India-U.S. relations are rooted in substantial engagement and strategic cooperation, not merely political rhetoric, according to Priyam Gandhi-Mody of the Vishwamitra Research Foundation Bharat.
Founder and Director of the Vishwamitra Research Foundation (VRF) Bharat, Priyam Gandhi-Mody, highlighted the depth of the India-U.S. relationship, noting that despite the appearance of political posturing, the partnership is strongly anchored in reality. She emphasized that the substantial engagement between the two nations is evidenced by an annual trade volume of $200 billion.
“The reality is that India and the United States are engaged in $200 billion dollars of trade annually,” Gandhi-Mody pointed out, underscoring that both countries view each other as strategically significant. While the surface-level posturing may differ, the core conversations are addressed with utmost seriousness, she explained. Gandhi-Mody expressed her belief that the U.S.-India relationship holds promising potential for contributing positively to global affairs.
During a recent visit to the United States, Gandhi-Mody worked to bolster relationships with key partners in line with VRF’s mission. Her itinerary included strategic discussions in Washington D.C., New York, and San Francisco, focusing on trade corridors and emerging technologies, which align with the Mumbai-based think tank’s geo-economic aspirations.
At the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) Summit in Mumbai, Gandhi-Mody described IMEC as a “game changer.” She explained that IMEC is about reviving ancient trade routes, reconnecting distant regions for economic upliftment along its entire route. She emphasized the corridor’s role in rekindling historical connections aimed at common economic development.
Further aligning the interests of India and the U.S., she discussed the need for cooperation in initiatives like IMEC and the U.S.-India TRUST initiative, which targets technology collaboration. Gandhi-Mody advocated for increased engagements and trust-building measures between the private sectors and governments of both nations.
She also touched upon the I2U2 alliance, consisting of India, Israel, the UAE, and the U.S., which is exploring new technological domains such as responsible artificial intelligence, space exploration, deep-sea research, and sustainability. Gandhi-Mody remains optimistic that these collaborative efforts will solidify over time.
In a recent opinion piece, she critiqued Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi’s remarks on India’s foreign policy, labeling them “ill-informed.” Gandhi-Mody argued that foreign policy decisions should prioritize national interest over passion, suggesting that some suggested policies could have led to unfavorable outcomes. She articulated that India’s “strategic silence” underscores its growing standing on the global stage, allowing the country to act decisively when its voice and actions are impactful.
Gandhi-Mody highlighted India’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with countries involved in global conflicts, such as Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran. She emphasized the importance of maintaining communication channels to protect Indian nationals abroad and ensure supply chain stability.
India’s economic ascent was another focal point for Gandhi-Mody, who noted its position as the fourth-largest economy. She stressed the country’s focus on domestic growth and avoiding international conflicts, reaffirming India’s trajectory towards becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement to Russian President Vladimir Putin, she stated, “This is not an era of war,” but an era of growth, asserting, “When India grows, we take the world along.”
According to South Asian Herald, Gandhi-Mody’s insights paint a picture of a strong, cooperative India-U.S. relationship that transcends apparent political moves.
Source: Original article