2+2 talks a winwin situation for India, US
India’s maiden 2+2 talks with USA representatives is a quantum jump in US-India relations. The US has an eye on its revived Asia strategy, in which it sees India as a counterfoil to China.
Pakistan thought it can remain cool and even rebuff US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and American joint chief of staff General Dumfort, who visited Pakistan for a few hours on September 4, en route to India, demanding that Pakistan (read the Pakistani Army) do more against their sponsored jehadis. In India, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, bypassing all protocol, went herself to receive her US counterpart Mike Pompeo at the airport. Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman met her American counterpart (defence secretary) James Mattis, who came directly from the US. This was very much in keeping with the Indian tradition of welcoming a guest, more so when they are visiting us for the first time. The talks were held on September 5. India finally signed the land mark US-India pact, the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), on the occasion. India had been hedging signing of this agreement, which enables installation of all top secret encrypment equipment of US origin on US origin Indian platforms, enabling Indian forces to talk to US forces. India was not signing this earlier due to fear that the US may come to know the location of various ships of the Indian Navy. Sitharaman hailed the signing of Comcasa deal as elevating US-India bilateral relations to unprecedented heights. The US also depicted it as a breakthrough. Significantly, in the joint press conference after these Indo-US talks, both sides demanded Pakistan act on Pakistan-sponsored jehadis. The truth is that the USA has revamped its India-Pacific strategy in the face of growing Chinese strength.
This strategy covers the massive geography spreading from the US West Coast to India. The US is convinced that India can act as a regional counterweight to Chinese expansion. Mattis has said in plain terms, “We see the strengthening of Indian democracy, its military, its economy as a stabilising element in the world. What we must understand is that the deepening of the US-India relationship is centred around promoting a regional agenda of ensuring freedom of the seas and skies, promoting market economies, supporting good governance and protecting sovereign nations from coercion. Towards this end, the US had declared India as a major defence partner in 2016. Now, signing of Comcasa will promote greater cooperation in the defence field and counterterrorism.
Some defence and strategic experts of India have voiced concern over these 2+2 talks. They have said while US has got what it wanted, what did India get? They are referring to two sore points: of the US imposing sanctions on Russia and Iran and by default these sanctions also affecting those countries who are dealing with Iran and Russia in terms of secondary sanctions. 70% of the Indian Armed Forces equipment is Russian for which India constantly needs spares.
Besides, India is buying from Russia S-4 Anti missile system for six billion dollars.
In addition, a secret deal is signed between India and Russia for transfer of second Akula-2 class nuclear submarine to India on lease for two billion dollars. India is already operating the first Akula-2 class Russian nuclear submarine as Chakra. There is also the unconfirmed news that instead of six diesel-electric submarines which India is planning to build for its navy, Russia may help India build six nuclear powered submarines at a much lower cost. As for Iran, this country is the third largest supplier of energy to India.
A lot of Indian refineries have been built to suit refining of Iran crude oil only. Also, India is building the Chabahar port in Iran which allows India to reach Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.
Whatever public posture the US may adopt, in these 2+2 talks it has heard and understood the Indian point of view on these two issues. Both countries will find a way out because it suits the US also. All said and done the maiden 2+2 talks, which will now be held yearly, are a win-win situation for both countries and must be pursued with vigour.
BRIG (RETD) ARUN
BAJPAI