U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton will travel to India next week for the second installment of the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue. Secretary Clinton will meet with her counterpart S.M. Krishna when the delegations convene in New Delhi on July 19 to discuss a range of issues aimed at strengthening the U.S.-India partnership including joint counter-terrorism efforts, Afghanistan, defense cooperation, and high-tech trade. Clinton also will travel to the Indian city of Chennai -- considered a “tech hub” of India’s economic juggernaut -- to tour a Ford factory and host a town hall meeting. The visit will mark Secretary Clinton’s second visit to India in her capacity as the top U.S. diplomat and will be the final stop on a three-nation tour that included stopovers in Turkey and Greece.
Analysis:
Clinton’s visit to India presents a valuable opportunity for both the United States and India to showcase on the global stage the enduring nature of the U.S.-India partnership. The strength of the U.S.-India partnership has come under harsh scrutiny following New Delhi’s rejection of U.S. defense company bids to build India’s next fighter jet. Moreover, the commitment to strengthening U.S.-India relations has been tested by New Delhi’s inability to resolve liability issues necessary for U.S. companies to move forward with business arrangements under the U.S.-Indian civilian nuclear cooperation agreement. Despite the recent turbulence, the U.S.-India partnership remains critical to both Washington and New Delhi. India’s vast population and rising middle class present invaluable opportunities for American businesses. And Washington and New Delhi remain essential partners in a region where instability in Pakistan is an ever present threat and Chinese strategic intentions remain murky.
[Carolyn Leddy held senior positions with the U.S. Department of State and the National Security Council under the George W. Bush administration.]
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