Interview with Kurt Campbell: US-India Connects G7, Indo-Pacific, Global South, and Quad

Kurt Campbell, the US deputy Secretary of State, has been instrumental in shaping America’s approach to China and the wider Indo-Pacific region. In a recent interview with Hindustan Times, he discussed various aspects of US-India relations, the Quad, and the evolving security architecture in the Indo-Pacific.

Campbell highlighted the positive impact of initiatives like Quad, AUKUS, and trilateral groupings in the region, emphasizing the importance of building stronger partnerships with like-minded nations. He noted that these initiatives have created stability and confidence among nations in the region, leading to greater cooperation on common issues like freedom of navigation and technology development.

Regarding China’s behavior, Campbell acknowledged the challenges of shaping a great power like China but expressed confidence in the US’s ability to influence the surrounding environment. He emphasized the importance of finding common ground with China while acknowledging areas of contention and competition.

Campbell also discussed the significant contributions of the Quad in areas like public health, technology, and security cooperation. He praised India’s growing role in the Quad and highlighted the importance of building habits of cooperation among member countries.

On the Indian Ocean, Campbell commended the recent agreement between the UK and Mauritius on Diego Garcia, which he believes will enhance stability in the region. He also discussed the potential for a dialogue between the US and India on Indian Ocean security architecture, including the involvement of countries like the UAE.

In terms of bilateral cooperation, Campbell highlighted the progress in tech and space cooperation between the US and India. He expressed optimism about the future of the relationship and advised both countries to continue expanding their dialogues and collaborations in various domains.

Overall, Campbell’s insights shed light on the evolving dynamics of US-India relations and the strategic importance of the partnership in shaping the Indo-Pacific region. His advice for both countries to deepen their cooperation and engagement bodes well for the future of the relationship.