Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018

SPOTLIGHT T he impact of initiating complementary defence and diplomatic outcomes reveals the need to institutionalise competing socio-political and geo-strategic components, many of which will remain irreconcilable, especially given India’s indigenous self- conscious concept of applied sovereignty. Formalisation of relations means openly dealing with contentious issues in a manner that serves India’s national interest. A US led initiative can fortify New Delhi’s historic role in engaging Pakistani militancy; in effect soliciting political alternatives countering the Citadel’s militancy to Mohammed Jinnah’s ideal of a functioning Islamic Republic. 2+2 = INDACOM The advances in synchronising US–Indian defence and diplomatic portfolios termed “2+2 Summit” reveal startling reversals for the Americans who preferred war management through the National Security Council’s direct line to the President. The Trump cabinet has decided to work policy objectives through begetting formal institutions, in the hope of building a preponderance of culture that animates combatant Tacit Prudence The Americans will need to learn how to accept India’s concept of sovereignty, especially with respect to Indian relations with American enemies. There are profound lessons that the ameliorated US State Department can learn from Indian soft power and New Delhi’s sensitivity to balancing competing interests in a difﬁ cult neighborhood. Demonstrating American commitment to an independent and sovereign India, President Trump pushed the signing of an accord (Communications, Compatibility and Security Pact) effectively granting India access to secret global American networked communications. This means India’s military will possess enhanced security cooperation guarantees. Senior Trump ofﬁ cials are expecting a joint US-Indian military exercises for 2019. Balancing the Bear India’s historic relation with Russia is evident in New Delhi’s willingness to purchase the Russian-made missile air defense system (S400 Triumf). Currently, India has put a hold on the purchase because it is reconsidering how The Americans and Indians have permanent vested interests in stability vis-a-vis Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ironically, both may conceive varying concepts regarding the rise of China, yet both India and the United States possess democratic institutions that offer a normative basis for collaboration. commands of current regions (CENTCOM etc.). The long aim is to build a reservoir of talent serving the entire subcontinent. The signiﬁ cance of India and the Indo-Paciﬁ c region requires a thriving combatant command where the best policy experts can work through current war aims in Afghanistan while serving greater interests in promoting regional security. Historically, the Indian-American security establishment possesses extraordinary similarities; both nations possess remarkably similar interests, value the primacy of civil society over confessional identities, and have fought the British after a difﬁ cult suzerainty. The Americans and Indians have permanent vested interests in stability vis-a-vis Pakistan and Afghanistan. Ironically, both may conceive varying concepts regarding the rise of China, yet both India and the United States possess democratic institutions that offer a normative basis for collaboration. best to fortify its own industrial-defence base. At present, India possesses 24 multi-role MH-60 Romeo choppers from Sikorsky-Lockheed Martin to detect, track, and hunt enemy submarines. New Delhi has approved a $1 billion acquisition of Raytheon’s National Advanced surface-to-air missile defence shield. Lest we forget, India was the ﬁ rst international buyer to purchase the American P8 Poseidon naval surveillance aircraft. India is currently looking for foreign partners to supply 111 naval utility helicopters for replacing an aging ﬂ eet of Alouette, Cheetah, and Chetak helicopters. The best contenders to replace the ageing ﬂ eet are the Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), Bell Helicopter’s Bell 429, as well as TASL and Lockheed Martin’s customized S-76D. To beat Moscow from exerting influence over a valuable partner, the Americans need to fortify their commitment to New Delhi. Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 9 • September 2018, Noida • 25

Diplomatist Magazine DIplomatist September 2018 | Page 25