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In the globalised world of the 21st century, inputs that shape bilateral foreign relations come from multivariate sources. While personality matters, as was evident from the administration of US President Trump, relations are between States, and not Heads of States. Here other dynamics come into play: for instance, the quest for military and strategic supremacy; global supply chains and economic power; ideology and values; climate and environment; domestic constraints; and, in the current situation, a raging pandemic. The latter has resulted in huge casualties that have led to a global economic slowdown, and has focused money and attention on immediate health issues internationally. Further, the domestic and foreign policies of one country may have ripple effects worldwide. For instance, China's rise to economic power, and its expansionist policies are perceived as a direct challenge by the US which has a global leadership role since World War II. This has been partly responsible for the formation of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) which China views as an Asian NATO (targeting China), and Japan as an 'Asian Arc of Democracy' (Prime Minister Shinzo Abe). Chinese incursions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) pushed an initially less committed India into further commitment to the Quad, and a closer security relationship with the US.
However, personalities should be factored into international relations because the perceptions and attitudes of people at the helm help shape foreign policy. So, while there has been continuity in a good India-US relationship since the 1990s - with each successive US President building on the legacy of his predecessor - perspectives may change, although given common challenges, relations are expected to prosper under the Biden Presidency.
The present US administration is too young yet to invite comment on IndiaUS relations over the next four years, However, an idea may be formed by looking back at President Biden's campaign pronouncements on India, China, the Indo-Pacific, Climate Change, Human Rights, and America's leadership role in the world, along with his important actions as a Senator and Vice President, as well as his early Executive Orders, Memorandums, and Proclamations.
First, it must be emphasised that he has a long experience in American politics and foreign policy, having served as a Senator from Delaware from 1973 to 2009,...