Washington's dalliance with 'Techno-autocracy'..

In his speech at the so-called "Democracy Summit" held in December 2021, US President Joe Biden divided the world into "Democracies" and "Autocracies." Biden called for an alliance of democracies against autocracies. However, this rhetoric, like the virtual nature of the summit itself, was somewhat illusory. Many countries invited to the summit, such as India, did not fit into the picture painted by Biden at all.

Indian journalist and writer Debasish Roy Chowdhury drew attention to this contradiction in his article titled "Biden's Democracy Summit is the Summit of Hypocrisy," published in Time magazine on December 10. Chowdhury emphasized that instead of defending freedom, the summit provided a legitimizing platform for some of the worst perpetrators of democracy. Describing the summit as a "geopolitical game," Chowdhury pointed out that India was invited due to its strategic importance in the US competition with China. Geopolitics was at play.

The "New Cold War" between the US and China is also referred to as the "Technological Cold War." According to China hawks, this technological cold war positions "Tech Democracies" at one end and "Tech Autocracies" at the other. As seen in the case of India, Americans can easily put any country they want into their desired category.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Washington from June 21 to 24. During this time, President Biden referred to Chinese President Xi Jinping as a "dictator." US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had just returned from his visit to China. During the joint press conference with Modi at the White House, Biden stated that he did not believe his use of the term would undermine the progress made in maintaining relations with China.

Journalists asked Biden, "For those who believe that your administration turned a blind eye to the targeting of religious minorities and the suppression of opposition in India while raising broader issues of human rights and democracy - including some members of your own party - what is your message?" In response, Biden said, "In America's DNA, and I believe in India's DNA as well, the success of sustaining our democracies has a contribution from all around the world. It makes us attractive partners and enables us to expand democratic institutions worldwide. I believed in it, and I still do."

Modi was the Chief Minister of the Gujarat State before 2014. During his tenure, more than a thousand Muslims were killed by Hindu fanatics in the state. The US had imposed a travel ban on Modi at that time. Despite the systematic oppression of Muslims and Christians continuing, Modi now enjoys a privileged position in the US. Even Modi's refusal to join sanctions against Russia and his procurement of weapon systems, including the S-400s, from Russia, does not affect his status.

Who will dominate the global technology ecosystem, China or America? That's the whole question. According to the US, the greatest power to balance China in the Asia-Pacific region is India. Some even advocate for the establishment of the "D/10 Group" by adding India, South Korea, and Australia to the G-7.

The US and India have signed comprehensive strategic agreements in various areas, including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, semiconductors, space, quantum, maritime, telecommunications, and unmanned aerial vehicles. The joint production of next-generation jet engines is also part of these agreements. However, the US has been extremely cautious about sharing jet engine technology with other countries.

Although not explicitly stated, it is evident that these agreements are related to China. Some argue that the special treatment given to India could be a "bad bet." American experts say, "We are giving a lot to India, but it is doubtful whether we can get what we want." In other words, India, which pursues a balanced policy with China and Russia, may not give the US everything it wants.

Doug Bandow from the Cato Institute highlighted in his article published in "The American Conservative" on June 29 that the new India policy of the Biden administration is a sign of abandoning the rhetoric of human rights and embracing realpolitik. Commenting on the consequences of Modi's visit, Bandow stated, "Joe Biden posed as a champion of human rights when he was a candidate, saying that human rights would be central to our foreign policy. As a president, Joe Biden is embracing approved autocrats and fake democrats."