Changing of the Guard

After 72 hours of confusion and counting, 77-year-old Democrat leader Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump, to become the 46th President of the United States of America (USA). With the victory over incumbent President and Republican rival Trump in Pennsylvania, Biden ended all speculation about the next President of the USA by crossing the requisite 270 electoral votes mark. Congratulations to the President-elect, a veteran leader with rich political and administrative experience. It is hoped that under the stewardship of Biden, the most powerful nation of the world will fight hand in hand with other nations to make the planet a better place to live in, a place free from discrimination, destruction and division. The new US leadership promises to give topmost priority to issues such as global warming, gender sensitivity and equality and equity for all people. President-elect Joe Biden and his running mate Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have a long and arduous road ahead of them to make such dreams a reality.

The first and foremost job of the new US president will be to reduce tension with other countries which is posing a threat to world peace. For example, the two superpowers of the world, US and China will have to sort out their differences amicably through dialogue. The ongoing trade war between the two countries is damaging the world economy. To revive the world economy, especially in the post Covid-19 scenario, US-China trade should be made free of any hindrances. Only then, world trade will be back to its familiar rhythm and chances of revival of the world economy will be improved. One should not forget that Covid-19 has virtually ruined the economy. Every nation is now fighting hard to keep afloat. This is the time to rebuild the economy and no nation will be able to achieve this goal alone. The world will have to work collectively to make this possible. Participation of the US in rebuilding a renewed economic order is thus very crucial.

Now coming to the million dollar question – how will this change of guard affect India? The question gains importance as Indo-US relations in recent times have reached new heights. But, now as there is going to be a change in the US regime, will the present proximity turn into an obstacle? It could be argued that such apprehension is unfounded. Foreign policy of a nation does not change  with the change of guard, any such policy is made after carefully considering various factors from geography to politics. Till those aspects are changed, the foreign policy of a nation remains unchanged. Biden is an experienced hand in international relations and is well aware of the importance of India in global peace and prosperity. The President-elect believes that India-US partnership is the defining relationship of 21st century. He also sees major scope for growth in bilateral trade and thus expanding on the relationship his predecessor has developed with India, Biden and his team team will work to make it stronger.