In Washington, the winds of change

On 20 January, nearly two million people braved the cold to attend the inauguration of the 44th president of the United States, Barack Obama. The blustery winds symbolized the change coming to Washington and the world with the new administration. President Obama has made it clear that he will usher in a new era for America.

Hillary Clinton, quickly confirmed as secretary of state (the equivalent of foreign minister), highlighted the cornerstones of American foreign policy: Defence, diplomacy and development. Charged with two of these on her first day in office, Secretary Clinton promised “robust diplomacy” and “effective development”.

What will this mean for India?

(i) Strategic partnership: On the heels of the nuclear deal, expanded relations and closer ties are expected.

(ii) Terrorism: A renewed focus on the defeat of Al Qaeda and greater cooperation with India to strengthen capacities to defeat shared enemies. India has been listed as one of the most terror-afflicted countries in the world. The US State Department counted 2,300 Indian terrorist related deaths in 2007 alone. The recent Mumbai attacks will certainly complicate US foreign policy in South Asia.

Wayne Rogers is a senior adviser in the international law firm of Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal, where he specializes in international trade and cross-border transactions. He may be reached at +1-202-408-6478 or wrogers@sonnenschein.com.