The dualism Obama represents

It has been repeatedly asserted by the Manmohan Singh government that India has developed a very special strategic partnership with the US and that it has been further strengthened by the prime minister's personal relationship with American presidents like George Bush and Barack Obama . Americans have also reciprocated by emphasising that they are 'natural allies' of democratic India. These statements, made either by the American or Indian foreign and strategic policymakers, are sugar-coated sentiments conveying nothing of substance.

Every country is guided by its own national interests and there is no place for permanent friends or enemies while dealing with concrete issues of bilateral or multilateral international relationships. It should not be forgotten that America is interested in promoting its business interests, especially given that India has emerged as a big market for American commodities.

A report by the Centre for a New American Security called 'National allies: A blueprint for the future of US-India relations' suggested that the "US modify its export control measures... permitting increased exports of defence-related technology and goods to India". This is the main objective of the promotion of the bilateral relationship by characterising it a very special strategic partnership between the US and India.

The same sentiment was authoritatively expressed by US under secretary for political affairs William Burns on October 21, 2010 that the US and India were talking on 'adapting and reforming' US export laws so that 'India can be treated as a partner and not as a target'.

Clearly, 'the business of America is to do business' and it seems immature on Indian part to celebrate the emerging relationship as very 'special' only for India. American presidents have always been promoters of the business interests of their own countrymen. American multinational corporations collect funds for presidential elections in return for promotion of their business interests at a global level. While trade and business is only one part of the story, the other side is security and the defence interests of India. Which, in effect, the Americans are completely insensitive to.

A few facts deserve to be mentioned to substantiate the argument that America is arming Pakistan on the specious plea of fighting the Taliban. Pakistan has already secured around $7.5 billion under the Kerry-Lugar aid Bill for five years. And on October 22, the US also announced $2.29 billion as military aid to Pakistan. It is ironical for Indians that the 'natural ally' is unmindful of their security concerns. It is utopian to believe that the Americans will help India in the fight against terrorism originating from Pakistan, whose reach now extends to Mumbai and Pune.

Further, Pakistan has no interest in fighting the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan because in post-Nato Kabul, Pakistan will have a friendly regime. Indians should forget about any role in post-Nato Afghanistan because neither Pakistan nor the Taliban would allow an Indian presence there. The only contribution of the Americans in South Asia after their withdrawal from Afghanistan will be to leave a well-armed and well-equipped Pakistan.

If these are the realities of geostrategic issues, there should be some weighty reason that India and America are hyperbolic about their relations. The Centre for a New American Security has argued that "a growing closeness between India and the US was important because although neither sought the containment of China, the likelihood of a peaceful Chinese rise increases if it ascends in a region where the great democratic powers are strong."

This remark and also statements from the American state department clearly posit China as a factor in the Asian power system. Indian policymakers have always brushed under the carpet the China factor in an evolving Asia while the Americans have made it public that India and China are important and inter-related areas of operation, cooperation and conflict. Indians would be foolhardy if they allow any role for the Americans as their interlocutor with China. India and China have enough resources of their own to resolve their mutual concerns.

Clearly, America is pursuing its own economic and strategic goals in South Asia and business with India is a priority because of it's an emerging market. The US security interests can be taken care of by Pakistan even if it adversely affects India. In brief, much should not be read into Obama's visit.