Oil import from Russia, Chabahar deal with Iran… still understand how India is helping America.

Harshvardhan Shringla: A country cannot choose its geography or its neighbors and the constraints associated with them. India’s 15,200 km long land border is twice its 7,500 km long coastline. Geographical and geopolitical factors ensure that 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value is carried by sea. Therefore, sea routes of trade have been a major concern for India. Barriers to overland trade and movement linking Afghanistan and Central Asia and beyond to the Eurasian landmass have been particularly problematic. India has supported multi-modal transport corridors in its east and west to overcome these constraints. Investments in Sittwe port in Myanmar and Chabahar in Iran are two examples of this strategy. Sittwe is a part of the Kaladan multi-modal project while Chabahar was connected to the Zaranj Delaram Highway built in Afghanistan.

America raised eyebrows due to Chabahar

India is also working on the India-Middle East-Europe (IMEC) corridor with the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and several European countries. Whereas with the withdrawal of America the situation has changed in Afghanistan and Central Asia. The realities of India’s geography are in front. It is in this context that the agreement between Indian Ports Global Limited (IPGL) and Iran’s Port and Maritime Organization (PMO) needs to be seen. However, within hours of the Chabahar agreement being signed, the US cautioned against getting involved in trade with Iran, citing the potential risk of sanctions. This statement sparked speculation of tension in US-India relations. These statements must be kept in proper perspective.

America has been overshadowing India-Iran relations, friendship between the two countries has not always been easy, understand

Strength of India-US relations

India-US relations have matured significantly in the last decade. This transformation has been marked by increased strategic cooperation, particularly in the defense sector. The $4 billion deal to buy MQ-9B armed drones in February is the latest in the series. It has seen a jump of $20 billion in defense trade since 2000. This is when defense trade between the two was negligible. Some of the major developments in this regard include India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (ICET), India’s entry into the Artemis Accords in Outer Space, cooperation in semiconductors, cooperation in combat aircraft engines and security of sea lines of communication in the Indian Ocean. Cooperation is involved in ensuring. Additionally, both countries have shown a united front on global issues such as climate change and counter-terrorism. High-level diplomatic engagements have further strengthened this partnership, making it one of the most consequential relationships in the 21st century.

Was trying for 20 years… Thanks to both, Jaishankar remembered Iranian President Raisi, Foreign Minister Amirabdullahian

Both countries ready to discuss disagreements

One measure of how far India-US relations have come is the unveiling of an ambitious roadmap to establish India and the US as ‘trusted technology partners’. This understanding institutionalizes a framework to overcome regulatory barriers and export controls, particularly on the US side. The achievement of this understanding is considered an important milestone in India-US relations which have been on the progress path for almost 25 years. It is natural that there will be disagreements between two countries on some issues. But the days of India and America talking to each other are now behind. Given the current state of relations, when irritations arise, both parties sit down to discuss and resolve them. For example, when India decided to import oil from Moscow despite objections from Washington, India was able to explain the necessity of this decision to maintain stability in global oil markets. This practical approach helped America to understand India’s situation. Similarly, the Chabahar deal is not just about India’s interests but also about regional stability and connectivity which the US values.

Pakistan failed for the first time in the history of foreign policy, relations between India and China deteriorated, expert reprimanded

India’s step on the lines of America

By investing in the development of Chabahar port, India aims to improve connectivity with Central Asia and Afghanistan. This, in turn, will benefit the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), which has faced setbacks due to the conflict in Ukraine. India’s action mirrors US action in 2015, when the P5+1 signed the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) with Iran. Although viewpoints may differ. Both the Chabahar Port Agreement and the JCPOA share the dual goals of preventing Tehran from pursuing its nuclear program and enabling Iran to integrate into the global economic system. Given this, a more nuanced understanding of the situation is required.

American threat has no effect, India and Russia again made a record, know the whole matter

How is India achieving global power?

India and the US have distinctly unique histories and, as a result, have different approaches to engaging with other countries. Washington has been dealing with treaty-based alliance partners for decades. In contrast, New Delhi has traditionally protected its independence through its non-aligned approach. This difference in approach highlights the need for a more sophisticated understanding of the dynamics of the game. India and the US have agreed that their cooperation will be for the ‘global good’. Therefore, it is important that the US understands that India’s agreement with Iran is a connectivity effort to bring prosperity. This is beneficial to the broader international community, in line with Washington’s vision of a rules-based world order. The US has shown flexibility and maturity in its dealings with India in the past – something New Delhi hopes will move the relationship forward.