CLEAR PRIORITIES

 

THE priorities of the second Donald Trump presidency appear clear. Even as the President issued multiple executive orders to sort out the immediate requirements of his idea of administration and governance, his Secretary of State, Mr. Marco Rubio engaged himself in two very critical diplomatic assignments -- one, the meeting of the four-nation grouping (QUAD) of the United States, India, Japan and Australia that issued a clear signal to China not to indulge in uncalled for unilateral actions to change international status quo by force in the Indo-Pacific; and two, held his first bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Dr. S. Jaishankar. Both these actions showed the way the current US powers that be think about international issues and where the US foreign policy will be headed in the coming time. It is obvious that the US wishes to treat India as one of its close and natural allies. In response to the recent wave of decisions of President Mr. Donald Trump, India, too, is reported to be taking certain steps to accommodate changed American priorities.

 

In practical terms, that may prove to be a tough hand to play for New Delhi, all right. Yet, it is clear that India will make every possible effort to offer its hand of cooperation to the US from the point of strength rather than helplessness. One of the most important issues that may hurt Indian interests concerns the issuance of Visa to Indians under different categories. Also, the decision of the Trump administration not to grant naturalised citizenship to children born in the US in families on temporary permits may hurt the interests of the Indian diaspora in the US. Yet, the India of today is mature enough to demonstrate patience to understand the American compulsions and then fashion its responses to the changing conditions.

 

Of course, it is not necessary that Mr. Marco Rubio and Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed each of the contentious issues right in the first meeting. For them, the larger world picture must have been in the focus of discussion. For, as India has positioned itself as a genuine global player, New Delhi would never obliterate its status by drawing Washington in narrow issues -- which can wait for a later time. The indications from the bilateral meeting between Mr. Marco Rubio and Dr. Jaishankar point to an amiable confabulation on issues of common and general global interests involving the US and India as partners in leading a changing world order. In the past few days when change of guard took place in Washington DC, India and Dr. Jaishankar conducted themselves with extreme sense of dignity and responsibility. What was most easily noticed by all was Dr. Jaishankar’s status as a senior top diplomat with lifetime of experience and expertise in international affairs.

 

Of course, he did not have any element of condescension in his overall conduct. Yet, Dr. Jaishankar’s body language did display his sense of seniority and authority -- which officials of the new Trump administration appeared to recognise. In each of his meetings with the Trump officials -- and others -- Dr. Jaishankar came across as a seasoned player of world affairs, cool and composed. That was a matter of pride and pleasure for every Indian. In the first few months of the new Trump administration, India will understand the changed essentials of foreign policy handling vis-a-vis the United States. It may take a few cautious steps, as well to deal with the President who believes in give-and-take deals. But it is clear that India will handle this phase with consummate ease since it knows the affinity President Trump feels for India, Indians, Hindus, and Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. Mr. Trump’s America will certainly treat India as a close and natural ally in its handling of international issues.