NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls him by the first name, Barack. President Barack Obama calls him by his family name, Modi. There were other terms of endearment set by the two leaders on Sunday in a document they called Declaration of Friendship.

They agreed on setting up a hotline between the Indian prime minister and the US president. Their national security advisers would do likewise, a model based on India’s mixed luck with Pakistan. A Cold War utility between dangerously poised superpowers, the hotline could struggle to find a purpose.

Hindi crept into the Obama-Modi demeanour sporadically, often pointedly. “Chalein saath saath; forward together we go”. “Sanjha Prayaas, SabkaVikaas; Shared Effort, Progress For All”.

Each step we take to strengthen the relationship is a step towards shaping international security, regional and global peace, prosperity and stability for years to come.

Signalling the “natural affinity” enjoyed by the two nations, their friendship declaration showcased “a higher level of trust and coordination”, which they believe will continue to draw their governments and people together for a better world. Among other features, the friendship document underscores an open, just, sustainable, and inclusive rule-based global order.

It respects the importance of strengthened bilateral defence ties between the two sides. It also gives space to the importance of adapting to and mitigating the impact of climate change through national, bilateral and multilateral efforts. The two leaders committed themselves to hold regular summits with increased periodicity. They also agreed to elevate their Strategic Dialogue to a Strategic and Commercial Dialogue.

They will also “cooperate to develop joint ventures on strategically significant projects” and build meaningful security and effective counterterrorism cooperation.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2015

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