Modi Has Chance to Redefine Indian Politics: U.S. Think Tanks


WASHINGTON: Describing the Narendra Modi-led BJP's electoral victory as a "breathtaking landslide", eminent American think tanks and experts have said the win has given him an opportunity to "redefine" Indian politics.

"This is a breathtaking landslide that is a victory not only for Modi but for the Indian people who have spoken out clearly against economic mismanagement and policy paralysis," said Ashley Tellis of Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.

"Hopefully, Modi's election will open new doors for correcting the problems in the Indian economy, and if so, that is good news for U.S.-Indian relations. But Washington still has much work to do before it can translate what may be welcome news for US business into better bilateral relations," he noted.

"A single party with an absolute majority gives Modi the opportunity to re-define Indian politics in a way that the Congress did for many decades before. And if Modi sticks to his winning formula he could remain India's Prime Minister for a long time to come," Tellis said.

U.S. business can expect a more stable, friendly environment and will be quick to grow, said Richard Rossow, the Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"Lots of potential direct investment has been on the sidelines in the last few years, hoping for a more friendly business environment," he said.

Source: PTI