From H-1B visa to key areas requiring attention: Dhruva Jaishankar on challenges in India-US ties

The relationship between India and the United States has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a period of Cold War estrangement to a robust strategic partnership in the 21st century. This evolution is driven by a convergence of shared democratic values, economic interests, and strategic imperatives, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. However, like any complex bilateral relationship, it is not without its challenges, as highlighted by discussions from experts like Dhruva Jaishankar. Understanding these challenges is crucial for competitive exam aspirants.

Historically, India's non-aligned stance during the Cold War often placed it at odds with US foreign policy objectives. Post-Cold War, especially after India's economic liberalization in the early 1990s, the relationship began to thaw. Key milestones include the landmark India-US Civilian Nuclear Agreement signed in 2008, which effectively ended India's nuclear isolation and signaled a new era of cooperation. Since then, the partnership has deepened across various sectors including defense, trade, technology, and people-to-people ties, culminating in the elevation of the relationship to a 'Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership'.

One of the most frequently discussed and critical challenges, explicitly mentioned in the article's title, is the H-1B visa issue. The H-1B visa program allows US employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations. For India, this visa is vital as it facilitates the deployment of skilled Indian IT professionals to the US, contributing significantly to India's service exports and remittances. However, the program has been a recurring point of contention. Concerns in the US often revolve around alleged misuse, impact on American jobs, and wage suppression, leading to debates about tightening regulations, increasing application fees, or reducing visa caps. Policies like the 'Buy American, Hire American' executive order under previous US administrations have created uncertainty for Indian IT companies and professionals. This issue directly impacts India's thriving IT sector and its ability to leverage its demographic dividend for global economic opportunities.

Beyond the H-1B visa, other 'key areas requiring attention' typically include trade imbalances and disputes. While bilateral trade has grown significantly, reaching over $120 billion in goods and services in 2022, disagreements persist over market access, tariffs, and non-tariff barriers. India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-Reliant India) initiative, while aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing, has sometimes raised concerns in the US regarding its potential impact on foreign investment and market access for US goods. Issues such as intellectual property rights protection, agricultural subsidies, and e-commerce regulations are frequently discussed at forums like the US-India Trade Policy Forum.

Geopolitical divergences, though less prominent given the strategic convergence, can also present challenges. While both nations align on a free and open Indo-Pacific, their approaches to certain global issues or regional partners might occasionally differ, requiring careful diplomatic navigation. For instance, India's historical ties with Russia, particularly in defense procurement (e.g., the S-400 missile deal), have sometimes led to concerns in Washington regarding potential implications under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Key stakeholders in navigating these challenges include the governments of both nations (India's Ministry of External Affairs, US Department of State, Department of Commerce), industry bodies (like NASSCOM in India and the US-India Business Council), and the influential Indian-American diaspora. The diaspora plays a crucial role not only in economic contributions but also in lobbying efforts and fostering deeper cultural ties.

For India, the successful management of these challenges is paramount. Economically, the US is a major trade partner, a significant source of foreign direct investment, and a critical market for India's services and goods. Strategically, the partnership is foundational to India's Indo-Pacific strategy, contributing to regional security and stability, particularly through platforms like the Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). Diplomatic cooperation with the US enhances India's global standing and its voice in multilateral forums on issues ranging from climate change to global health. The future implications point towards a continued deepening of this strategic partnership, but also an ongoing need for robust dialogue and negotiation to address persistent economic and visa-related friction points. India's rise as a global power necessitates a mature and balanced relationship with the US, ensuring that areas of disagreement do not overshadow the broader strategic convergence.

Constitutionally, India's foreign policy is guided by Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly **Article 51**, which mandates the state to promote international peace and security, foster respect for international law, and encourage settlement of international disputes by arbitration. Various bilateral agreements and dialogues, such as the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue and the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI), are operationalized under the executive powers derived from the Constitution. India's foreign trade policies, often a subject of discussion with the US, are governed by legislation like the **Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992**.