Europe lacks strategies to attract India.

Europe lacks strategies to attract India.

The West’s Push to Strengthen Ties with India

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In the midst of China’s growing belligerence under Xi Jinping and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the West has found itself seeking closer ties with India. This strategic shift is driven by the desire to deepen business links with the world’s fastest-growing major economy, as well as to diversify supply chains away from China and bolster security ties as a counter to China’s influence. India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has been the recipient of high-profile state visits from the leaders of the United States, France, Germany, and Italy, among others.

The United States, in particular, sees India as an alternative base for supply chains as they look to reduce reliance on China. President Joe Biden’s recent visit with Prime Minister Modi resulted in the signing of several defense deals, including an agreement to manufacture jet engines in India. Unlike his predecessors, President Biden refrained from criticizing Modi’s government on human rights or democratic norms, suggesting a willingness to prioritize the strengthening of ties.

Similarly, Europe also aims to bolster trade links with India and reshape supply chains. However, countering China is less of a priority for Europe, with greater emphasis placed on garnering support against Russia’s war in Ukraine. Human rights concerns, as well, hold more weight for European nations.

Although the Biden-Modi summit was considered a great success, Europe has encountered three significant obstacles in its quest for improved Indo-European relations. The first relates to what Europe perceives as minor irritants that infuriate India. The European Union’s visa policies, particularly within the Schengen region, are a point of contention. Indians face arduous protocols and piles of documentation to obtain a visa for business travel to Europe, while EU citizens receive expedited processes for trips to India. Simplifying immigration rules for Indian engineers hoping to migrate to Europe was a recent pledge made by Germany’s Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, during his visit to India. The question arises: “How hard can it be to create a fast track for business travelers?” asks Manisha Reuter from the European Council on Foreign Relations.

The second obstacle revolves around Europe’s expectation of India’s condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. India, however, holds a position of strategic autonomy, valuing diverse relationships with partners irrespective of their relationships with one another. Unlike Europe, the United States has recognized and accepted India’s longstanding proximity to Russia.

Further complicating matters is Europe’s focus on human rights. The EU pursues a “values-based” foreign policy, which can be perceived as hypocritical by Indian officials. Criticism from Western countries, such as a recent resolution by the European Parliament condemning India’s handling of ethnic violence in Manipur, is met with resistance from India’s foreign ministry, asserting that the issue is “totally internal” and Europe should mind its own business.

Nevertheless, these obstacles are not insurmountable. French President Emmanuel Macron has understood the key drivers behind India’s decision-making process. By avoiding lecturing and aligning himself with India’s rhetoric of strategic autonomy, Macron has successfully focused on security ties. In fact, Indian Prime Minister Modi was the guest of honor at France’s annual Bastille Day military parade, where Macron was able to charm President Donald Trump in 2017. France has also secured initial approval for significant defense deals with India, including the purchase of Rafale jets and Scorpène submarines worth an estimated $10 billion.

If other European countries genuinely desire closer ties with India, they would do well to follow Macron’s example. By recognizing India’s values, respecting its autonomy, and prioritizing security cooperation, Europe can overcome the obstacles hindering Indo-European relations and tap into the vast potential of a strengthened partnership.

  • The West’s push to strengthen ties with India is driven by the need to diversify supply chains away from China and establish alternative bases.
  • The United States and Europe share similar goals but have different priorities in countering China and Russia and emphasize human rights.
  • Europe faces three obstacles in improving relations with India: visa policies, expectations of condemnation for the Ukraine conflict, and focus on human rights.
  • Understanding India’s strategic autonomy and prioritizing security cooperation are essential for Europe to build closer ties with India.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron exemplifies successful engagement with India by focusing on security ties and respecting autonomy.