TLDR;
This video explores the complex and often strained relationship between India and the United States, tracing its historical roots from the 1950s to the present day. It examines key events and decisions that have shaped Indian skepticism towards the U.S., including military alliances with Pakistan, perceived lack of support during conflicts, and economic pressures. The video also highlights periods of cooperation and warming relations, particularly in the post-Cold War era and with the civil nuclear agreement. The analysis concludes by considering whether current tensions represent a transient disruption or a deeper resurgence of historical mistrust, influenced by factors such as nationalism, postcolonial sentiments, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
- Historical analysis of Indo-US relations from the 1950s to the present.
- Examination of key events shaping Indian skepticism towards the U.S.
- Discussion of periods of cooperation and warming relations.
- Consideration of current tensions and their potential impact on the future of the relationship.
The Nadir of Indo-US Relations [0:00]
Indo-US relations are currently strained, with the US seemingly losing India due to recent tensions. News headlines highlight the growing rift, stemming from US dissatisfaction with India's oil purchases from Russia and perceived inadequate market access for the US. The Trump administration has imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, while simultaneously investing in its relationship with Pakistan, including General Asim Munir's visits and meetings with President Trump. These events have revived historical suspicions of the US among Indians, despite three decades of cooperation that culminated in the 2006 nuclear agreement.
The 1950s: Seeds of Distrust [1:09]
In 1953, Pakistan's General Ayub Khan sought military aid from the US, appealing to the US to make a decision soon regarding their army. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, critical of India's neutral stance, assured Khan of US support. By 1954, a defense treaty was signed between the US and Pakistan. President Eisenhower attempted to assuage Nehru's concerns, stating the weapons were to contain communism and not be used against India. Despite these assurances, Nehru was troubled by the consequences of the US-Pakistan alliance, leading to public outcry in India, which deeply affected the Indian body politic.
Nehru's Response and Tilt Towards the Soviet Union [4:41]
Nehru responded to Eisenhower's letter with subdued anger, limiting exchanges between India and America. In 1955, Nehru visited the Soviet Union, becoming the first non-communist leader to address its people on state television. Subsequently, the Soviet Union dropped its neutral stance on Kashmir, supporting India's claim. This solidified the division between India and Pakistan on the international stage, with India gaining a veto in its favor at the United Nations Security Council on the Kashmir issue. By the 1950s, skepticism towards the US was widespread in India, with the US perceived as not being on India's side.
Increased US Aid and Continued Alliance with Pakistan [6:28]
In the late 1950s, the US increased foreign aid to India to prevent the spread of communism in the subcontinent. Despite this, the US maintained its relationship with Pakistan, evident in 1960 when India's request to purchase Sidewinder missiles was denied, while Pakistan received them due to its alliance and intelligence cooperation with the US. During the 1962 war with China, the US provided significant political, diplomatic, and military support to India, leading Nehru to seek military assistance from the US, Great Britain, and other Western countries.
The 1965 War and Food Aid [10:00]
Serious clashes broke out on the Rann of Kutch in 1965, leading to criticism in India towards the US for allowing its military aid to Pakistan to be used against India. The US placed an arms embargo on both nations. In the mid-1960s, India faced a potential famine and relied on the US for wheat. President Johnson conditioned food aid on India adopting the Green Revolution package and liberalizing trade restrictions. This coercive approach led to resentment, with then agriculture minister C. Subramaniam noting that the US provides aid, but not graciously.
Nixon, Kissinger, and the 1971 War [12:58]
By 1969, Richard Nixon became the US president and sought to distance the US from South Asia. During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Nixon, despite public opinion, supported Pakistan and secretly planned to establish relations with China, using Islamabad as a transit point. This infuriated India, leading to the signing of a friendship treaty with the Soviets in August 1971. During Indira Gandhi's visit to Washington in November 1971, relations worsened, and the US sent the USS Enterprise to the Bay of Bengal during the India-Pakistan war, symbolizing American duplicity for decades to come.
Post-War Relations and Cultural Ties [15:59]
In 1975, US ambassador William Saxbe noted the deep-seated animosity towards the US in India, despite attempts at reconciliation. By 1980, the number of Indians in the US had significantly increased, with Indian immigrants becoming highly successful. Cultural ties grew stronger, and by the 1980s, Indira Gandhi sought friendlier relations with the US. Ronald Reagan also worked to improve relations, and by 1984, Rajiv Gandhi's tech-savvy leadership further strengthened India-US ties.
Post-Cold War Era and Nuclear Tests [18:07]
As the Cold War ended in 1991, India and the US were ready to establish a relationship on their own terms. However, this strengthening of relations was disrupted in 1998 when India conducted nuclear tests, leading to US sanctions and admonitions. Despite this, the tests were seen as a break and not a breaking point in the relationship.
The Civil Nuclear Agreement and Current Perspectives [19:27]
By the time George Bush came to power, the historical factors hindering India-US relations had largely been eliminated. In 2005, Condoleezza Rice transformed the debate by considering civilian nuclear energy cooperation with India. The civil nuclear agreement changed perceptions of ordinary Indians towards the US, fostering empathy and support. Current perspectives vary, with some viewing recent events as transient disruptions, while others see a resurgence of historical mistrust influenced by nationalism and postcolonial sentiments.