APD | Joe Biden-Administration's relations with India and its impact on China

Author: Prof. Engr. Zamir Ahmed Awan, Sinologist (ex-Diplomat), Editor, Analyst, Non-Resident Fellow of CCG (Center for China and Globalization), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. (E-mail: [email protected]).

Congratulations! Joe Biden has been taken oath as the 46th U.S. president, terminating one of the most intense political transitions in modern American history. Due to various internal threats, heavy deployment of troops has turned Capital Washington into a military Garrison. The security measured taken never witnessed in the past. Donald Trump - who has not formally acknowledged the presidency to Mr. Joe Biden - ridiculed the opening ceremony, in a departure from longstanding precedent, Vice-President Mr. Pence handed over the Presidency to Mr. Joe Bidden. Mr. Trump has become the first president not to appear his successor's inauguration since 1869. He left the White House early on Wednesday and flew to the nearby Andrews Air Force base.

President Joe Biden, 78, was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942. At the young age of only 29, in 1972, he became one of the youngest persons ever elected to the U.S. Senate. He went on to serve as a six-term senator from Delaware. A well-versed, mature politician, having served under several US-administrations, having gained an in-depth understanding of state affairs, received warm welcome from all around the world and messages of good wishes. He is a ray of hope for many Americans and hopes for the rest of the world.

Trump-era was full of controversies, chaos, and unrest, during the last couple of months, he has created an enormous mess. Significantly, his personal relations with PM Modi have out of the way favored India. The agreements made with India under his administrations are illogical and irresponsible. He kept his eyes closed over Indian excessive violations of human rights, excessive use of military force against minorities, especially in Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, Punjab, Bihar, etc. He over-looked Indian poor religious freedom records and granted special concessions and favors to Indian exporters and entrepreneurs. The job market was opened for Indian nationals. The hate, turmoil, and internal drive he has left behind him, are an inheritance to President Joe Biden.

Joe Biden was the lobbyist for US_India relations since the early days of the 1990s. He convinced several adiministartions on importance of India. But real success was witnessed when China surpassed the German Economy in 2006 and alarmed the Americans that China is rising quickly. It was the time When Indian lobbyists in the U.S. succeeded in convincing the Government to give more importance to India to counter China, contain China, resist China's rise. President Joe was promotor of India-US relations. In fact, he was real architect of this relationship or anti-China Alliance.

Principally, Joe Biden-Administration wanted to strengthen its relations with India. But he can not ignore the growing extremism and polarization in India. He may not compromise over Indian human rights violations. It will be challenging for him to keep his eyes closed over its treatment of minorities and poor religious freedom records. Simply he may not support PM Modi's policies. He understands the cost of supporting Indian extremism, violations of Human Rights, suppression of Kashmiris and minorities. He may not support PM Modi in the manner how ex-President Trump was dealing with him.

Joe Biden Administration has appointed many Indian origin-Americans in his government at decision making or policy making positions. Which may serve a strong pro-India lobby. Some of them are extremist and may harm China and regional peace.

But President Joe Biden may support the restoration of a democratic and secular India. He may strengthen collaboration with India, specifically to Anti-China Alliance. He may use polite language publicly but will take strict action to counter China, contain China, and create a hurdle in China's further development.

India is a cunning and opportunist nation. They can go to any extend to please the U.S. regarding anti-China sentiments to gain maximum benefits. India has been using Anti-China cards to attract President Trump's attention and may keep using similar tactics to attract President Joe Biden.

However, it is desired that hate and cold-war mentality may reach an end, and an environment of collaboration and cooperation may be generated to resolve all diffirences and challenges faced by humankind in any part of the world.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)