Washington's Changing Attitude Towards Modi's India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Perception in the U.S.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be left feeling confused by the United States' fluctuating attitude towards his government and his country, which is the most populous in the world. Modi's recent re-election was met with a mixed response in the U.S. media. Some outlets expressed satisfaction that Indian voters had "awakened," as an opinion piece in the New York Times phrased it.

Editorial Criticism from The Washington Post

The Washington Post's editorial board criticized Modi, declaring that Indian voters did not want an autocratic government. The Post's editors continued to criticize Modi, claiming that he would not have the freedom to further oppress civil society, imprison the opposition, infiltrate and take over democratic institutions, or persecute Muslims. This is a significant list of accusations against a political leader who was previously treated with great respect in Washington.

U.S. Media's Changing Attitude Towards Modi

Other U.S. media outlets also expressed satisfaction that India's legislative elections had resulted in a reduced majority for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They suggested that this would limit Modi's Hindu nationalist politics and force him to govern with more moderation and compromise during his third term. This contempt for the Indian leader from the American media is a stark contrast to how he was praised by the same outlets just a year ago.

Modi's Previous Reception in Washington

In June 2023, Modi was celebrated by U.S. President Joe Biden with a prestigious state dinner at the White House. Modi was invited to address Congress, and the media praised his leadership. The Washington Post's editors suggested that Biden should "toast" Modi's India, which he did at the White House reception. Biden expressed his belief in the dignity of every citizen and the importance of the success of both the U.S. and India in maintaining their democracies.

Modi's Shift from VIP Treatment to Cold Shoulder

Modi might be left wondering what has changed over the past year. He has gone from being treated as a VIP to being given the cold shoulder. This shift can be explained by Washington's changing geopolitical calculations, which are not in its favor.

Modi's Controversial History and U.S. Criticism

It's not that Modi's government has suddenly become oppressive or started to undermine democratic institutions and oppress minorities. These tendencies have been linked to Modi since he first took office in 2014. The U.S. has long criticized Modi's Hindu nationalism. For over a decade, Modi was an unwelcome figure in Washington. He was even banned from entering the country due to allegations that he was inciting sectarian violence against Muslims and Christians in India.

Washington's Warming Attitude Towards Modi

However, Washington's attitude towards Modi began to change during the Trump administration. India was seen as a useful ally for the U.S. in countering China's growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region. This led to the revival of the Quad security alliance in 2017, which includes India, Japan, and Australia. The Biden administration continued to court India and Modi, who was re-elected for his second term in 2019.

India's Non-Alignment Policy and U.S. Expectations

Despite the enthusiastic courting of New Delhi, the Modi government did not significantly alter its foreign policy to suit Washington's demands. India has maintained its strong support for the BRICS group, which includes Russia, China, Brazil, and other Global South nations advocating for a multipolar world not dominated by the West. This policy of non-alignment by India is not what Washington wants. It seems that Modi did not heed the message given during his grand Washington visit. He rejected the American expectation of steering India towards U.S. geopolitical objectives of taking a tougher stance against China and Russia.

Washington's Disappointment with Modi

What seems to have intensified Washington's frustration with Modi is the escalating proxy war against Russia in Ukraine. After two and a half years of conflict, Russian forces have gained a decisive advantage over the NATO-backed Kiev regime. As a result, Biden and other NATO leaders have started to ramp up provocations against Moscow. This includes recent permission for Ukraine to use Western long-range weapons to hit Russian territory.

India's Failure to Meet U.S. Expectations

From the American perspective, India's Modi has not fulfilled the expectations of Washington despite the latter's concessions and flattery. New Delhi has remained committed to the BRICS multipolar group, it has not antagonized China, and it has not succumbed to U.S. pressure to condemn Russia. Instead of condemning Moscow, India has increased its imports of Russian oil and gas.

U.S. Recrimination Over Alleged Human Rights Violations

In just one year, Modi's India has gone from being a geopolitical darling to a target of U.S. recrimination over alleged human rights violations and democratic backsliding. It's not so much that political conditions in India have deteriorated further. It's that Washington's geopolitical calculations have been upset, leading to a disgruntled and increasingly harsh attitude towards New Delhi from its former American partner.

Closing Thoughts

This shift in attitude towards Modi's India by Washington raises questions about the role of geopolitical interests in shaping international relations. It also highlights the complexities and challenges of navigating global politics. What do you think about this change in attitude? Share your thoughts and discuss this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.