Obama in India: What Can Be Achieved?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the implications of US President Barack Obama's visit to India, exploring potential outcomes in US-India relations, military alliances, and the geopolitical landscape involving China and Afghanistan. The scope includes political analysis, military strategy, and international relations.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the effectiveness of Obama's visit, suggesting that significant agreements may not be reached, with one citing a lack of clear objectives from Obama.
  • There is discussion about India's potential role as a military ally in Asia, with some arguing that India may be a better option than China for the US.
  • Concerns are raised about India's historical lack of military cooperation with the US in conflicts like Iraq and Afghanistan, questioning the feasibility of shifting US support from Pakistan to India.
  • Participants propose that substantial incentives, referred to as "an enormous carrot," would be necessary to engage India, including discussions around a nuclear deal.
  • Some contributions highlight the perspective of Chinese media, which downplays the threat posed by India and criticizes the West's portrayal of a rivalry between China and India.
  • There is a caution against viewing the US-India relationship solely through the lens of containing China, with suggestions that India seeks commercial benefits and military technology instead.
  • The historical context of China and India’s relationship is noted, with geographical barriers limiting their influence over each other despite ongoing disagreements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus, as multiple competing views remain regarding the effectiveness of the visit, the nature of US-India relations, and the implications for regional security involving China.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of clarity on specific agreements that may arise from the visit, the dependence on varying interpretations of geopolitical strategies, and unresolved questions about the historical context of military cooperation.

Monsterboy
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http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/25/politics/feat-india-visit-friendly-moments/index.html
http://m.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-30941646
US President Barack Obama is heading for India, but will anything get done?

The White House says it's "the first-ever second trip" for a president. And it shows the value Mr Obama places on the relationship between the US and India.

Still, some are sceptical it will amount to much - or that any deals will be reached, military or otherwise.

"I don't think the Indians are prepared for anything big," said Kurt Volker, a former US ambassador to NATO. "And I don't think Obama has a clear idea of what he wants."

On Day 2 India parades Russian tanks in front of Obama.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What role might India play in Afghanistan?
 
If you want a military ally in Asia (Japan is pacifist) it better be either China or India. At this point Obama might think India is his better shot.
 
I
Greg Bernhardt said:
If you want a military ally in Asia (Japan is pacifist) it better be either China or India. At this point Obama might think India is his better shot.
I don't recall India cooperating militarily either in Iraq or Afghanistan but for some reason US might be ditching Pakistan for India to maintain security in Afghanistan? http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/w...resees-continued-support-for-afghanistan.html
 
Last edited:
Greg Bernhardt said:
We would need to offer India an enormous carrot
That includes the nuclear deal that was signed on the first day of the visit.
 
Greg Bernhardt said:
We would need to offer India an enormous carrot
Or vice versa. After Mumbai, India has much at stake and would find US intelligence of high value. And who would be India's indispensable ally if China becomes aggressive in the future.
 
mheslep said:
And who would be India's indispensable ally if China becomes aggressive in the future.
The Chinese media downplays the threat.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-30978185
Chinese media outlets appear unimpressed with the deal. Recalling recent diplomatic rows between the US and India, Xinhua News Agency describes the apparently warm ties as "superficial".
"The US wants to use India to contain China, but Delhi may not agree to such a strategy. Instead, commercial benefits and military technology are the things that India is hoping to gain from the US," it says.

Tiger vs Dragon
Warning against the Western media's "ulterior motive" in playing up the China threat, an article in the Global Times cautions China and India not to "fall into the trap of rivalry set by the West".

The commentary notes a "stereotyped mindset" in Western media that India's move to forge closer ties with the US is "aimed at China".

"This time, the stereotyped mind-set seems to have prevailed again when the US president and Indian prime minister hugged in Delhi," says the article.

"This fixed pattern of thinking was created and hyped up by the West which, with ulterior motives, regards the 'Chinese dragon' and the 'Indian elephant' as natural rivals," it adds.

Cautioning India not to "slide" into "Western influence", the daily says that although Beijing and Delhi still have "disagreements on some specific matters", both should make sure that "the big picture remains intact".  

Meanwhile, Chinese leaders have pledged closer ties with India as the South Asian country marks its 66th Republic Day on Monday.
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  • #10
Monsterboy said:
Chinese media downplays
China and India may have been historically "at odds" with one another, and may still be, but geographical barriers have prevented both from anything more than unsuccessful attempts to influence/dominate areas of Indo-China.
 

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