“What does this all mean? It seems that India is sending ample signals and is slowly shifting away from its earlier “Please-Uncle-Sam” posture. India is also trying to convey home the message that it has to be treated at an equal footing if the bilateral relations between the two nations have to survive in the future.
The relations between the two nations if we see the records of the past two decades have been skewed with the US always playing the role of a handler while always pleasing American corporate and strategic interests in the name of neutralizing terror in the South Asian region. The Indian prime minister and his cabinet colleagues took pains to meet even junior US politicians but vice versa would be unthinkable.“
Well, in realpolitik, obviously the more powerful entity gets to call the shots. Which is why there is no such thing as an equal relationship between the globe’s only superpower which has its own problems of over-reach and a regional power, with difficult social issues.
There is no improvement to be had in such a relationship. There can only be strengthening of India’s own position, which is best done by seeking genuinely bilateral, reciprocal relations with other regional powers and smaller powers and preserving its security through internal political and economic strength.
Without that stout stick, tough talk might come at an unacceptable price….but one hopes for the best.