A boost for a relationship that was being questioned

2+2 dialogue: It is important to keep in mind that the USIndia relationship is a marathon, not a sprint

High-level diplomatic engagements are usually stodgy and stiff affairs. Even between partners, leaders usually emerge from talks looking like they would rather be anywhere but in front of media cameras. Handshakes are often staged, smiles often forced.

But the photographs taken after the 2+2 dialogue between the United States and India on September 6 tell something different. All four leaders — US secretary of defence James Mattis, US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, minister of external affairs Sushma Swaraj, and defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman, are not only smiling, but they are waving to the cameras. Beaming, the quartet looks happy. Such diplomatic photos are a rarity, if not unprecedented.

But these four leaders have earned the right to be happy. By holding a dialogue as successful as the one just concluded, they have delivered a shot of adrenaline into a relationship that, as recently as a few weeks ago, was openly being questioned. In doing so, they have delivered a strong, forceful message that the strategic partnership between their countries is enduring and can overcome any issues that may divide them.

The 2+2 dialogue was a long time in coming. Even after the structure was announced in July 2017, the dialogue was postponed twice, leading many to speculate on whether it would ever happen. As 2018 dragged on, it seemed that friction between the two countries was filling the headlines. Whether it was trade issues, H1-B visas, or Russian arms sales, the relationship was drifting.

This backdrop only highlights the success that the quartet pulled off. While some of the deliverables could be expected, such as the conclusion of the next enabling communications defence agreement and the focus on counterterrorism, some of the other substantive commitments were not

So, when a Facebook friend referred to Confucius’ quote on hearing, seeing and doing, I went into a trance. The quote was: “I hear and I forget/ I see and I remember/ I do and I understand.” This quote will strike the very core of hearts of most of us who believe in action. Action is the culmination of dreams, thoughts and planning into a process that would shape or reshape your life. Action is real, close to truth. When we act, we tend to put into play what we had heard or seen.

Getting into action for a good cause is always a sure thing.

Most notable among these was the joint commitment to begin exchanges between their respective navies with an eye towards increasing cooperation in the western Indian Ocean. This marks the first time that the Indian Ocean has received more than a cursory mention in statements by the two countries. The region has just not been a priority for the United States, and India has been reluctant to partner with other countries there, considering it India’s “neighbourhood”. So its inclusion in the 2+2 marks an important evolution in the assertiveness of both countries in the region.

Similarly, media reports indicate that the United States and India are now close to reaching agreement on a deal to significantly curtail India’s oil imports from Iran. For years, despite the perpetual protestations of the United States, India has resisted such a move, citing the importance of maintaining the security of its energy supply, which is critical for national security as well as economic growth.

But the biggest success was perhaps simply changing the conversation. For too many months, the relationship had been marked by a focus on what divides the two countries, rather than what unites them. The continual talk of tariffs, trade, sanctions, and visas had officials criticising each other and was becoming an irritant in the relationship. With one dialogue, the 2+2 has altered the narrative and refocused the relationship on to the strategic issues where they see eye-to-eye. The biggest success of the dialogue was simply that it happened.

Of course, we are not out of the woods yet. The quartet omitted a few thorny issues from their public statements, including India’s imminent purchase of the S-400 Russian missile system, and global issues such as climate change and third-country assistance. In addition, many had been hoping that the two countries would announce a commitment to multilateral military exercises, especially those taking place in the Indo-Pacific. That too seems to be missing from the otherwise rosy language.

But even so, it is important to keep in mind that the US-India relationship is a marathon, not a sprint. A strategic partnership such as this one requires patience, sustained dialogue, and smart implementation. And that is where the true success of the dialogue will ultimately be measured. If both sides can take these commitments, turn them into concrete actions, and then build on them for future achievements, then the leaders will be smiling for years to come.

INDIA HAS BEEN RELUCTANT TO PARTNER WITH OTHER COUNTRIES ON THE ISSUE OF THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN, BUT ITS INCLUSION IN THE 2+2 TALKS MARKS AN EVOLUTION IN THE ASSERTIVENESS OF BOTH THE COUNTRIES IN THE REGION

everybody’s responsibility. Most of us, most of the time, don’t act, and tend to while away our time and energy. We simply await for what we call ‘a good time.’ This is sheer ignorance and daydreaming. The ultimate thing, good for ourselves and for the rest of the humanity, lies in action and not in mere thoughts.