Joe Biden was elected the 46th President of the United States of America by defeating Donald Trump quite handsomely in the 2020 Presidential Elections.
Joe Biden served as the Vice President under the command of Barack Obama in 2010. We played a vital role as a strategic partner deepening ties with India. In 2006, he made a statement showing his insight into the future: " Two closest Nations in the world will be India and USA". However, that was in 2006 and now it's 2020, the story might have a twist now.
During his tenure as Vice President, he named India a 'Major defense partner' allowing sharing of Defence technology cross nations. Moreover, in 2016, India and the USA signed the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA), the first of the three “foundational pacts” for deeper military cooperation. So, if we talk about defense relationships, both the nation's India and the USA are going to be partners for the future.
Biden moreover believes in the eradication of terrorism from the world and even supported India in fighting was against terrorist attacks.
Over the last year, India has been in a tussle with the Chinese at the borders. Trump had extended his hand in support of India. Will Biden follow the same steps? That we will have to wait and watch!
"India-US relationship thrived under the Obama administration and it will thrive again under a Biden-Harris administration".
In the run-up to the elections on August 15, Biden spoke of the "special bond" between India and the United States. He also called for expanding two-way trade and tackling big global challenges, including climate change and global health security together with India.
Along with Biden, Kamala Harris, 56, would be sworn in as the vice president of the United States on January 20, 2021. She will also be the first-ever Indian-origin vice president of the US.
Many observers are hopeful that Harris, whose mother belonged to India, being the vice president will further strengthen the India-US relations.
Why Trump wasn't good for India?
1. Donald Trump has forced India to not buy cheaper oil from Iran and Venezuela. Trump forced India to buy more expensive oil and gas from the United States, even pushing for long-term commitments that aren’t viable.
2. Despite the India-China border tensions, Donald Trump hasn’t given India a waiver from an American law that threatens sanctions on countries purchasing arms from Russia.
3. Trump raised tariffs on imports from India, on everything from steel to rubber, causing a “mini trade war” with India.
4. He has removed preferential treatment given to Indian exports, further hurting the Indian economy at a time when it’s been bleeding.
5. A host of changes to US visa policies have made it harder for US firms to hire Indians on H-1B work visas. This has hit the Indian outsourcing model hard.
6. India ratified the Paris climate accord in October 2016 under the presumption that the US will keep its word on the Green Climate Fund that would have invested in Indian renewables. But Trump didn’t want to shell out the money and blamed India and China for walking out of the Paris Agreement.
7. Trump has always exchanged trade deals over hugs. He was a 2 faced person. Recently, he called India a country with " filthy Air" which shows his repo with India.
Why Biden might be better for India?
1. H-1B Visa System
During his entire election campaign, Biden focused on making statements regarding the reformation of the H-1B Visa System by eliminating the restrictions on employment based green card for Indians.
2. India-China-US relation
Biden is yet to declare his stand on the topic. However, some believe similar to Trump, Biden might take strong actions in this tie.
3. Terrorism
Biden will work closely with India to fight against Terrorism. This means Biden might put pressure on Pakistan to stop allowing terrorists to use its soil.
4. Paris Agreement
Biden is expected to renegotiate the Paris agreement and do better than what Trump did. He always believed in saving the climate and earth. Trump pulled the US out of both the Paris Agreement and the Iran nuclear deal. So now, India will closely watch Biden’s moves on the two issues.
5. Trade Policies with the US
While Trump had an upper hand in all trade policies making India pay more. It is believed the Biden mighty work in the lather. More favorable trade policies are expected for India. In his campaigns, Biden promised to reverse both these decisions. If the US takes a U-turn on Iran, it will give India access to cheaper oil.
6. Kamala Harris who became the first Indian-American Vice President is believed the further strengthen India - USA ties. It is believed that the historic position for Harris—whose mother came to the U.S. from India and whose father came from Jamaica—will increase political engagement from Indians and Indian Americans alike, as well as create new expectations for the Vice President-elect to speak up on issues in India.
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