India US Relations PM Modis Visit Global Entry Program Defense Cooperation LNG Imports And Entrepren

In 2018, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an official visit to the United States, marking his fourth trip to the US and his first direct meeting with President Donald Trump. Key outcomes and developments from this visit and related events included the signing of an agreement for the Global Entry Program, allowing expedited entry for pre-approved Indian travelers; the US approval for the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India; the expansion of the "White Shipping" data sharing arrangement to improve maritime domain awareness; the arrival of the first shipment of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India under a long-term supply agreement; and the co-hosting of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad, focusing on "Women First, Prosperity for All."

These developments signified a deepening of the strategic partnership between India and the United States across various sectors, including travel facilitation, defense, maritime security, energy, and entrepreneurship. The agreements and collaborations underscored the commitment of both nations to strengthen their bilateral relations and address shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit also highlighted India's growing role as a hub for startups and innovation, attracting foreign investment and promoting economic growth.

Deepening Ties: India-US Relations in 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the United States in 2018 served as a pivotal moment in solidifying the evolving strategic partnership between the two nations. This visit, coupled with a series of significant agreements and collaborations, underscored the commitment of both India and the US to deepen their ties across a spectrum of sectors, including defense, energy, trade, and entrepreneurship. The events of 2018 built upon decades of evolving relations, navigating through periods of divergence and convergence, ultimately culminating in a multifaceted partnership driven by shared strategic interests and economic opportunities.

The Global Entry Program: Facilitating Travel and Trade

One of the immediate outcomes of Prime Minister Modi's visit was the signing of an agreement for India's inclusion in the International Expedited Traveler Initiative Program, more commonly known as the Global Entry Program. This program, administered by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to streamline the entry process for pre-approved, low-risk travelers arriving in the United States. The Global Entry Program allows eligible travelers to bypass traditional immigration lines by utilizing automated kiosks located at select US airports. These kiosks scan the traveler's passport or permanent resident card, capture fingerprints for verification, and conduct a customs declaration. Upon successful completion of these steps, the kiosk issues a transaction receipt, allowing the traveler to proceed directly to baggage claim and exit.

The significance of India's inclusion in the Global Entry Program extends beyond mere convenience for individual travelers. It symbolizes a growing level of trust and cooperation between the law enforcement and security agencies of both countries. By expediting the entry process for pre-vetted Indian citizens, the program facilitates increased business and tourism travel, fostering stronger economic ties and people-to-people exchanges. The program also benefits the US by allowing CBP officers to focus their resources on identifying and screening higher-risk travelers, enhancing overall border security.

To gain access to the Global Entry Program, Indian citizens must undergo a thorough application process, which includes submitting an online application, paying a non-refundable fee, and undergoing a background check. Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their travel history, employment, and any prior criminal convictions. The CBP conducts a comprehensive review of each application, utilizing various databases and intelligence sources to assess the applicant's risk profile. If the application is conditionally approved, the applicant is required to attend an in-person interview with a CBP officer at a Global Entry Enrollment Center. During the interview, the officer verifies the applicant's identity, reviews their application, and conducts a final risk assessment. If the interview is successful, the applicant is granted membership in the Global Entry Program for a period of five years.

The Global Entry Program is not without its limitations. Membership can be revoked if a traveler violates any customs or immigration laws, or if they provide false or misleading information on their application. Furthermore, even Global Entry members are subject to random inspections and may be selected for secondary screening upon arrival in the US. Despite these limitations, the Global Entry Program remains a valuable tool for facilitating legitimate travel and promoting international cooperation.

Strengthening Defense Cooperation: The Guardian Drone Deal

Another significant outcome of the 2018 engagement between India and the US was the approval by the US government for the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India. This deal, valued at over $2 billion, represents a major step forward in strengthening defense cooperation between the two countries. The Guardian drones, manufactured by General Atomics, are a variant of the Predator drone and are specifically designed for maritime surveillance. They are equipped with advanced sensors and radar systems that enable them to detect and track ships and submarines over vast distances.

The acquisition of Guardian drones will significantly enhance India's maritime domain awareness, providing the Indian Navy with the ability to monitor its extensive coastline and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) more effectively. This is particularly important in the context of increasing Chinese naval activity in the Indian Ocean region. The Guardian drones will also be used for anti-piracy operations, search and rescue missions, and disaster relief efforts.

The sale of Guardian drones to India is not an isolated event, but rather part of a broader trend of increasing defense cooperation between the two countries. In recent years, India and the US have conducted a series of joint military exercises, including naval exercises in the Indian Ocean and army exercises in the Himalayas. The two countries have also signed a number of defense agreements, including the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), which allows them to use each other's military facilities for refueling and replenishment, and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which facilitates the transfer of secure communication equipment.

The growing defense cooperation between India and the US is driven by a shared strategic interest in maintaining stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are concerned about the rise of China and its growing assertiveness in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. By working together, India and the US can deter Chinese aggression and protect their common interests.

However, the defense relationship between India and the US is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the issue of technology transfer. India wants access to advanced US defense technology, but the US is often reluctant to share its most sensitive technologies due to concerns about proliferation and national security. Another challenge is the issue of cost. US defense equipment is often very expensive, and India may not be able to afford all of the weapons systems that it wants to acquire. Despite these challenges, the defense relationship between India and the US is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Enhancing Maritime Security: The White Shipping Agreement

In conjunction with the defense cooperation, India and the US also announced their intention to expand the "White Shipping" data sharing arrangement during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. "White Shipping" refers to non-military commercial vessels, and the agreement facilitates the exchange of information and data related to these vessels to enhance maritime domain awareness. This arrangement is crucial for improving maritime security and ensuring the safety of navigation in the Indian Ocean region.

The "White Shipping" agreement allows India and the US to share information on the movement of commercial vessels, including their identity, cargo, and destination. This information can be used to track suspicious vessels, identify potential threats, and prevent maritime crime. The agreement also helps to improve search and rescue operations by providing accurate information on the location of vessels in distress.

The expansion of the "White Shipping" agreement reflects the growing recognition by both India and the US of the importance of maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Indian Ocean is a vital trade route, and any disruption to maritime traffic could have serious economic consequences. The agreement also underscores the commitment of both countries to work together to address common security challenges.

The "White Shipping" agreement is not a new initiative, but rather an extension of existing cooperation between India and the US in the maritime domain. The two countries have been conducting joint naval exercises in the Indian Ocean for many years, and they have also been sharing information on maritime threats. The expansion of the "White Shipping" agreement is a further step in strengthening this cooperation.

Energy Security: U.S. LNG for India

The year 2018 also marked a significant milestone in the energy relationship between India and the US, with India receiving its first shipment of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US under a long-term supply agreement. This event signaled a diversification of India's energy sources and a deepening of economic ties between the two countries.

The LNG shipment was delivered to the Dabhol LNG terminal in Maharashtra, India, under a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) between GAIL (India) Limited and Cheniere Energy, a leading US LNG exporter. The agreement, signed in December 2011, provides for the supply of approximately 3.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG to India over a 20-year period.

The import of US LNG is strategically important for India, which is heavily reliant on imported energy to meet its growing demand. By diversifying its energy sources, India can reduce its vulnerability to supply disruptions and price volatility. The LNG agreement with Cheniere Energy also provides India with access to a reliable and competitively priced source of natural gas.

The US, in turn, benefits from the LNG agreement by gaining access to a large and growing market for its natural gas. The export of LNG also helps to reduce the US trade deficit and create jobs in the energy sector. The LNG trade between India and the US is expected to grow significantly in the coming years, as India's demand for natural gas continues to increase.

The LNG agreement between GAIL and Cheniere Energy is governed by a comprehensive legal framework, which includes provisions on price, quantity, delivery schedule, and dispute resolution. The agreement also complies with all applicable laws and regulations in both India and the US.

The LNG trade between India and the US is not without its challenges. One of the main challenges is the issue of infrastructure. India needs to invest in additional LNG terminals and pipelines to be able to receive and distribute the growing volume of LNG imports. Another challenge is the issue of price. The price of LNG can fluctuate significantly depending on market conditions, and India needs to ensure that it is able to secure LNG at competitive prices. Despite these challenges, the LNG trade between India and the US is expected to remain a key component of the bilateral relationship.

The Global Entrepreneurship Summit: Fostering Innovation

In addition to the agreements on defense, maritime security, and energy, India and the US also co-hosted the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES) in Hyderabad in 2018. This summit, held annually since 2010, brings together emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and supporters from around the world to network, share ideas, and forge partnerships.

The 2018 GES marked the first time that the summit was held in South Asia, and it focused on the theme "Women First, Prosperity for All." The summit highlighted the importance of women's entrepreneurship in driving economic growth and social progress. It also provided a platform for women entrepreneurs from around the world to showcase their businesses and connect with potential investors and mentors.

Niti Aayog, the Government of India's premier policy think tank, served as the lead Indian agency for the GES, in partnership with the Telangana state government. The summit attracted over 1,500 participants from more than 150 countries, including a large delegation from the US.

The GES is a valuable platform for promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in India. It provides Indian entrepreneurs with access to global networks and expertise, and it helps to attract foreign investment to India's startup ecosystem. The summit also showcases India as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

The GES is not just a one-time event, but rather part of a broader effort by the Indian government to promote entrepreneurship and innovation. The government has launched a number of initiatives to support startups, including the Startup India program, which provides funding, mentorship, and incubation support to early-stage ventures. The government has also been working to create a more favorable regulatory environment for startups, by simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucratic hurdles.

Historical Context: The Evolution of India-US Relations

The deepening of India-US relations in 2018 was the culmination of a long and complex historical process. During the Cold War, India and the US had a strained relationship due to India's non-aligned foreign policy and its close ties with the Soviet Union. However, after the end of the Cold War, the two countries began to forge closer ties, driven by shared strategic interests and economic opportunities.

In the 1990s, India and the US began to cooperate on issues such as counter-terrorism, non-proliferation, and economic reform. The two countries also began to conduct joint military exercises and engage in defense cooperation. The relationship between India and the US was further strengthened after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, as both countries recognized the need to work together to combat terrorism.

In the 2000s, India and the US signed a number of landmark agreements, including the Civil Nuclear Agreement, which allowed India to access civilian nuclear technology. The two countries also launched a number of joint initiatives in areas such as education, health, and energy. The relationship between India and the US has continued to grow in recent years, driven by a shared strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region.

The evolution of India-US relations can be traced through several key historical precedents. The first major turning point was the end of the Cold War, which removed the ideological barriers that had previously hindered cooperation. The second was the economic liberalization of India in the 1990s, which opened up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries. The third was the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which highlighted the need for greater cooperation on counter-terrorism.

Previous US presidential visits to India have also played a significant role in shaping the relationship. President Bill Clinton's visit in 2000 was a watershed moment, as it signaled a new era of closer cooperation between the two countries. President George W. Bush's visit in 2006 further strengthened the relationship, as it led to the signing of the Civil Nuclear Agreement. President Barack Obama visited India twice, in 2010 and 2015, and both visits were marked by significant progress in bilateral relations.

Stakeholder Positions: Diverse Interests and Perspectives

The deepening of India-US relations is supported by a broad range of stakeholders, both in India and the US. However, different stakeholders have different interests and perspectives on the relationship.

India's official position is that it seeks to strengthen its strategic partnership with the US for mutual benefit. India's underlying interests include enhanced security cooperation, access to US technology and investment, and diversification of its energy sources. The Indian government has taken a number of actions to promote the relationship, including engaging in high-level dialogues, signing agreements, and participating in joint initiatives.

The United States' official position is that it views India as a key strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region. The US's underlying interests include counter-terrorism cooperation, maritime security, and the promotion of free and open trade. The US government has taken a number of actions to support the relationship, including approving defense sales, engaging in joint military exercises, and supporting India's membership in international forums.

Indian travelers are also stakeholders in the relationship, as they seek ease and convenience in international travel. Their underlying interests include reduced wait times and simplified immigration procedures when traveling to the US. Many Indian citizens have applied for the Global Entry Program to expedite their entry into the US.

Broader Implications: A Multifaceted Partnership

The strengthening of India-US relations has a number of broader implications, across a range of areas.

Politically, the relationship strengthens the strategic partnership between India and the US, which is based on shared values and interests. Diplomatically, the relationship enhances bilateral relations and increases cooperation on global issues, such as climate change, terrorism, and pandemics. Legally, the relationship requires the implementation of agreements and adherence to international laws and regulations.

In terms of security, the relationship improves maritime security and defense cooperation, which is essential for maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Economically, the relationship increases trade and investment flows between the two countries, which benefits both economies. Socially, the relationship promotes greater people-to-people exchanges and cultural understanding, which helps to build trust and goodwill.

Technologically, the relationship provides India with access to advanced US technology, which can help to boost its economic growth and development. While environmental implications were not directly addressed in the 2018 developments, increased cooperation in areas such as clean energy and climate change could have positive environmental impacts.

Connections and Context: Ongoing Issues and Future Outlook

The deepening of India-US relations is connected to a number of related ongoing issues, including the Indo-Pacific Strategy, counter-terrorism cooperation, and trade negotiations between India and the US.

The Indo-Pacific Strategy is a US-led initiative to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region, which is seen as a response to China's growing assertiveness in the region. India is a key partner in the Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the two countries are working together to promote maritime security, economic development, and good governance in the region.

Counter-terrorism cooperation is another important area of cooperation between India and the US. Both countries have been victims of terrorism, and they are working together to share intelligence, disrupt terrorist networks, and prevent terrorist attacks.

Trade negotiations between India and the US are ongoing, with the aim of reducing trade barriers and increasing trade flows between the two countries. The two countries have a large and growing trade relationship, but there are still a number of issues that need to be resolved, such as tariffs, intellectual property rights, and agricultural subsidies.

Looking to the future, the relationship between India and the US is expected to continue to strengthen, with increased cooperation in defense, trade, and strategic areas. There is potential for further agreements on technology transfer and investment, as well as increased cooperation on global issues. The India-US relationship is one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world, and it is expected to play an increasingly important role in shaping the global order. The convergence of strategic interests, coupled with growing economic ties and people-to-people exchanges, provides a strong foundation for continued cooperation and partnership between the two countries. However, navigating the complexities of a rapidly changing world and addressing potential areas of divergence will be crucial for realizing the full potential of this relationship.