Modi-Trump Joint Statement: Reading Between the Lines

Both sides “checked the box” by setting a positive tone, writes Joshua White.

US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi take turns to make their statement at the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on Monday. 

(Photo: AP)

On his fifth visit to the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump addressed a joint-presser at the White House. In a joint statement, the two leaders reiterated their commitment to bilateral ties and respect. The statement touched upon a number of topics, including anti-terrorism measures, security and cooperation.

Joshua White, an Associate Professor of Practice and Fellow at Johns Hopkins SAIS and a former White House and Pentagon official, tweeted a quick analysis of the joint statement issued by the two leaders. This is a compilation of his tweets.

An important nod to India's statement on China's Belt and Road Initiative, noting connectivity should ensure "respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity"

The long section on DPRK [North Korea] – not particularly new but strong and reflecting [US] administration line on holding China accountable.

The "new consultation mechanism" on terrorist listings is welcome and overdue. There is more both countries can do to pre-bake these proposals.

The para on Pakistan counter-terrorism is quite explicit and clearly suggests that Pakistan is culpable for allowing a permissive environment for militants. Further, the statement indicates that the US agrees with the Indian view that there has been a series of “cross-border” attacks from Pakistan-based groups.

Notable that both leaders affirmed support for UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism – [an initiative that] the Obama administration was very reluctant to endorse.

Also Read: Live: Modi, Trump Slam Pakistan For Harbouring Terrorists

It’s good to see mention of building on the White Shipping agreement. There’s lots more US and India can do to share unclassified maritime data.

The market access section mentions Agriculture, IT, and manufactured goods and services but not retail as such. It’s a bit opaque.

The section on energy is surprisingly balanced. Very similar to Obama-Modi statements with addition of "clean coal".

Obligatory section of “free & fair trade” but continuing Obama administration’s focus on co-op to deal with excess capacity (read: steel) from China.

It is good to see India's formal entry into the Global Entry program. Our countries have worked on this for a long time.

Also Read: ‘Social Media Leaders’: Key Takeaways From The Modi-Trump Meet

Overall I think this is a strong joint statement. I'm sure some things were left on cutting room floor — for example, specific mention of the H1B visa issue or more explicit statements about market access or a clearer pathway for US-India defense co-op or agreements or clearer language about climate-related energy cooperation or more on India's role in combatting ISIS.

But given that this was a first meeting, it’s a strong start, and signals a lot of continuity on key issues. (And yes, that’s good.)

Lots of credit due to the small but very professional White House South Asia team and their inter-agency colleagues.

I'd also note that it's always important to look at the *structure* of the joint statement, since they're designed to send a broader message.

In this case, leading off with a section on the Indo-Pacific sends a signal that the emphasis embodied in the Joint Strategic Vision [launched during Obama's trip in Jan 2015] is still operative and that both countries share a set of international norms (who would have thought?) that guide their shared approach to Asia.

The statement then goes to counter-terrorism and defense, which are obviously areas of convergence. It isn’t atypical that the economic section is vague and unsatisfying.

The economic sections are typically hard-fought and disappointing because the gap there is greatest.

Overall, my take is that both sides have a *lot* of work to do to sustain (& build) energy in the relationship but that they "checked the box" by setting a positive tone, and re-validating the key geopolitical predicates for the relationship: viz, a shared view of counter-terrorism threat, and a shared view (in general terms) of the balance of power in Asia (read: China).

Oh, and it's also great that Global Entrepreneurship Summit was embraced (and owned) by the Trump administration. A solid initiative both leaders can be proud of.

( Joshua White is Associate Professor of the Practice of South Asia Studies and Fellow at the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asia Studies at Johns Hopkins SAIS. He previously served at the White House as Senior Advisor & Director for South Asian Affairs at the National Security Council during the Obama administration. He can be reached at @joshuatwhite )