Prime Minister Modi’s 4-day state visit to the US has been the talk of the town lately amid growing US-India friendship. A joint address to Congress during the visit—an honor usually reserved for close US allies—and a lavish state dinner hosted by Biden are clear signs of how important India has become as a strategic partner. This inclination of US towards India can be attributed to various economic, strategic and ideological factors that have developed over time.

The US realizes India’s potential as an ally as a balancer against China. Furthermore, both countries have adopted democratic systems of governance, though with different historical trajectories. This shared background of democracy between the two nations not only creates a natural affinity but also serves as a strong foundation for their partnership. Both countries also have a deep-rooted commitment to democratic governance, which further strengthens their bond and mutual understanding.

This cooperation holds more significance for US as it has long been investing in the democratic global order. As one of the world’s oldest democracies, the US has played a crucial role in championing democratic values and institutions worldwide. In addition to this, in the era of complex economic interdependence, India has gained crucial importance in the global arena, owing to its active participation in BRICS, lucrative trade opportunities for gulf countries and increasing trade partnership with Russia.

The concept of partnership is also strengthened by a geopolitical reality in Asia, specifically in the Indo-Pacific. US has strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific vis-à-vis China as it wants to maintain multipolar, rules-based order in the region, to lessen China’s emerging role. As China continues to expand its economic and military presence in the region, the US sees India as a crucial partner in maintaining stability and countering any potential threats posed by China’s assertive behavior.

A couple of economic realities also support the partnership. Modi’s recent visit opened up new doors for bilateral and regional economic potential. India’s sizable consumer base, skilled labor force, and expanding middle class have long been seen in the US as promising chances for American businesses to flourish. Similarly, India also desires American capital, skills and support to achieve its ambitious objectives for economic growth. India’s economy is among the fastest-growing in the world, and the US is currently its significant trading partner. Both nations acknowledge that economic integration plays a significant role in advancing broader strategic aims. As a result, there have been numerous agreements between the two nations that mostly concern technology and defense.

One such agreement includes ICET, Initiative of Critical and Emerging Technology, to enhance technological cooperation that is important for India’s National Security related aspect. India has the potential advantage to develop covert technology from the US especially in defense. In order to produce fighter jet engines for light combat aircraft, the two nations have signed a memorandum of understanding. The deal mentioned the possibility of producing GE Aerospace’s (an American Aerospace company) F4141 engines together in India.

Undoubtedly, such agreements will foster greater cooperation between the two nations but it may have grave consequences for smaller regional countries like Pakistan which has historically been engaged in territorial disputes with India. The joint production of fighter jet engine technology will provide India with the leverage to effectively deal with domestic and foreign adversaries. With India developing technology of jets that Pakistan has long been purchasing from the US definitely provides it with an upper hand in future ariel warfare.

This also sends a strong message to Pakistan from the US that it recognizes India as a key player in the region and expects Pakistan to engage in dialogue and peaceful resolutions rather than resorting to aggression or supporting terrorist activities. Moreover, this agreement may also have broader geopolitical implications. It could potentially strain diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan, exacerbating existing tensions and fueling an arms race in the region. Smaller countries might feel compelled to seek alliances with major powers in order to counterbalance the growing military capabilities of India and Pakistan. This could lead to a further polarization of power dynamics in the region, potentially destabilizing the delicate balance that currently exists.

India has succeeded in earning a favorable status in American eyes as this visit of PM Modi significantly improved India’s soft image. Modi’s journey from being denied a US visa to addressing the American Congress undoubtedly speaks for itself. While this visit has improved India’s soft image among Americans, it might have the reverse effect on Pakistan. Pakistan needs to put a lot of effort into its trade liberalization policies, counterterrorism activities and channelizing soft image projection initiatives if it wishes to maintain a positive image in the international political sphere.

Without a doubt, Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the US will have a significant impact that calls for a thoughtful approach to address regional problems and seize new opportunities. While weighing the implications and potential impacts of this visit, Pakistan must negotiate the shifting geopolitical landscape and reevaluate its own foreign policy priorities.