Answer from Arthur Herman & Aparna Pande:
[H]America is approaching its relationship with India – the world’s largest democracy, its most populous country and soon its third largest economy – which may determine the balance of power in the world in the 21st century… current hegemonic ambitions, India stands out as a single country its economic power, military power and political values can clearly shift the balance of power towards the US and other democracies around the world.More than 17 percent of the world’s population lives in India. India is poised to become the third largest economy in the world by 2030 (its GDP stands at $3.94 trillion and is expected to reach $10 trillion by 2035). Its economic growth has been around 7 percent per year for the past decade, and promises to remain strong in the future.
…As far as cultures related to the US and the West are concerned, it is important to remember that India is the largest English-speaking nation in the world. It is a vocal supporter of international norms and international trade institutions such as the GATT and the WTO, which maintain a free global system.
…For the relationship to truly deepen, however, there are important steps both sides must take.
First, India needs to open up its still closed economy, a legacy of its socialist past. It needs to adapt to future markets, strengthen production, continue to build its infrastructure and invest even more in its workforce. India also needs to increase its defense spending from 1.6 percent to 2.5 to 3 percent, and diversify its suppliers to include the most important ones from the West, including the US.
Second, the US will benefit from American companies treating the Indian market as an alternative to China in the manufacturing, high-tech and defense industries. We must also respect the fact that as a post-colonial country with a world-class economy, and with a 5,000-year-old civilization, India will always see itself as a world power, not as an American ally, whose strategic interests are different – although very similar – to those of the US
India’s emergence as a global power will forever change the dynamic of competition between the US and China. A president who can properly navigate closer ties between India and America will not only counter the global ambitions and economic and military power of China, but can usher in a new era of growth and prosperity for both countries – indeed, for all three.
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