Vantage | What Biden's cancelled visit to India could've achieved

In a significant turn of events, New Delhi faced a challenging day as security at the Indian Parliament was breached. Two intruders entered the Lower House, setting off smoke canisters and prompting concerns about the nation’s security. Simultaneously, headlines from Washington conveyed the news that President Joe Biden would not be attending the Republic Day celebrations in India, where he had been invited as the chief guest. This decision had broader implications, affecting the planned Quad Summit and complicating an already delicate phase in the India-US relationship.

The absence of President Biden raised questions about the reasons behind his decision. Official statements cited domestic issues, with important bills pending before the US Congress and the president scheduled to deliver the State of the Union address. Consequently, the Quad Summit, tentatively scheduled for 27 January, now faces a delay due to the unavailability of key leaders, including those from Australia and Japan. Strains in India-US relations The India-US relationship, once characterised as a defining partnership for the 21st century, now faces strains. Recent tensions have emerged, particularly regarding the issue of Khalistanis in America. The United States claims to have uncovered an assassination plot involving a Khalistani terrorist, allegedly linked to an Indian government official. This revelation has added complexity to the diplomatic ties between the two nations. The focal point of concern is Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani and a wanted terrorist in India who is now an American citizen. Pannun, operating openly from the US, has made explicit threats against India, including political assassinations and attacks on Indian institutions. The FBI, America’s domestic intelligence and security service, is investigating the allegations and has engaged with Indian officials to address the situation. Christopher Wray, the FBI chief, visited India recently and held discussions with officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), India’s top anti-terrorism agency. The discussions centred on the allegations against Pannun and the broader issue of Sikh separatism. India has requested intelligence sharing from the FBI regarding suspected individuals involved in the separatist movement. The security concerns raised by Khalistani activities in the US, including attacks on the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, have strained bilateral relations. The FBI’s investigation into these attacks represents a step towards addressing India’s longstanding concerns. However, the resolution of these issues is crucial for fostering a meaningful partnership between the two nations. As India grapples with security challenges, the postponement of President Biden’s visit underscores the complexities in the India-US relationship. The Khalistani threat, coupled with the breach at the Indian Parliament, necessitates a concerted effort to address the root causes of these issues. Meaningful collaboration between the two nations is essential to overcome the current strains and build a stronger foundation for their strategic partnership. The resolution of security concerns, particularly related to Khalistani activities, will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of India-US relations in the coming months. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News , Trending News , Cricket News , Bollywood News , India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.