External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed a vote of confidence in the enduring strength of India-US relations, emphasizing their resilience across different political administrations. Speaking at the Carnegie Global Technology Summit on Monday, Jaishankar noted the unique aspect of the US having experienced five distinct presidents—Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden—yet the relationship has continued to prosper.
“The interesting thing about the US is that you’ve had five completely different presidents: think Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden. Now, if a relationship can actually prosper with five very different Presidents, I would say to you that the data clearly indicates a certain stability and that there is enough investment on both sides and structural soundness to the relationship,” Jaishankar stated.
From the Indian perspective, Jaishankar asserted that India-US relations are, at present, resilient against political fluctuations. This statement follows a challenging period for the bilateral relationship, marked by US officials indicting a 52-year-old Indian national for an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a pro-Khalistan figure and US citizen. While the incident strained ties, both governments addressed the matter at the highest levels, with New Delhi initiating an inquiry into the allegations.
Jonathan Finer, America’s Principal Deputy National Security Adviser, echoed Jaishankar’s sentiments during the same event. Acknowledging the complex history and occasional differences between the two nations, Finer emphasized the importance of recognizing shared connections that outweigh divergences.
“The United States and India have a complicated history. We have not always been wholly aligned. We have not always found it easy to work together as economic partners. We have not always found it easy to be on the same side of issues geopolitically,” said Finer.
Despite recognizing existing challenges and acknowledging that perfect alignment is unlikely, Finer highlighted the collaborative efforts of successive Indian and American governments to manage differences constructively. He emphasized the ability of both countries to work through challenging issues and find common ground, even in the face of historical, cultural, and geopolitical disparities.
The affirmations by Jaishankar and Finer underscore the enduring nature of India-US relations, with both leaders expressing optimism about the strength of the partnership. The ability to navigate differences and sustain cooperation reflects the commitment to fostering a robust and mutually beneficial relationship.