“Beep! Beep! Beep!” As my incredibly early 5:45 AM alarm goes off, I somehow manage to arise from my I-could-sleep-through-a-Beyoncé-concert-and-still-not-wake-up sleep, and rub as much sleep out of my eyes. The usual battle with my alarm clock ensues, as I beg it to give me 10 more minutes of my precious siesta, only to realize I’m late again. I rush to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth, as I race downstairs for breakfast.
This scene is typical for me, and probably many people, every Monday morning as we hustle and bustle our ways out the door. But fast forward to the end of that day, and you’ll meet a much more I-actually-kinda-have-my-act-together type of person. I didn’t have time to brush my hair this morning but can I still help you with that English project due tomorrow? Sure. I ate the second half of my breakfast today in class but will I still be super excited for the rally next week? You know it. And that’s usually because no matter what side of the bed we wake up on, most of us try not to let that influence the rest of our days.
The Monday morning struggles that we go through have little effect on us eight hours later, and to draw a parallel, even though you might have started on the wrong foot with someone, you can always rectify that and move on to build a stronger relationship, even though it may take some time. The connection with the international community? I’m talking about India and the U.S. Even though some misunderstandings and disagreements may have posed initial hurdles, both leading countries are well on their way to ending their “day” right. The single most distinct issue that pushed away and brought together these two powerful countries was India’s debatable nuclear program, so allow me to back you up on the facts with a brief history.
In the 1950s, the United States helped India develop nuclear energy under the Atoms for Peace program, by building a nuclear reactor for India, and even providing nuclear fuel for a while. All was going well until we hit 1968. In 1968, the global community drafted the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty or commonly known as the NPT, with the goal of preventing the rapid spread of nuclear weapons and promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Under the preface of the treaty being biased, India, along with additional states, refused to sign the NPT. Skip ahead to 1974, India tested its first nuclear bomb, demonstrating its capacity to develop nuclear weapons with technology transferred for peaceful purposes. Four years later, the Carter administration enacts the Nuclear Nonproliferation Act, which requires countries not included in the NPT (inclusive of India) to allow inspections of nuclear facilities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). India refuses, and Washington ends all nuclear assistance to Delhi. Unnerved, India continues to develop its nuclear capabilities, and completes a series of underground nuclear tests close to the border with Pakistan, raising fears that these tests could prompt a regional nuclear arms race.With the tests frowned upon by the world at large, the Clinton regime imposes economic sanctions on India.
However, Clinton’s 2000 visit to India marks the beginning of thawing the icy relationship between the two powers in regards to India’s nuclear tests. As India’s economy starts to develop rapidly, the visit indicates a significant shift in U.S.’ Cold War mentality of allying with Pakistan. A year later, the Bush administration lifts the sanctions that were imposed on India.
With relations notably warming between the two states, they reach a landmark nuclear deal, inking the Civil Nuclear Cooperation Initiative in 2005. This decade-long defense framework lifts a 30-year embargo on nuclear trade with India, and, under the agreement, India agrees to place all its civil resources under IAEA safeguards. In return, the U.S. would work toward full civil nuclear cooperation with India, and the two states work closely together in during the next 10 years.
Today marks the first-day-of-issue ceremony as the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) will commemorate the Hindu festival of Diwali with a stunning Forever stamp. Diwali, the festival of lights, celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and spans five days each fall. Though not a direct gesture towards India, the issuing of this stamp comes after meeting long pending demands of the Indian-American community, strengthening ties. Even on the official Diwali Stamp website, it lists reasons as to why the stamp should be issued, claiming it enhances U.S. - India relations as the festival was officially recognized in 2007, and President Obama was the first president to light the diya in 2009. These positive relations, of course, stem from the removal of tensions regarding India’s nuclear progress.
A partnership between India and the U.S. can prove to be incredibly beneficial to both parties, as they take final steps to waive the uneasiness of their Cold War front as well as the initial nuclear tests. There is an urgent need for both the United States and India to deepen their security relationship: to contain China. While Washington is visibly concerned about growing Chinese assertiveness in the South China Sea, India is equally anxious with Chinese territorial aggression in its land borders. From the U.S. perspective, to have India as a trusted partner and ally is advantageous to its overall grand strategy. According to The Diplomat, “India, with a population of 1.2 billion, living within a democratic set up, is politically structured to resonate with American values of democracy, individual liberty, and freedom. Henceforth, if America hopes to see a world with democratic values spreading, having India as a partner is definitely a force multiplier.”
These reasons, in combination with other shared interests such as combatting terrorism, developing their economies, investing in renewables, and civilian positive relations has set the two countries up for an impactful alliance. With the wounds from the Cold War and disputed nuclear tests well on their way to a full recovery, let’s hope that the Diwali stamp can light the way for a powerful partnership.
