A Symbolic Visit in a Shifting Landscape

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India is significant not only because it follows President Donald Trump’s summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but also because it highlights the complexities and contradictions of Washington’s approach to its relationships with major Asian powers.

Rubio’s itinerary includes meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and a stop in Kolkata to pay respects at Mother Teresa’s charity headquarters. This emphasis on ties with India comes as Trump’s warm reception by Xi Jinping has raised questions about the durability of Washington’s commitments to its traditional allies.

One striking aspect of Rubio’s visit is his decision to prioritize a stop in Kolkata, where he prayed at Mother Teresa’s tomb and expressed solidarity with Catholic nuns working with the poor. This gesture reflects a wider effort by Washington to demonstrate its commitment to shared values with key partners, particularly in light of India’s large Christian minority.

Rubio’s remarks about aiding the homeless, terminally ill, and those afflicted by leprosy are noteworthy given criticisms of India’s human rights record under Modi’s Hindu nationalist government. While Rubio has avoided direct criticism of India’s treatment of minority Christians, his visit serves as a reminder that Washington is not oblivious to these concerns.

The Quad meeting in New Delhi, where Rubio will join foreign ministers from Australia, Japan, and the US, underscores the growing importance of this grouping as a counterweight to China’s presence in the Indian Ocean. India has long been wary of Beijing’s expansionist ambitions, but its participation in the Quad has been criticized by China as an attempt to encircle it.

Rubio’s trip comes at a time when Trump is redefining traditional assumptions about US priorities, particularly with regards to energy security. The President’s recent state visit to China saw him hail the reception he received from Xi Jinping despite limited concrete announcements. This emphasis on the “G2” formulation has raised concerns among US allies that they may be shut out of Washington’s dealings with a rising China.

The issue of energy imports is also at the forefront of Rubio’s discussions with Modi, as India seeks to diversify its supplies and reduce its reliance on oil. The impact of the US-Israeli attack on Iran, which has sent global oil prices soaring, has only highlighted the urgency of this challenge.

A Shift in Priorities

Rubio’s visit to India marks a significant departure from the traditional Cold War-era approach to South Asia, where Washington maintained close ties with Pakistan as a bulwark against Soviet influence. The re-emergence of Pakistan as a key US partner under Trump has been seen by some as a bid to drive a wedge between India and its traditional ally.

However, this shift in priorities is not without controversy. The conflict over Iran has created new opportunities for China to expand its influence in the region, while also testing Washington’s relationships with key partners like India and Pakistan.

Rubio’s visit serves as a reminder that the United States remains committed to strengthening ties with India, despite some criticisms of Modi’s government. The focus on shared values and energy security is a welcome shift from the traditional emphasis on strategic interests and military cooperation.

However, this newfound emphasis also raises questions about the durability of Washington’s commitments. Can the US truly balance its relationships with major Asian powers like China, India, and Pakistan, or will it be forced to choose between them?

As Rubio concludes his visit to India, one thing is clear: the US approach to South Asia is undergoing a significant transformation. The emphasis on shared values, energy security, and strategic partnerships marks a new era in US-India ties, one that will require careful navigation by both countries.

Only time will tell whether this shift will pay off for Washington, but Rubio’s visit has set the stage for a complex and multifaceted relationship between the two nations.