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India has undeniably earned the accolade of being the epitome of astute diplomatic maneuvering when it comes to global affairs, deftly capitalizing on international events and trends for its own benefit. It is this very prowess that pushed US President Joe Biden to declare the bond between their nations as “among the most consequential in the world” on the heels of the recent state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Washington.

While the fervent American reception of the Indian Prime Minister’s visit may be driven by calculated strategic motives known to discerning analysts and observers, it should not overshadow India’s diplomatic triumph in effecting substantial transformations on the global stage, forging alliances with major powers in an impressively condensed timeframe, all achieved without ostentatious media blitz or political fanfare.

The US has a keen desire to deepen its engagement with India, not with the intention of forging an alliance, as some may speculate, but rather because India’s rapid ascent positions it as an equally formidable counterbalance to China’s expanding sway. This poses a multifaceted strategic quandary for Beijing, as it confronts a formidable regional contender in the traditional sphere of influence shared by both nations—the Indo-Pacific region.

The Financial Times highlights the underlying Chinese impetus that drives the US’ exaltation of Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Washington—a notion that holds considerable truth. However, it is my belief that this matter does not solely hinge upon American intentions, for India too harbors an array of sensitivities, disputes, and latent tensions vis-à-vis its Chinese neighbor. Furthermore, the colossal bilateral strategic interests are evinced by the staggering numbers in US-Indian trade, amounting to a whopping $130 billion. Moreover, this dynamic partnership offers substantial untapped potential and unexplored avenues for collaboration.

In this intricate tapestry of international dynamics, India exhibits parallel motives that align with the US’, particularly in the realms of trade and economics.

India has deftly seized upon the numerous disputes that have plagued US-China relations, defying the status quo and positioning itself as a compelling alternative hub for transnational corporations seeking manufacturing facilities and outsourcing services. Armed with a formidable array of qualifications and factors that bolster its standing, India has successfully navigated and resolved several contentions related to the World Trade Organization. It is these accomplishments that aptly elucidate Prime Minister Modi’s resounding proclamation: “For the partnership between India and the US, even the sky is not the limit.”

Since the tenure of India’s esteemed inaugural Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian foreign policy has been guided by the bedrock principles of non-alignment. This enduring philosophy continues to shape the positions and orientations of successive leaders across the political spectrum.

Moreover, India’s resolute ascent as a global power necessitates a resounding rejection of any notion that implies subservience or servility, elucidating India’s discernible wariness in its dealings with various US administrations, some of which have sought to enlist New Delhi as a vanguard in their international entanglements in Asia.

The incumbent Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, operates within a distinctive context and on a foundation that diverges from his predecessors. Today’s India stands transformed, transcending its historical configuration, whether in terms of comprehensive might or its position and prestige within the intricate fabric of international power dynamics. These intertwined elements propel Modi towards pursuing his nation’s interests with enhanced confidence and audacity, albeit with a diminished degree of caution, as he navigates the complexities of US-Indian relations.

This intricate dance between India and the US is facilitated by a deep appreciation on the American side for the green and red lines delineating Indian policies, as they meticulously account for India’s commitment to upholding the delicate equilibrium between its rich political legacy and its aspirations on the global stage.

Prime Minister Modi’s astute handling of the international standoff between Russia and the West serves as a palpable testament to his diplomatic acumen. He adeptly articulates his nation’s stance and principles without veering into territory that may provoke India’s “friendship” with Russia—an alliance that accounts for approximately 45% of India’s military procurement, in stark contrast to the 12% sourced from the US. His assertion that “now is not the time for war” in relation to the events unfolding in Ukraine exemplifies his ability to deftly navigate treacherous terrain, simultaneously bolstering ties with the US while steadfastly upholding the enduring pillars of India’s foreign policy.

India, like its fellow emerging powers, keenly observes the rapid flux and dynamic geopolitical transformations that herald profound shifts in the established global hierarchy. Firmly convinced that the present is the epoch of the “India’s moment,” just as it is perceived as the “China’s moment” through Beijing’s lens, India fearlessly advances its interests, scarcely swayed by concerns of ruffling feathers or even the principles of non-alignment.

Consequently, India confidently takes center stage on the regional theater, epitomized by its active participation in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), alongside the US, Japan, and Australia. Within this forum, India aligns its visions with these three democratic counterparts in a manner that unsettles China, which perceives this coalition as a menacing “sinister gang” afflicted by a myriad of divergent pathologies, as espoused by the CCP-affiliated publication, Global Times. In the eyes of the publication, the Quad assumes a far more menacing guise for China compared to the AUKUS alliance, comprising the US, the UK, and Australia. This stems from the fact that the former involves the inclusion of two nations, India and Japan, which have previously engaged in confrontations with China.

The handpicked selection of Indian Prime Minister Modi, marking his maiden state visit to the US amongst his eight prior visits, to deliver a historic speech before a joint session of the US Congress aligns him with the likes of renowned world leaders such as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. Additionally, he partakes in special ceremonial receptions reserved for the closest of allies during the Biden administration, akin to French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.

These gestures not only reflect a warm embrace but also embody the American aspiration to propel the bilateral relationship between the two nations into an unprecedented phase of advancement. This issue lies squarely within the realm of Washington’s meticulous deliberations concerning China’s trajectory, while also entwined with New Delhi’s strategic contemplations amidst the evolving post-Ukraine global landscape.