Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held talks with visiting US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin on Saturday (March 20, 2021) agreeing to pursue enhanced cooperation between the militaries of India, the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command. India's defence minister Rajnath Singh highlighted that both sides "discussed steps to be taken to realise full potential" of foundational agreements--LEMOA, COMCASA and BECA for mutual benefit and agreed to pursue "enhanced cooperation with the US Indo-Pacific Command, Central Command and Africa Command."

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh meets US counterpart, discusses measures to expand strategic ties

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-buying-of-s-400-from-russia-will-have-serious-implications-on-defence-ties-us-223011">long-range S-400 missile </a>defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned.

The statement came weeks after an identical warning from a senior State Department official who had said that New Delhi's deal to procure the lethal missile system from Moscow will have "serious implications" on India-US defence ties.

The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system.

India and Russia signed a $5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last year after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Senior State Department official (South and Central Asian Affairs) Alice G Wells told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation on Thursday that the US now does <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bill-introduced-by-us-congress-aims-to-treat-india-as-nato-ally-209822/amp">more military exercises with India</a> than any other country.

"Under the Trump administration, we've been very clear that we're ready to help meet India's defence needs and we are seeking a very different kind of defence partnership building on the 'Major Defence Partner' designation that India has received from Congress," Wells said.

She was replying to the Congressional sub-committee on India buying S-400 from Russia and how to make India-US ties as robust and as meaningful as possible.

Just a few weeks ago, India, the United States, the Philippines and Japan did a sail by in the South China Sea, she said.

"In both our bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral formats, we're working together in ways that we didn't even conceive of 10 years ago. And so we'd like all aspects of our military relationship to catch up to this new partnership," Wells said.

Noting that India has a historical dependence on Russian arms, she said what causes concern with the S-400 is that it effectively could limit India's ability "to increase our own interoperability".

At a certain point, she argued, a strategic choice has to be made by India about partnerships and a strategic choice about what weapon systems and platforms it is going to adopt.

"It is the case that 10 years ago we did not offer the range of military equipment to India that we're prepared to offer today. We're very much engaged in a conversation with India over how we can broaden our defence relationship," Wells said in response to a question.

Signing of COMCASA agreement between the two countries, she said, was a key step forward which allows for the classified sharing of information, which is one of the basic foundational agreements that foster military interoperability.

"So we're making significant strides forward in our military relationship," she said.

"There is no a blanket waiver or country waiver when it comes to an S-400. We have serious concern about a possible S-400 purchase (by India) and we're continuing our conversations on what the United States or other defence providers could assist India," Wells said.

Over the last 10 years, she said India-US defence trade has increased from zero to $18 billion, as New Delhi has started to diversify its weapons sources.

"We expect continued progress and expanding that defence relationship. But it's still the case that about 65 or 70 per cent of India's military hardware is Russian origin," she said.

And when Russian President Putin visited India last October, there were additional announcements of big ticket military items that were potentially under consideration, she said.

Responding to another question, Wells alleged that India has the highest tariff barriers of a G-20 country.

"Historically it has been a protected market. So, our failure to negotiate an agreement over the course of the last year and a half led to the decision to suspend the GSP benefits," she said.

However, GSP or asking India to stop purchasing oil from Iran is unlikely to push India into the China camp, she said when asked about it from a lawmaker.

"I don't think so. We are India's largest and best market. Twenty per cent of India's goods come here. There is Indian Foreign Direct Investment in the US. There's a huge interest by US firms in India. As Prime Minister Modi begins his second term. He's preoccupied with job creation and attracting Foreign Direct Investment is going to be a key part of that strategy.

"Properly conducted trade can be a huge strength to the relationship and that's certainly our focus as we begin our engagement with Prime Minister Modi in his second term as how do we fix this part of the relationship," Wells added.

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned.

The US is ready to help India's defence needs with the latest technologies and equipment, but New Delhi purchasing long-range S-400 missile defence system from Russia would limit cooperation, the Trump administration has cautioned. The statement came weeks after an identical warning from a senior State Department official who had said that New Delhi's deal to procure the lethal missile system from Moscow will have "serious implications" on India-US defence ties. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. China was the first foreign buyer to seal a government-to-government deal with Russia in 2014 for the system. India and Russia signed a $5 billion S-400 air defence system deal in October last year after wide-ranging talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Senior State Department official (South and Central Asian Affairs) Alice G Wells told House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee for Asia, the Pacific and Non-proliferation on Thursday that the US now does more military exercises with India than any other country. "Under the Trump administration, we've been very clear that we're ready to help meet India's defence needs and we are seeking a very different kind of defence partnership building on the 'Major Defence Partner' designation that India has received from Congress," Wells said. She was replying to the Congressional sub-committee on India buying S-400 from Russia and how to make India-US ties as robust and as meaningful as possible. Just a few weeks ago, India, the United States, the Philippines and Japan did a sail by in the South China Sea, she said. "In both our bilateral, trilateral, quadrilateral formats, we're working together in ways that we didn't even conceive of 10 years ago. And so we'd like all aspects of our military relationship to catch up to this new partnership," Wells said. Noting that India has a historical dependence on Russian arms, she said what causes concern with the S-400 is that it effectively could limit India's ability "to increase our own interoperability". At a certain point, she argued, a strategic choice has to be made by India about partnerships and a strategic choice about what weapon systems and platforms it is going to adopt. "It is the case that 10 years ago we did not offer the range of military equipment to India that we're prepared to offer today. We're very much engaged in a conversation with India over how we can broaden our defence relationship," Wells said in response to a question. Signing of COMCASA agreement between the two countries, she said, was a key step forward which allows for the classified sharing of information, which is one of the basic foundational agreements that foster military interoperability. "So we're making significant strides forward in our military relationship," she said. "There is no a blanket waiver or country waiver when it comes to an S-400. We have serious concern about a possible S-400 purchase (by India) and we're continuing our conversations on what the United States or other defence providers could assist India," Wells said. Over the last 10 years, she said India-US defence trade has increased from zero to $18 billion, as New Delhi has started to diversify its weapons sources. "We expect continued progress and expanding that defence relationship. But it's still the case that about 65 or 70 per cent of India's military hardware is Russian origin," she said. And when Russian President Putin visited India last October, there were additional announcements of big ticket military items that were potentially under consideration, she said. Responding to another question, Wells alleged that India has the highest tariff barriers of a G-20 country. "Historically it has been a protected market. So, our failure to negotiate an agreement over the course of the last year and a half led to the decision to suspend the GSP benefits," she said. However, GSP or asking India to stop purchasing oil from Iran is unlikely to push India into the China camp, she said when asked about it from a lawmaker. "I don't think so. We are India's largest and best market. Twenty per cent of India's goods come here. There is Indian Foreign Direct Investment in the US. There's a huge interest by US firms in India. As Prime Minister Modi begins his second term. He's preoccupied with job creation and attracting Foreign Direct Investment is going to be a key part of that strategy. "Properly conducted trade can be a huge strength to the relationship and that's certainly our focus as we begin our engagement with Prime Minister Modi in his second term as how do we fix this part of the relationship," Wells added.

Ready to help meet India's defence needs but S-400 deal with Russia a concern: US official to foreign affairs committee

US Navy Chief Admiral John M Richardson has said both US and Indian Navies is concerned by terrorism's maritime dimension but with Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which was signed last year during the 2+2 talks between Indian and American foreign and defence, ministers will help in exchange of information on such terror activities.

Speaking to reporters via a telephonic press conference from Manila in which WION was present, Admiral Richardson said, "We have very very common views in terms of the importance of addressing and taking measures so that we can take to minimise the possibility of terrorism whether it comes from land or sea. Both of our navies are concerned about the maritime dimension."

Explaining further, "We have a terrific opportunity because of the last 2+2 meet, we signed important agreements — COMCASA. This is a foundational agreement that allows us to exchange information. So we have info exchanges so that we have the opportunity to learn and fully understand and share information with we have with India that will allow us to exchange information on any terror activity."

COMCASA which stands for Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement and a foundational agreement US signs with allies to exchange information.

US Navy Chief was in India earlier this week and met Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba.

On his India visit, Richardson said, the focus was to make the relationship "vibrant" between Indian and US navies. Indian Navy and US Navies interact regularly at bilateral and multilateral forums and participate in maritime exercises such as MALABAR and RIMPAC.&nbsp;

China and Iran also dominated the press conference. While on China, the US navy chief hoped the as the country expands "it complies with International rules-based order", on the developing situation in West Asia especially on Iran, he said, US is "very working closely with everybody".

US Navy Chief Admiral John M Richardson has said both US and Indian Navies is concerned by terrorism's maritime dimension but with Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which was signed last year during the 2+2 talks between Indian and American foreign and defence, ministers will help in exchange of information on such terror activities.

US Navy Chief Admiral John M Richardson has said both US and Indian Navies is concerned by terrorism's maritime dimension but with Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) which was signed last year during the 2+2 talks between Indian and American foreign and defence, ministers will help in exchange of information on such terror activities. Speaking to reporters via a telephonic press conference from Manila in which WION was present, Admiral Richardson said, "We have very very common views in terms of the importance of addressing and taking measures so that we can take to minimise the possibility of terrorism whether it comes from land or sea. Both of our navies are concerned about the maritime dimension." Explaining further, "We have a terrific opportunity because of the last 2+2 meet, we signed important agreements — COMCASA. This is a foundational agreement that allows us to exchange information. So we have info exchanges so that we have the opportunity to learn and fully understand and share information with we have with India that will allow us to exchange information on any terror activity." COMCASA which stands for Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement and a foundational agreement US signs with allies to exchange information. US Navy Chief was in India earlier this week and met Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba. On his India visit, Richardson said, the focus was to make the relationship "vibrant" between Indian and US navies. Indian Navy and US Navies interact regularly at bilateral and multilateral forums and participate in maritime exercises such as MALABAR and RIMPAC. China and Iran also dominated the press conference. While on China, the US navy chief hoped the as the country expands "it complies with International rules-based order", on the developing situation in West Asia especially on Iran, he said, US is "very working closely with everybody".

US navy chief says maritime dimension of terror concern for both India, US

The US State Department has approved sale of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-army-to-buy-israels-iron-dome-missile-defence-system-195689">two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures</a> (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India at an estimated cost of $190 million.&nbsp;

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has been asked by the State Department to issue the required certificate notifying the US Congress about the sale. Once the US Senate approves the deal, the deal will enter into the negotiation stage and then the sale will be concluded. The prime contractor will be Boeing Company, Oklahoma City, US.

The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said, "The government of India has requested to buy two Self-Protection Suites (SPS) consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS), and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft."

While approving the deal, Pentagon's DSCA said that the "proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship" and to "improve the security of a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region."

The department added,"the proposed sale will improve<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chinas-missile-defense-system-for-pakistan-aimed-at-indias-brahmos-missile-37014"> India's capability to deter regional threats</a>" with the SPS facilitating "a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats."

The sale will include - 12 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (6 installed and 6 spares), 8 LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (2 installed and 6 spares, 23 Missile Warning Sensors (12 installed and 11 spares) and five Counter-Measures Dispensing System (2 installed and 3 spares).

The department also assured that the sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region".

The&nbsp;US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. Washington has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India.

Pentagon's Missile defence review (MDR) 2019 had mentioned that the United States has been discussing "potential missile defence cooperation" with India.

In 2018, US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases defence procurement from US. Last year both New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement).

The COMCASA deal happened despite fears that the US might slow defence engagement with New Delhi after the India-Russia S400 air defence system deal in October last year.

The US State Department has approved sale of two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India at an estimated cost of $190 million.

The US State Department has approved sale of two Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) Self Protection Suites (SPS) for Boeing aircraft to be used in India at an estimated cost of $190 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has been asked by the State Department to issue the required certificate notifying the US Congress about the sale. Once the US Senate approves the deal, the deal will enter into the negotiation stage and then the sale will be concluded. The prime contractor will be Boeing Company, Oklahoma City, US. The Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said, "The government of India has requested to buy two Self-Protection Suites (SPS) consisting of AN/AAQ 24(V)N Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM), ALQ-211(V)8 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suite (AIDEWS), and AN/ALE-47 Counter-Measures Dispensing System (CMDS) to protect two (2) Boeing-777 Head-of-State aircraft." While approving the deal, Pentagon's DSCA said that the "proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship" and to "improve the security of a major defensive partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region." The department added,"the proposed sale will improve India's capability to deter regional threats" with the SPS facilitating "a more robust capability into areas of increased missile threats." The sale will include - 12 Guardian Laser Transmitter Assemblies (6 installed and 6 spares), 8 LAIRCM System Processor Replacements (2 installed and 6 spares, 23 Missile Warning Sensors (12 installed and 11 spares) and five Counter-Measures Dispensing System (2 installed and 3 spares). The department also assured that the sale will not "alter the basic military balance in the region". The US is the second-largest arms supplier to India. Washington has already recognised India as a "major defence partner", a status that which commits the US to facilitate technology sharing with India. Pentagon's Missile defence review (MDR) 2019 had mentioned that the United States has been discussing "potential missile defence cooperation" with India. In 2018, US granted India Strategic Trade Authorisation-1 (STA-1) status. India is the only South Asian country to get STA1 status and third Asian country after Japan and South Korea. The status eases defence procurement from US. Last year both New Delhi and Washington signed COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement). The COMCASA deal happened despite fears that the US might slow defence engagement with New Delhi after the India-Russia S400 air defence system deal in October last year.

US State Department approves aircraft defence deal to 'improve India's capability to deter regional threats'

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">the long-pending </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">COMCASA</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982"> agreement </a>that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India.

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal.

India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack.

"This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI.

"Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said.

Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi.

"The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said.

"The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-dialogue-india-us-sign-comcasa-agreement-to-deepen-defence-ties-163982">)</a>, which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said.

"The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added.

India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month.

"At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said.

On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said.

She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year.

Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies.

"Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said.

On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said.

Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business.

"Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said.

The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said.

All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted.

Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a 'tariff king' in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators.

Notwithstanding irritants on trade issues, India and the US made "landmark" progress in 2018 to bolster their strategic and defence ties from holding the maiden trilateral meeting with Japan to the first-ever 2+2 dialogue during which they signed the long-pending COMCASA agreement that would open the way for sales of more sensitive US military equipment to India. The trade disputes posed bumps on the road as President Donald Trump called India a "tariff king" in September. However, two months later, he praised Indians as tough negotiators as the two countries started talks on a bilateral trade deal. India was among the few countries, which received a waiver on Iran sanctions from the Trump administration, which also pressed Pakistan to bring to justice the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attack and announced a reward of $ 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction in any country of any individual who committed, conspired to commit, or aided the 26/11 attack. "This has been a landmark year for US-India ties as we build out stronger relationships across the board," Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told PTI. "Last month, President Trump met in Buenos Aires with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the first US-India-Japan or 'JAI' meeting as Prime Minister Modi called it" between the three leaders, and Vice President (Mike) Pence reviewed the rapid development of the strategic partnership during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi in Singapore," said Wells, who has been Trump administration's point person for the South and Central Asia. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo described the first 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September as "symbolic of our increasingly close partnership," she said. Pompeo along with Defence Secretary James Mattis were hosted by their Indian counterparts, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi. "The 2+2 focused on operationalising India's status as a Major Defence Partner of the US, cooperation on global challenges, and our shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific," Wells said. "The event culminated with the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), which will facilitate greater interoperability between our forces, enhance information and intelligence sharing, and ensure that India has access to top-tier US military technology," she said. "The finalisation of this agreement was a historic step and, since then, we have made significant strides toward finalising additional agreements that will enable our militaries and private sectors to work even closer together," she added. India's strategic partnership with the US and its emergence as a leading global power was on display during other high-level gatherings this year, including two meetings of the quadrilateral partners (Australia, India, Japan, and the US) and at the India-Japan-US trilateral meeting at the G-20 summit last month. "At these meetings, US and Indian officials discussed our shared commitment to maintaining and strengthening a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific based on respect and partnership, not domination," she said. On the economic front, India-US trade relationship continues to grow, she said. Bilateral trade grew to $ 126 billion last year, and, parallel with the launch of the Strategic Energy Partnership, US-sourced oil and liquefied natural gas landed on Indian shores. "Still, we can do much more. US companies need better access to India's markets in order for us to realise the full potential of our economic partnership," Wells said. She said the Trump administration looks forward to building on this relationship's momentum and working even more closely with the Indian counterparts on a range of shared strategic interests next year. Nisha Desai Biswal, president of the US-India Business Council, believes 2018 experienced major upheavals impacting longstanding trade agreements and frameworks, with retaliatory tariffs, rising protectionism, and domestic political clashes spilling over into the economic policy of major economies. "Despite these trade headwinds, the US-India commercial and strategic relationship continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support in the US, underpinned by rapidly expanding bilateral trade," she said. On the US-India strategic front, proponents of greater interoperability scored some major wins, including the conferring of STA-1 status to India by Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. "This puts India on par with America"s closest allies," she said. Biswal said that on the commercial front, the private sector will be watching closely to see whether the two governments can reach a bilateral trade deal and resolve key trade irritants impacting US business. "Business community engagement will be particularly critical in 2019, with a challenging political environment in both countries making protectionist policy a significant concern," she said. The resumption of the US-India Commercial Dialogue next February, a US-India CEO Forum and the potential for a Trade Policy Forum will make 2019 a particularly important year, Biswal said. All eyes are right now on the upcoming elections and how that will impact the economy and overall investment climate, she noted. Alyssa Ayres from the Council of Foreign Relations said bilateral ties have made good progress on strategic and defence front, but economic ties are bumpier.

2018: A landmark year for India-US strategic relationship

comcasa

Comcasa, News on Comcasa, stories on Comcasa, articles on Comcasa, Comcasa stories at Wion, Comcasa news, Comcasa latest news