Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off his visit to the US. Modi will meet with President Joe Biden and address Congress, with military and technological ties on the agenda as his hosts seek a proxy in the Indo-Pacific.
Modi’s visit comes at a time when the US has redefined its strategic vision for the region, shifting from the Asia-Pacific to the Indo-Pacific. This term emphasizes India’s role as a key partner for which there is huge criticism inside India.
The major critics of the Modi Indo-Pacific strategy are those who believe that any jeopardized act by India can lure India into troubled waters.
The US has also launched several initiatives to deepen cooperation with India and other regional allies and partners, such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) and the AUKUS pact.
Modi has embraced the Indo-Pacific concept and has sought to enhance India’s security and economic interests in the region.
However, Modi’s gamble on becoming a proxy of the US in the Indo-Pacific is full of risks. India has to balance its relations with other major powers, such as Russia, which remains a key supplier of arms and energy to India. India also has to deal with its own domestic issues, such as human rights, democracy, and minority rights, which have been criticized by some US lawmakers and activists. Moreover, India has to contend with the uncertainties of US policy and commitment to the region, which may change depending on the political dynamics in Washington.
Modi’s visit to the US is expected to showcase the strength and potential of the US-India partnership, as well as the challenges and opportunities for both countries in the Indo-Pacific. The visit will also test Modi’s ability to navigate the complex geostrategic landscape of the region and secure India’s interests and values.