Topic Of The Day:-“Strategic Convergence”
Three factors have contributed to the emerging strategic convergence. The end of the Cold War provided an opportunity to both countries to review their relationship in the light of changing global and regional realities. Second, with the opening of the Indian economy, the American private sector began to look at India with greater interest. Trade grew and today stands at more than $120 billion a year with an ambitious target of touching $500 billion in five years. If U.S. foreign direct investment in India is more than $20 billion, Indian companies too have invested $15 billion in the U.S., reflecting a sustained mutual interest. The third factor is the political coming of age of the three-million-strong Indian diaspora. Its influence can be seen in the bipartisan composition of the India Caucus in the U.S. Congress and the Senate Friends of India group.
Yet, the engagement has not been smooth sailing. The U.S. is used to dealing with allies (invariably junior partners in a U.S.-dominated alliance structure) and adversaries. India is neither, and is also determined to safeguard its strategic autonomy. Developing a habit of talking to each other as equal partners has been a learning experience for India and the U.S.
Both countries also consider themselves to be ‘exceptional’, the U.S. as among the oldest democracies and India as the largest! Both have a habit of preaching and problems arise when they preach to each other. Indians become wary of the U.S.’s attempts to drive unequal bargains, and Americans find the Indian approach rigid and sanctimonious. Despite this, significant progress has been registered over the years resulting in the 60-plus bilateral dialogues, to which the 2+2 is now being added.
MEANINGS AND WORDS
1) diaspora.
Meaning : the dispersion or spread of any people from their original homeland.
Synonyms : exodus
Antonyms : concentration
Example : the diaspora of boat people from Asia”
2) bipartisan
Meaning : of or involving the agreement or cooperation of two political parties that usually oppose each other’s policies.
Synonyms : amphibian , binary
Antonyms : partial
Example : “the reforms received considerable bipartisan approval”
3) Senate
Meaning : the smaller upper assembly in the US, US states, France, and other countries.
Synonyms : house, body
Antonyms : separation.
Example : “the senate must ratify any treaty with a two-thirds majority”
4) Caucus
Meaning : a conference of members of a legislative body who belong to a particular party or faction.
Synonyms : convention , gathering
Antonyms : evasion
Example : “Mr Kerry attended the morning caucus in the Old Senate Chamber where his fellow Democrats
5) alliance
Meaning : a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
Synonyms : accord , betrothal
Antonyms : discord
Example : “a defensive alliance between Australia and New Zealand”
6) preaching
Meaning : deliver a sermon or religious address to an assembled group of people, typically in church.
Synonyms : sermon
Antonyms : hail
Example : “he preached to a large congregation”
7) sanctimonious.
Meaning : making a show of being morally superior to other people.
Synonyms : hypocritical
Antonyms : forthright
Example : “what happened to all the sanctimonious talk about putting his family first?”
