's not forget that US has its own interests - they want India as a counterweight to China, while we need tech transfers and defense gear. It's a transactional relationship, pure and simple. Still, better than being adversaries.
The new Support Annex building in Delhi sounds impressive. It's good to see concrete investments in the bilateral relationship, not just talk. But the real test will be on issues like H1B visas and trade tariffs. Actions speak louder than dedication ceremonies.
Finally some sensible commentary! The previous government couldn't handle US relations properly - too much chest-thumping and not enough diplomacy. Glad to see External Affairs Minister Jaishankar and the team working to reset things. "Common minimum program" is exactly what we need.
Am I the only one cautiously optimistic? 🧐 Every US administration talks about partnership but when push comes to shove, they prioritize their own interests. Still, India has grown stronger and can negotiate from a position of strength now. Let's see what deliverables come out of this visit.
The 250 years of American independence celebration at Roosevelt House with both Indian and American leaders - that's the kind of optics that matter. Shows the relationship is bigger than just one administration or one set of issues. Strategic patience is the key here.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.