Veteran journalist K V Prasad has authored a new book titled, “Indian Parliament: Shaping Foreign Policy,” which underscores the critical role of the Indian Parliament in influencing the nation’s foreign policy. In this exclusive interview with South Asian Herald, Prasad shares his inspiration for writing the book and offers insights into India-US relations under the Biden administration. Drawing on his extensive career spanning over four decades with prominent media outlets such as The Press Trust of India, The Tribune, and The Hindu, Prasad also examines the potential trajectory of India-US relations during President Trump’s second term.

What inspired you to write this book?

Writing a book was always in the back of my mind. Yet, as a professional journalist with daily commitments, managing to take time off from regular work for a book of this nature was difficult. Covering Parliament’s proceedings and debates on policy issues has always been important. As someone who reported on defense, foreign, and strategic affairs, I was keen to examine the intersection where the Executive had to navigate its policy through politics and parliamentary processes. This thought began when I was working as a Fulbright-American Political Science Association Fellow in the U.S. Congress during 2007-2008. This period was important since the Parliament of India and Congress were debating the India-U.S. Nuclear deal. Having followed the discussions in Parliament and outside both in Delhi and Washington, I wanted to examine whether the debate in India had any impact on the final policy construct. This was to analyze the thrust of debate in India that Parliament should have greater say in shaping foreign policy.

What are the key areas examined in the book?

The three issues I selected were debates held in different decades and under governments of different compositions. Each of them – the deployment of the Indian Peacekeeping Force, joining the World Trade Organization, and the India-United States Civil Nuclear Agreement—were issues that have had an impact on Indian political thought. 

How would you evaluate India-US relations during the Biden-Harris administration?

Over the past two decades, there is only one direction in which the India-United States bilateral relationship has travelled – upwards. The sheer depth of the relations begins from the deep sea to the heights of space and traverses across several fields. The return of the Democratic administration to the White House under President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris provided fresh momentum to the ongoing engagement and was one of the most pro-Indian administrations. There was increased collaboration in areas such as defense, security, climate change, and access to high technology.  At the same time, both sides managed to balance ties in trade, human rights, and differences on charges of overreach by the Indian security establishment. These were not allowed to come in the way of the growth of ties.

Could you elaborate on trade and strategic initiatives implemented by the Biden Administration? 

On assuming office, President Biden, accorded priority to strengthen alliances and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. India was seen as a key pillar in that strategy. President Biden’s approach towards India focused on strategic cooperation; deepening the Quad partnership; and expanding defense cooperation. The United States promised to provide financial support to India for the country to move forward on clean energy initiatives, including renewable energy. 

On the economic front, ties between the two countries continued to grow, with the U.S. becoming one of India’s largest trading partners. However, trade issues such as tariffs and market access, remained with the Biden administration attempting to resolve these disagreements through dialogue. New areas of cooperation emerged in technology and innovation in areas such as the launch of (iCET) initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies) 5G, AI, Advanced Computing, Quantum and Cybersecurity. Finally, the people-to-people ties remain strong, and under President Biden, a large number of Indian American community members were appointed to serve in the Biden administration.

Do you believe the incoming Trump administration will strengthen US-India relations? 

The India-United States relations have enjoyed an upward trajectory in the last few decades under both Republican and Democratic Governments. New Delhi has bipartisan support which has gained strength over the years. India has had a good relationship with the Trump Administration 1.0 which shaped the relationship in a significant way. The second term which would begin towards the later part of January, should build upon it. That PM Narendra Modi shares an excellent personal rapport with President-elect Donald Trump allows both leaders to pick-up threads from where they left.

What are your thoughts on the MAGA approach?

There are a few priority areas that the Trump administration has identified under its overall MAGA thrust and ‘America First’ approach. These include a focus on trade and economic relations likely to take a turn towards protectionism. Measures like imposing tariffs and taking a hard line on reducing trade deficits, provide market access to agriculture produce, and investments in the United States to create more jobs. These are the areas that would require dexterity on the part of the negotiators and policymakers from India. The incoming administration can be expected to move along to continue the strategic partnership with India, especially in defense and security. Investment with the U.S., balancing its national interests with the need to maintain a strong partnership in regional and global affairs. Trump’s focus on bilateral deals could offer both opportunities and challenges for India, depending on how the two countries align on specific issues like market access, technology, and geopolitical priorities.

What do you see as the main priorities of the Modi government for Indian Americans and India over the next four years?

The priority for the Government of India remains to engage with the United States to work in the areas of mutual interest and engagement in the already diverse fields. The incoming Trump administration has already signaled its intention to crack down on illegal migration and those on the radar include a component from India. However, it is in the sphere of legal migration that the Indian community in the United States is facing issues. The cap on providing H1B visas, work permits for dependents, and the long waiting period for green cards are on top of the heap. A debate is already underway in the United States on the issue that brings to front divergence of views between the President-elect Trump supporters. Another discussion centers around totalization or a Social Security Agreement that would eliminate dual contribution by employees to the social security systems in both the country of residence and home, allow them to port benefits and totalization would allow work periods in both countries to be counted to become eligible for social security benefits in India or the United States. 

How would you describe the influence of Indian Americans in shaping U.S.-India relations?

Indian Americans have significant political and economic influence. The 4.5 million strong community though a minority makes an immense contribution to the country of residence in diverse fields.  While Indian Americans focus is a mix of economic growth, the community is looking for reforms in immigration as it grows its influence in shaping U.S. domestic policy and taking forward ties with India. PM Modi has demonstrated on more than one occasion his deep attachment to Indians overseas. At every conceivable opportunity, PM Modi has engaged with the Indian community in countries he visited. The United States is on the top of this exercise and has witnessed ever since 2014 when he visited the United States through an unprecedented outreach as well as the Howdy Modi event of 2019.

(This interview has been edited for length, brevity and clarity.)

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