Tracing the arc of American exception-ism for India

 Source: The Hindu

For Prelims: 123 Agreement, Nuclear Suppliers Group, Nuclear Non-Proliferation (NPT) Treaty, Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty,  S-400 missile system, Nord Stream 2 pipeline., Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS

Various Acts of the U.S.A: Arms Export Control Act, Non-Proliferation Act, Henry Hyde Act, U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), Religious Freedom Act,

For Mains: International Relations: India - USA

Highlights of the Article:

• The growth of India-US relationship is marked by exceptions made by the US specifically for India, leading to a surge in bilateral ties.
• Exceptions include the civil nuclear deal, providing waivers for India despite its non-membership in NPT and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
• The US overlooks India's defense engagement with Russia and oil imports, unlike the sanctions imposed on other countries.
• India receives exemptions under the International Religious Freedom Act, despite recommendations to include it on the "Countries of Particular Concern" list.
• Reasons for exceptions: India's promise as a populous democracy, economic potential, strategic geography, and the influence of the Indian-American diaspora. Challenges remain, including potential reversals and one-directional nature of the relationship.

Context:

The context of the article is the evolving relationship between India and the United States over the past 25 years. It highlights the exceptions made by the U.S. for India, which have played a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties.

UPSC EXAM NOTES EDITORIAL ANALYSIS:

1.Introduction:

• The article examines the evolving relationship between India and the United States, focusing on exceptions made by the U.S. for India.
• It discusses the growth of bilateral ties over the past 25 years and the role of different administrations in shaping the relationship.

2.Exception 1: The Civil Nuclear Deal:

• The civil nuclear deal of 2005 played a crucial role in strengthening India-US relations.
• Despite India's non-membership in the NPT and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, the U.S. granted India waivers and exemptions.
• These India-specific exceptions signaled a significant shift in U.S. alignment in South Asia.

3.Exception 2: Russian Engagements:

• The U.S. has made exceptions for India regarding its defense engagement with Russia (S-400 missile system).
• Unlike sanctions imposed on other countries, India has been exempted from punitive measures.
• This exception showcases the unique treatment India receives compared to other nations.

4.Exception 3: International Religious Freedom Act Exemptions:

• India has been granted exemptions under the International Religious Freedom Act, despite recommendations to include it on the list of "Countries of Particular Concern."
• The U.S. State Department has not complied with these recommendations, creating an exception for India.
• This exception is notable considering India's relationships with U.S. adversaries like Russia and Iran.

5.Reasons for Exceptions:

• The exceptions made for India are driven by several factors, including India's promise as a populous democracy.
• India's economic potential, strategic geography, and the influence of the Indian-American diaspora also contribute to the exceptions.
• These exceptions reflect the U.S. calculation that ties with India are valuable and expressing concerns may be counterproductive.

6.Challenges and the Need for Transformation:

• The article acknowledges the challenges associated with the exception-based approach to India-US relations.
• Reversibility of exceptions creates uncertainty in the relationship.
• The relationship remains largely one-directional, with India benefiting more in terms of investment, technology transfer, and military purchases.
• The article argues for a transformation of the rules themselves to establish a more balanced and mutually respectful partnership.

7.Conclusion:

• The article concludes by highlighting the significance of exceptions in fostering a closer India-US relationship.
• However, it emphasizes the need for a more equitable partnership based on mutual respect and reciprocity, rather than relying solely on exceptions.
• Transforming the rules can lead to a true quantum leap in ties between the two nations.