The US-India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between its people.&nbsp; 
The Indian diaspora is also a crucial element in this endeavour.

This Presidential election has been one of the most keenly observed across the world including India. Apart from the fact that it has been marked by unusually sharp statements from both the candidates, this election impacts India in many ways, regardless of the fact, if Democrats or Republicans occupy the White House.

It is a given that India will remain a key partner due to the bipartisan support in the Capitol but it is also a fact that a change in the White House will also impact how India and US conduct their businesses and their policy that bears on trade, energy, defence and balance of payments.

It is widely anticipated that US policy on China will continue its course, though less shrill and less rhetoric but what is more strategic to Indian interest is the policy of the new administration towards Pakistan.

The Trump administration has unequivocal in calling out Pakistan as the hub of terror in the region and has cut off a large part of the military aid along with funding. It has also been supportive of Indian point of view at all international forums including the United Nations. It has supported India on the bifurcation of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and abrogation of Article 370.

A new administration will be keenly watched by India on how it proceeds with Pakistan though it is widely anticipated that if Republicans continue in power there will be more of same and that could be good news for India.

However, the continued policy towards Iran may not be in the long term good for India as these two countries have enjoyed traditionally good relations with a sizeable investment in Iran as well as in the infrastructure developed at the Chabahar port by India with a direct link to Afghanistan by sea–road route bypassing Pakistan.&nbsp;

In addition, cheaper crude sourced from Iran could lower the ballooning Indian crude import bill.

There could be a new dimension on how a new administration will support the Indian trade and business interests. As of now, US is India’s second-largest trading partner even though India was the ninth-largest trading partner for US.

In 2019, the US trade with India was an estimated $146.1 billion and the trade deficit with India was $28.8 billion with the US goods trade deficit at $23.4 billion.&nbsp;

It is this deficit that will come more into play with the continuation of President Trump in office with an increased focus on doing the “Trade Deal” that has been elusive till now.

The key sectors to watch out for the US-India trade and its management of deficit will be defence, energy and pharma.

It is no secret that the US has emerged as an important supplier of military hardware to India through the G2G deals with increasing cooperation both at the troop-level with the US-India military exercises and the Malabar Exercise ( with Australia joining in for the first time since 2007).

&nbsp;The unofficial QUAD is keenly observed by China with the axis of these four democratic nations playing war games in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean to ensure fair seas and Right of Navigation in the South China Sea and minimising Chinese military influence in the Indian Ocean Region.

The military hardware sales clocking more than $20 billion has been supported by the DTTI (Defence Trade &amp; Technological Initiative) bolstered by India and US signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which, along with the two agreements signed earlier — the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) allow a seamless exchange of military information, logistics, communication and interoperability between the two largest democratic military powers of the world.

India’s emergence as the strategic partner of US not only in the region but outside of NATO, as the only nation to have been given the status of major defence partner to whom the US has consented to share sensitive military technologies, weapons and equipment in no small means catalyzed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys makes it a pivot in the Indo Pacific, regardless of the administration that may come to power in the United States.

The key area of interest to watch will be emerging role of US in the Indian energy market as a sustainable partner than just a trader as India buys more of Natural Gas to fuel its city gas networks and industry in the Coastal Economic Zones.&nbsp;

US and India have continued to increase their energy trade as the bilateral trade increased by 93 per cent in the past two years reaching a total of $9.2 billion in 2019.

India is now the fourth-largest destination for US crude and fifth-largest market for US natural gas majors.

The natural gas market has seen long term agreements of GAIL and PetroNet LNG with major US energy firms, as the Indian infrastructure for LNG has picked up pace with 5 RLNG terminals in the West Coast of India with an installed capacity of 42.5 MMTPA including the LNG hub in Gujarat and upcoming 21.5 MMTPA capacity in the East &amp; West Coast using FSRUs supported by more than 17,000 kms of pipelines connecting the West Coast to the heartland as India pursues its target of increasing the share of natural gas from the current 6 per cent to 15 per cent by Y2030.

India's interest will also be the operationalisation of the Civil Nuclear Energy as that is a shared legacy that has yet to bear fruits for a power-hungry India as it emerges from the pandemic with a projected growth rate by IMF of 8.8% in 2021-22.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do&nbsp;not represent the views of&nbsp;WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse&nbsp;the views of the writer)

The US-India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between its people.

The US-India strategic partnership is based on shared values of democracy, common geopolitical interests, mutual respect and understanding, and marked by warmth and friendship between its people. The Indian diaspora is also a crucial element in this endeavour. This Presidential election has been one of the most keenly observed across the world including India. Apart from the fact that it has been marked by unusually sharp statements from both the candidates, this election impacts India in many ways, regardless of the fact, if Democrats or Republicans occupy the White House. It is a given that India will remain a key partner due to the bipartisan support in the Capitol but it is also a fact that a change in the White House will also impact how India and US conduct their businesses and their policy that bears on trade, energy, defence and balance of payments. It is widely anticipated that US policy on China will continue its course, though less shrill and less rhetoric but what is more strategic to Indian interest is the policy of the new administration towards Pakistan. The Trump administration has unequivocal in calling out Pakistan as the hub of terror in the region and has cut off a large part of the military aid along with funding. It has also been supportive of Indian point of view at all international forums including the United Nations. It has supported India on the bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir and abrogation of Article 370. A new administration will be keenly watched by India on how it proceeds with Pakistan though it is widely anticipated that if Republicans continue in power there will be more of same and that could be good news for India. However, the continued policy towards Iran may not be in the long term good for India as these two countries have enjoyed traditionally good relations with a sizeable investment in Iran as well as in the infrastructure developed at the Chabahar port by India with a direct link to Afghanistan by sea–road route bypassing Pakistan. In addition, cheaper crude sourced from Iran could lower the ballooning Indian crude import bill. There could be a new dimension on how a new administration will support the Indian trade and business interests. As of now, US is India’s second-largest trading partner even though India was the ninth-largest trading partner for US. In 2019, the US trade with India was an estimated $146.1 billion and the trade deficit with India was $28.8 billion with the US goods trade deficit at $23.4 billion. It is this deficit that will come more into play with the continuation of President Trump in office with an increased focus on doing the “Trade Deal” that has been elusive till now. The key sectors to watch out for the US-India trade and its management of deficit will be defence, energy and pharma. It is no secret that the US has emerged as an important supplier of military hardware to India through the G2G deals with increasing cooperation both at the troop-level with the US-India military exercises and the Malabar Exercise ( with Australia joining in for the first time since 2007). The unofficial QUAD is keenly observed by China with the axis of these four democratic nations playing war games in the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean to ensure fair seas and Right of Navigation in the South China Sea and minimising Chinese military influence in the Indian Ocean Region. The military hardware sales clocking more than $20 billion has been supported by the DTTI (Defence Trade & Technological Initiative) bolstered by India and US signing the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA), which, along with the two agreements signed earlier — the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) allow a seamless exchange of military information, logistics, communication and interoperability between the two largest democratic military powers of the world. India’s emergence as the strategic partner of US not only in the region but outside of NATO, as the only nation to have been given the status of major defence partner to whom the US has consented to share sensitive military technologies, weapons and equipment in no small means catalyzed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys makes it a pivot in the Indo Pacific, regardless of the administration that may come to power in the United States. The key area of interest to watch will be emerging role of US in the Indian energy market as a sustainable partner than just a trader as India buys more of Natural Gas to fuel its city gas networks and industry in the Coastal Economic Zones. US and India have continued to increase their energy trade as the bilateral trade increased by 93 per cent in the past two years reaching a total of $9.2 billion in 2019. India is now the fourth-largest destination for US crude and fifth-largest market for US natural gas majors. The natural gas market has seen long term agreements of GAIL and PetroNet LNG with major US energy firms, as the Indian infrastructure for LNG has picked up pace with 5 RLNG terminals in the West Coast of India with an installed capacity of 42.5 MMTPA including the LNG hub in Gujarat and upcoming 21.5 MMTPA capacity in the East & West Coast using FSRUs supported by more than 17,000 kms of pipelines connecting the West Coast to the heartland as India pursues its target of increasing the share of natural gas from the current 6 per cent to 15 per cent by Y2030. India's interest will also be the operationalisation of the Civil Nuclear Energy as that is a shared legacy that has yet to bear fruits for a power-hungry India as it emerges from the pandemic with a projected growth rate by IMF of 8.8% in 2021-22. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer)

US Presidential elections: What matters for India?

The undecided presidential election entered a new phase on Wednesday as former Vice President Joe Biden was declared the winner of the key swing states of Michigan and Wisconsin, two states that President Donald Trump won four years ago.

Biden, flipping Michigan and Wisconsin, says it’s ‘clear’ he will reach 270

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thai-government-shuts-news-site-linked-to-ex-pm-amid-protests-336771">Thai government shuts news site linked to ex-PM amid protests</a>

<img alt="Thailand protests" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dea1f629-1f66-424e-8244-81325e1f0c43" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/THAK_0.jpg" />

At least two protest leaders were arrested on Tuesday as Prayuth Chan-ocha's cabinet agreed to an emergency session of parliament next week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-osiris-rex-grabs-a-piece-of-asteroid-bennu-in-historic-mission-336773">NASA's Osiris-Rex grabs a piece of asteroid Bennu in historic mission</a>

<img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b9d4c8df-2800-4608-ada3-1bedff1c36a7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/NASA1.jpg" />

The historic mission was 12 years in the making and rested on a critical 16 second period where the spacecraft performed a delicate autonomous maneuver to grab its payload.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-offers-1-billion-deal-to-brazil-to-sway-it-away-from-chinas-huawei-5g-network-336778">US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network</a>

<img alt="Huawei" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0a334104-9b28-4f35-9f67-9ec76e1664b7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HUA1.jpg" />

China is Brazil's top trading partner, and Huawei has emerged as the leading supplier of fast and cheap next-generation telecoms infrastructure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-manchester-uniteds-rashford-stuns-paris-saint-germain-336795">Champions League: Manchester United's Rashford stuns Paris Saint-Germain</a>

<img alt="Marcus Rashford" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2e912da8-5be6-4d96-b774-9b05b8340ee0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Marcus11.jpg" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-the-only-country-profiting-in-the-pandemic-336768">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: China - The only country profiting in the pandemic</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-the-only-country-profiting-in-the-pandemic-336768/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Thai government shuts news site linked to ex-PM amid protests At least two protest leaders were arrested on Tuesday as Prayuth Chan-ocha's cabinet agreed to an emergency session of parliament next week.

Thai government shuts news site linked to ex-PM amid protests At least two protest leaders were arrested on Tuesday as Prayuth Chan-ocha's cabinet agreed to an emergency session of parliament next week. NASA's Osiris-Rex grabs a piece of asteroid Bennu in historic mission The historic mission was 12 years in the making and rested on a critical 16 second period where the spacecraft performed a delicate autonomous maneuver to grab its payload. US offers $1 billion deal to Brazil to sway it away from China's Huawei 5G network China is Brazil's top trading partner, and Huawei has emerged as the leading supplier of fast and cheap next-generation telecoms infrastructure. Champions League: Manchester United's Rashford stuns Paris Saint-Germain Watch: Gravitas: China - The only country profiting in the pandemic

Morning news brief: Thai government shuts news site amid protests, Manchester United's Rashford stuns PSG in Champions League & more

US Defense Secretary <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-standoff-relationship-with-india-important-monitoring-lac-very-closely-us-defense-secretary-mark-esper-314931">Mark Esper</a> on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uae-eye-december-goal-to-agree-on-f-35-deal-sources-329434">Also Read:&nbsp;&nbsp;US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal</a>

"America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said.

The initiative named the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP) aims to foster relations with partner countries in order to facilitate militaries cooperation and US arms sales. 
&nbsp; 
"China and Russia probably have fewer than 10 allies combined," the defence secretary said, adding,"the smaller the nation and the greater its needs, the heavier the pressure from Beijing."

Esper citing NATO and Malt's example said: "Examples like these illustrate the importance of aligning with like-minded nations, large and small, to maintain the free and open order that has served us all so very well for decades."

The defence secretary also highlighted the need to build closer ties with "like-minded democracies such as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajanth-singh-us-defence-secretary-mark-esper-discuss-china-build-up-301895">India</a> and Indonesia". Esper is due to visit India next week.

"They all recognize what China is doing," he added.

"We must compete with China and Russia whose state-owned industries can fast-track military exports in ways that we cannot, and would never want to, in many cases," the defence secretary added.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China. Also Read: US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal "America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said.

US Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Tuesday called for strengthing relations with "like-minded democracies" to counter Russia and China. Also Read: US and UAE eye December goal to agree on F-35 deal "America's network of allies and partners provides us an asymmetric advantage our adversaries cannot match," Esper said. The initiative named the Guidance for Development for Alliances and Partnerships(GDAP) aims to foster relations with partner countries in order to facilitate militaries cooperation and US arms sales. "China and Russia probably have fewer than 10 allies combined," the defence secretary said, adding,"the smaller the nation and the greater its needs, the heavier the pressure from Beijing." Esper citing NATO and Malt's example said: "Examples like these illustrate the importance of aligning with like-minded nations, large and small, to maintain the free and open order that has served us all so very well for decades." The defence secretary also highlighted the need to build closer ties with "like-minded democracies such as India and Indonesia". Esper is due to visit India next week. "They all recognize what China is doing," he added. "We must compete with China and Russia whose state-owned industries can fast-track military exports in ways that we cannot, and would never want to, in many cases," the defence secretary added.

US defence secretary Mark Esper stresses on closer ties with 'like-minded democracies such as India' amid China tensions

India's Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone, Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-bid-to-counter-china-invite-india-russia-to-g7-302693">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7</a>

President Trump extended invitation to PM Modi to attend the next G-7 summit to be held in the United States.

During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation, the PMO said in a statement.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-pm-modi-speaks-to-donald-trump-302749/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The United States has been hit by violent clashes after an African-American George Floyd was allegedly killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. The police brutality led to large scale violence across the United States with reports of looting and arson.

Prime Minister Modi and US President also spoke to each other on the coronavirus crisis, the India-China border issue, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation, the PMO said.

The US President had earlier tried to intervene in the India-China standoff at the border but both countries sought to resolve the issue without US intervention.

The US President has been attacking the WHO for weeks and recently froze funds to the UN health body, with India now taking charge of WHO’s Executive Board as the chairman both countries are seeking a new way to address problems amid the coronavirus pandemic

 
&nbsp;

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone, Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday. Also Read: Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7 President Trump extended invitation to PM Modi to attend the next G-7 summit to be held in the United States.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Donald Trump on the phone, Prime Minister's Office said on Tuesday. Also Read: Trump's bid to counter China: Invite India, Russia to G7 President Trump extended invitation to PM Modi to attend the next G-7 summit to be held in the United States. During the conversation, Prime Minister Modi expressed concern over the ongoing civil disturbances in the US, and conveyed his best wishes for an early resolution of the situation, the PMO said in a statement. The United States has been hit by violent clashes after an African-American George Floyd was allegedly killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. The police brutality led to large scale violence across the United States with reports of looting and arson. Prime Minister Modi and US President also spoke to each other on the coronavirus crisis, the India-China border issue, and the need for reforms in the World Health Organisation, the PMO said. The US President had earlier tried to intervene in the India-China standoff at the border but both countries sought to resolve the issue without US intervention. The US President has been attacking the WHO for weeks and recently froze funds to the UN health body, with India now taking charge of WHO’s Executive Board as the chairman both countries are seeking a new way to address problems amid the coronavirus pandemic

PM Modi speaks to Trump over phone; discuss US riots, COVID-19 & WHO reforms

During&nbsp;talks between Indian PM Modi and US President Donald Trump, Pakistan, Afghanistan and trade were the key focus with the latter highlighting that Islamabad has been pressing Washington to mediate on Kashmir.

A government source told WION, "Pakistani PM Imran Khan has been pressing to meditate on Kashmir, "something that is not going to happen". The source said&nbsp;Pakistani Prime Minister Khan has been "making a nuisance" on mediation. While there has been a "certain level of accommodation with Pakistan" by Washington in the backdrop of US Taliban deal but that doesn't make "anyone friend".

India raised the issue of cross border-terror emanating from Pakistan on which the US agreed that "states have the right to defend themselves" and Washington is "aware of the beast".

The source explained, the US understands the "need to keep an eye" on Pakistan and they will keep "pressure on Pakistan on its action with regards to taking action on terror"

Afghanistan remained the top focus, with the drawdown in troops being discussed even as US Taliban deal is being signed on Saturday in Doha. India appreciated on "were the US was coming from" after 19 years in Afghanistan and "drawdown should not precipitate" and both sides kept in mind "the gains made in last 19 years".

Fair amount of time was kept on trade and both sides agreed that "we would try and freeze on the current negotiations" and "will give it legal shape" as early as possible. Both sides are now working for the conclusion of the "phase one" of the trade deal at an early stage and the focus on "bilateral trade agreement".

The two-way trade between the two&nbsp;sides has grown with trade expected to go up to $160 billion in 2020-21.

With an increase in energy cooperation, energy import is expected to be $9 billion for financial year $9 billion from $4.7 billion in FY 2017-2018. Hydrocarbon trade is 11 per cent&nbsp;of the total trade. US exports have helped India diversify and Indian companies have invested in production facilities of US energy now.

On H1B1 visa issue, Trump took "note " and "heard the Indian side", the source said. Both sides appreciate the role of the Indian American community and Indian workers provide "democratic values" and "fit in better".

Indo-Pacific was another key focus point, with US international development finance corporation opening an office in Delhi and aiming&nbsp;to give $600 million&nbsp;in concessional loan.

India also "listened" to the US on Japan, US and Australia-led blue dot network. The project, aimed at countering China's Belt and Road(BRI)&nbsp;infrastructure, the initiative aims "to promote quality infrastructure investment that is open and inclusive, transparent, economically viable, financially, environmentally and socially sustainable, and compliant with international standards, laws, and regulations." according to State Department.

The official described the visit of US President Donald Trump as "challenging" in terms of logistics but greatly "satisfying".

According to the BARC's data, 46 million across India watched Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad across 180 channels with a viewership of 11.69 billion viewing minutes.&nbsp;

During talks between Indian PM Modi and US President Donald Trump, Pakistan, Afghanistan and trade were the key focus with the latter highlighting that Islamabad has been pressing Washington to mediate on Kashmir.

During talks between Indian PM Modi and US President Donald Trump, Pakistan, Afghanistan and trade were the key focus with the latter highlighting that Islamabad has been pressing Washington to mediate on Kashmir. A government source told WION, "Pakistani PM Imran Khan has been pressing to meditate on Kashmir, "something that is not going to happen". The source said Pakistani Prime Minister Khan has been "making a nuisance" on mediation. While there has been a "certain level of accommodation with Pakistan" by Washington in the backdrop of US Taliban deal but that doesn't make "anyone friend". India raised the issue of cross border-terror emanating from Pakistan on which the US agreed that "states have the right to defend themselves" and Washington is "aware of the beast". The source explained, the US understands the "need to keep an eye" on Pakistan and they will keep "pressure on Pakistan on its action with regards to taking action on terror" Afghanistan remained the top focus, with the drawdown in troops being discussed even as US Taliban deal is being signed on Saturday in Doha. India appreciated on "were the US was coming from" after 19 years in Afghanistan and "drawdown should not precipitate" and both sides kept in mind "the gains made in last 19 years". Fair amount of time was kept on trade and both sides agreed that "we would try and freeze on the current negotiations" and "will give it legal shape" as early as possible. Both sides are now working for the conclusion of the "phase one" of the trade deal at an early stage and the focus on "bilateral trade agreement". The two-way trade between the two sides has grown with trade expected to go up to $160 billion in 2020-21. With an increase in energy cooperation, energy import is expected to be $9 billion for financial year $9 billion from $4.7 billion in FY 2017-2018. Hydrocarbon trade is 11 per cent of the total trade. US exports have helped India diversify and Indian companies have invested in production facilities of US energy now. On H1B1 visa issue, Trump took "note " and "heard the Indian side", the source said. Both sides appreciate the role of the Indian American community and Indian workers provide "democratic values" and "fit in better". Indo-Pacific was another key focus point, with US international development finance corporation opening an office in Delhi and aiming to give $600 million in concessional loan. India also "listened" to the US on Japan, US and Australia-led blue dot network. The project, aimed at countering China's Belt and Road(BRI) infrastructure, the initiative aims "to promote quality infrastructure investment that is open and inclusive, transparent, economically viable, financially, environmentally and socially sustainable, and compliant with international standards, laws, and regulations." according to State Department. The official described the visit of US President Donald Trump as "challenging" in terms of logistics but greatly "satisfying". According to the BARC's data, 46 million across India watched Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad across 180 channels with a viewership of 11.69 billion viewing minutes.

Modi-Trump talks: US backed India's right to defend; to keep an 'eye on Pakistan'

In an almost 40 minute-long news briefing, President Trump touched upon an array of issues critical to both the US and India from the Kashmir issue to India's tariffs,&nbsp;H-1B visas, religious freedom and CAA protests in Delhi.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/do-you-want-to-know-what-trump-has-said-on-caa-282733/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On the Citizenship Amendment Act, the US president was dragged into the issue at least four times during the press conference. One question after another indirectly required him to make his stand clear and each time his answer reiterated what the Indian government has been saying for the longest time that it is an internal issue.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trump-brings-up-religious-freedom-issue-with-pm-modi-sidesteps-caa-282722">Also Read:&nbsp;Trump brings up religious freedom issue with PM Modi, sidesteps CAA</a>

Then came Kashmir, the US president went on to acknowledge the fact that the issue needs to be resolved bilaterally and that India and Pakistan are working on it.

"I didn't say anything about that (being mediator). Kashmir obviously is a big problem between India and Pakistan, they are going to work out their problem. They have been doing it for a long time," Trump said.

There were also questions on the fight against terror and obviously Pakistan.

While the US president reiterated the need to tackle the menace, there was a balancing act when it came to Pakistan.

The US president spoke about his "good relationship" with the Pakistan prime minister and in a rather diplomatic reply, he said there are two sides to every story.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anything-i-can-do-to-mediate-have-great-relations-with-pm-modi-and-imran-khan-trump-on-kashmir-282715">Also Read:&nbsp;Anything I can do to mediate, have great relations with Modi, Imran: Trump on Kashmir</a>

"There are two sides to every story. We discussed terrorism at length today. We talked a lot about it at length today. No question it is a problem. They are working on it. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi &amp; Pak PM) is so good."

Trump being the master deal-maker had said on Monday that he is holding out for a bigger, better and a fantastic deal but today the US president didn't mince words.

He stood his ground on tariffs saying that India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world.

No surprise there, given that he has earlier described India as the king of tariffs.

In particular, he complained about the heavy import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/harley-davidson-has-to-pay-tremendous-tariffs-in-india-says-trump-282719">Also Read:&nbsp;Harley-Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs in India, says Trump</a>

"India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world… we have to stop that… I think we are understanding each other," he said.

"Harley Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs in India. When India sends motorcycles to the US, there is virtually no tariffs. For the most part, there are absolutely no tariffs. I just said that is unfair and we are working it out.”&nbsp;

On to the issue of H-1B visas, the president's reply was rather vague. He said the issue was everybody's to solve and then went on to talk about the affection of the Indian diaspora towards him.

He may have left a lot unanswered.

In an almost 40 minute-long news briefing, President Trump touched upon an array of issues critical to both the US and India from the Kashmir issue to India's tariffs, H-1B visas, religious freedom and CAA protests in Delhi.

In an almost 40 minute-long news briefing, President Trump touched upon an array of issues critical to both the US and India from the Kashmir issue to India's tariffs, H-1B visas, religious freedom and CAA protests in Delhi. Watch Video: On the Citizenship Amendment Act, the US president was dragged into the issue at least four times during the press conference. One question after another indirectly required him to make his stand clear and each time his answer reiterated what the Indian government has been saying for the longest time that it is an internal issue. Also Read: Trump brings up religious freedom issue with PM Modi, sidesteps CAA Then came Kashmir, the US president went on to acknowledge the fact that the issue needs to be resolved bilaterally and that India and Pakistan are working on it. "I didn't say anything about that (being mediator). Kashmir obviously is a big problem between India and Pakistan, they are going to work out their problem. They have been doing it for a long time," Trump said. There were also questions on the fight against terror and obviously Pakistan. While the US president reiterated the need to tackle the menace, there was a balancing act when it came to Pakistan. The US president spoke about his "good relationship" with the Pakistan prime minister and in a rather diplomatic reply, he said there are two sides to every story. Also Read: Anything I can do to mediate, have great relations with Modi, Imran: Trump on Kashmir "There are two sides to every story. We discussed terrorism at length today. We talked a lot about it at length today. No question it is a problem. They are working on it. I said I will do whatever I can do to help because my relationship with both gentlemen (PM Modi & Pak PM) is so good." Trump being the master deal-maker had said on Monday that he is holding out for a bigger, better and a fantastic deal but today the US president didn't mince words. He stood his ground on tariffs saying that India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world. No surprise there, given that he has earlier described India as the king of tariffs. In particular, he complained about the heavy import duty on Harley Davidson motorcycles. Also Read: Harley-Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs in India, says Trump "India is probably the highest tariff nation in the world… we have to stop that… I think we are understanding each other," he said. "Harley Davidson has to pay tremendous tariffs in India. When India sends motorcycles to the US, there is virtually no tariffs. For the most part, there are absolutely no tariffs. I just said that is unfair and we are working it out.” On to the issue of H-1B visas, the president's reply was rather vague. He said the issue was everybody's to solve and then went on to talk about the affection of the Indian diaspora towards him. He may have left a lot unanswered.

Five key takeaways from day 2 of Trump's India visit

India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla addressing a press conference said talks between India and US were held in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology, people to people contact.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/5g-wireless-network-should-not-be-conduit-of-suppression-censorship-says-trump-taking-a-dig-at-china-282662">Also Read: 5G wireless network should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump</a>

"The issue of CAA didn't come up. There was an appreciation from both side that pluralism and diversity are a common binding factor of both the countries," Shringla said while replying to question by reporters.

"I think the two leaders&nbsp;also decided to move towards what was referred to as a 'big deal' in the trade sector," India's foreign secretary informed.

"The two leaders decided that we would conclude the ongoing discussions as soon as possible and give it a legal framework &amp; the text could be finalized with legal vetting as soon as possible," he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-first-lady-melania-trump-visited-delhi-government-school-282595">US First Lady Melania Trump visits Delhi government school</a>

Shringla said both <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-countries-to-be-happy-and-healthy-says-trump-on-coronavirus-outbreak-282646">Trump</a> and Modi had "useful &amp; comprehensive discussion on trade" while adding that, "on security and defense there was an understanding that we have a strong strategic partnership, that is now referred to as comprehensive strategic global &nbsp;partnership."

"There was also discussion on the people-to-people aspects of the relationship. There is a vibrant community of Indian origin citizens in the United States that contributes both to the society &amp; economy there," he said.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla addressing a press conference said talks between India and US were held in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology, people to people contact.

India's foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla addressing a press conference said talks between India and US were held in five major categories - security, defence, energy, technology, people to people contact. Also Read: 5G wireless network should not be conduit of suppression, says Trump "The issue of CAA didn't come up. There was an appreciation from both side that pluralism and diversity are a common binding factor of both the countries," Shringla said while replying to question by reporters. "I think the two leaders also decided to move towards what was referred to as a 'big deal' in the trade sector," India's foreign secretary informed. "The two leaders decided that we would conclude the ongoing discussions as soon as possible and give it a legal framework & the text could be finalized with legal vetting as soon as possible," he added. US First Lady Melania Trump visits Delhi government school Shringla said both Trump and Modi had "useful & comprehensive discussion on trade" while adding that, "on security and defense there was an understanding that we have a strong strategic partnership, that is now referred to as comprehensive strategic global partnership." "There was also discussion on the people-to-people aspects of the relationship. There is a vibrant community of Indian origin citizens in the United States that contributes both to the society & economy there," he said.

Trump, Modi moved towards 'big deal' in trade during discussions: Foreign Secretary Shringla

From a visit to the Sabarmati Ashram to a 'Howdy Modi' style event, India is planning a grand welcome for U.S. President Donald Trump. WION's palki Sharma tells you more about India's plans for Trump's first state visit.

Gravitas: Trump's visit to India, What to expect?

Know about the role, power, and contributions of Indian-Americans in the strengthening India-US relations.

Howdy Modi event: Importance of Indian-American community in strengthening India-US relations

Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar speaks to WION on India's role in G20 Summit and other important things likely to come up at this G20 Summit. Watch full video to know more.

WION Exclusive: Indian Ambassador to Japan Sanjay Kumar speaks to WION

Indian Prime Minister has arrived for the G20 Summit in Osaka. US sanctions on Iran, Indo-Russia S-400 deal are likely to be on PM Modi's agenda on world stage. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi lands in Osaka for G20 Summit; US sanctions on Iran, Indo-Russia S-400 deal on agenda

Indian Prime Minister has arrived for the G20 Summit in Osaka. PM Modi to hold key talks with US, Russia and China. Watch full video to know more.

G20 Summit: PM Modi to hold key talks with US, Russia and China

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 27th, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in Osaka in Japapn to attend the crucial G20 summit.Watch full video to know more.

G20 Summit: PM Modi arrives in Osaka, likely to hold bilateral talks with Shinzo Abe on Day 1

H 1B Visa, Trade War and most importantly the India-Rusia S-400 deal on agenda as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is on a 3-day visit to India. Watch full video to know more.

Mike Pompeo in India: Trade, India-Russia S-400 deal to be on agenda

The year 2018 has been an exceptional year for India-US economic relations. Trade tensions triggered by protectionist measures taken by the US Administration following the show of aggressive intent by President Donald Trump against the major economies, has left India in a piquant situation.

While several of those targeted have either adopted retaliatory measures or have decided to concede ground to the largest economic power, India seems to have been caught between the imperatives of maintaining a policy of non-confrontation with its strategic partner, on the one hand, and to protect the interests of domestic manufacturing industry, especially when the industry is facing some of the most serious challenges.

In March, President Trump announced his decision to block imports by imposing “reciprocal tax” against countries using tariffs on American products. The objective was to trigger the revival of the American manufacturing sector. Through a Presidential Proclamation, import tariffs of 25 per cent and 10 per cent were imposed on steel and aluminium, by invoking the provisions of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This provision allows the Administration to take measures to protect domestic industries for “national defence” and “national security”.

India was among the countries adversely affected by increased import tariffs on steel and aluminium. Indian exporters faced an additional burden of $241 million arising from the proposed import duties, which was nearly 20 per cent of their export realisations in calendar year 2017.

Until 2015-16, the United States was one of the largest markets for the Indian industry, with an export share of above 8 per cent. In the subsequent years, exports declined precipitously, and the export share dipped to less than half in the subsequent years.

With its exports to one of the world’s largest steel markets already on a down-hill, Indian steel industry, thus faced an uncertain future.

Like most affected countries, India tried to initiate negotiations with the US government by announcing retaliatory measures. In May, India submitted a notification in the WTO, indicating that tariffs on 20 products imported from the US would be increased.

Included in this list were agricultural products like soya beans and palmolein, and the American icon, Harley Davidson motorcycles. In a later notification in June, India increased the list to 30 products, but subsequently, Harley Davidson was taken off the list.

Although the increase in import duties were to take effect from August 4, this action was deferred, presumably because of the two-by-two dialogue between India and the US, which was held in the third week of August.

While India’s position has been to find a negotiated solution to the trade frictions, the US Administration has adopted an aggressive stance towards India and other trade partners, which was underlined by President Trump.

Yet another evidence of this stance was the increase in anti-dumping actions against India in 2018. Until mid-November, the US Customs and Border Protection had taken anti-dumping actions against 27 products exported by India, the highest in recent years.

Interestingly, a majority of these products included those from the iron and steel industry. This shows that the injury to the Indian industry that began with the tariff hikes in March, was heightened by the anti-dumping action.

The most recent of US actions against India was the Presidential Proclamation of October 30 (Proclamation 9813) “To Modify the List of Products Eligible for Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences”.

This Proclamation gave a list of products from the developing countries, which would not receive duty-free access into the United States market from November 1, 2018, that they had hitherto enjoyed under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP).

The GSP was introduced in 1971 after the second session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had unanimously adopted it in 1968. Under the GSP, developing countries’ exports were granted duty-free access by the developed countries. Developed countries thus granted unilateral trade concessions to the developing countries for increasing their exports.

The US Trade Administration annually reviews the GSP preferences, examining whether exports from developing countries conform to Competitive Need Limitations (CNL).

A developing country can lose its GSP benefits on any product if the CNLs are exceeded. Two measures are adopted for assessing CNLs: import of a product from a beneficiary developing country accounts for 50 per cent or more of the total imports of the product; or imports exceed a certain dollar value, which was set at $180 million in 2017.

Enforcement of CNLs is subject to waivers, the main being the de minimis waiver. This waiver sets a floor for the value of imported products below which CNLs cannot be enforced. In 2017, the floor was set at $23.5 million.

In its current year’s review, the US identified 94 products from 16 countries, which would lose GSP benefits from November 1, 2018. This list included 50 products imported from India, by far the largest number for any GSP beneficiary.

The list of products targeting imports from India are all relatively low-value products; more than half of the 50 products had import values of less than $1 million in 2017.

The product with the highest import value in 2017, hand-loomed carpet and other textile floor coverings, was just $10.3 million, way below the CNL threshold of $180 million. The Indian products for which US has withdrawn GSP benefits, clearly qualify for de minimis waiver, since their import values were below the threshold of $23.5 million in 2017.

It is time that the government of India protects the interests of the domestic manufacturing industry from the increasingly protectionist American Administration.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-battling-against-us-protectionism-2687311">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The year 2018 has been an exceptional year for India-US economic relations. Trade tensions triggered by protectionist measures taken by the US Administration following the show of aggressive intent by President Donald Trump against the major economies, has left India in a piquant situation.

The year 2018 has been an exceptional year for India-US economic relations. Trade tensions triggered by protectionist measures taken by the US Administration following the show of aggressive intent by President Donald Trump against the major economies, has left India in a piquant situation. While several of those targeted have either adopted retaliatory measures or have decided to concede ground to the largest economic power, India seems to have been caught between the imperatives of maintaining a policy of non-confrontation with its strategic partner, on the one hand, and to protect the interests of domestic manufacturing industry, especially when the industry is facing some of the most serious challenges. In March, President Trump announced his decision to block imports by imposing “reciprocal tax” against countries using tariffs on American products. The objective was to trigger the revival of the American manufacturing sector. Through a Presidential Proclamation, import tariffs of 25 per cent and 10 per cent were imposed on steel and aluminium, by invoking the provisions of Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. This provision allows the Administration to take measures to protect domestic industries for “national defence” and “national security”. India was among the countries adversely affected by increased import tariffs on steel and aluminium. Indian exporters faced an additional burden of $241 million arising from the proposed import duties, which was nearly 20 per cent of their export realisations in calendar year 2017. Until 2015-16, the United States was one of the largest markets for the Indian industry, with an export share of above 8 per cent. In the subsequent years, exports declined precipitously, and the export share dipped to less than half in the subsequent years. With its exports to one of the world’s largest steel markets already on a down-hill, Indian steel industry, thus faced an uncertain future. Like most affected countries, India tried to initiate negotiations with the US government by announcing retaliatory measures. In May, India submitted a notification in the WTO, indicating that tariffs on 20 products imported from the US would be increased. Included in this list were agricultural products like soya beans and palmolein, and the American icon, Harley Davidson motorcycles. In a later notification in June, India increased the list to 30 products, but subsequently, Harley Davidson was taken off the list. Although the increase in import duties were to take effect from August 4, this action was deferred, presumably because of the two-by-two dialogue between India and the US, which was held in the third week of August. While India’s position has been to find a negotiated solution to the trade frictions, the US Administration has adopted an aggressive stance towards India and other trade partners, which was underlined by President Trump. Yet another evidence of this stance was the increase in anti-dumping actions against India in 2018. Until mid-November, the US Customs and Border Protection had taken anti-dumping actions against 27 products exported by India, the highest in recent years. Interestingly, a majority of these products included those from the iron and steel industry. This shows that the injury to the Indian industry that began with the tariff hikes in March, was heightened by the anti-dumping action. The most recent of US actions against India was the Presidential Proclamation of October 30 (Proclamation 9813) “To Modify the List of Products Eligible for Duty-Free Treatment Under the Generalized System of Preferences”. This Proclamation gave a list of products from the developing countries, which would not receive duty-free access into the United States market from November 1, 2018, that they had hitherto enjoyed under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). The GSP was introduced in 1971 after the second session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) had unanimously adopted it in 1968. Under the GSP, developing countries’ exports were granted duty-free access by the developed countries. Developed countries thus granted unilateral trade concessions to the developing countries for increasing their exports. The US Trade Administration annually reviews the GSP preferences, examining whether exports from developing countries conform to Competitive Need Limitations (CNL). A developing country can lose its GSP benefits on any product if the CNLs are exceeded. Two measures are adopted for assessing CNLs: import of a product from a beneficiary developing country accounts for 50 per cent or more of the total imports of the product; or imports exceed a certain dollar value, which was set at $180 million in 2017. Enforcement of CNLs is subject to waivers, the main being the de minimis waiver. This waiver sets a floor for the value of imported products below which CNLs cannot be enforced. In 2017, the floor was set at $23.5 million. In its current year’s review, the US identified 94 products from 16 countries, which would lose GSP benefits from November 1, 2018. This list included 50 products imported from India, by far the largest number for any GSP beneficiary. The list of products targeting imports from India are all relatively low-value products; more than half of the 50 products had import values of less than $1 million in 2017. The product with the highest import value in 2017, hand-loomed carpet and other textile floor coverings, was just $10.3 million, way below the CNL threshold of $180 million. The Indian products for which US has withdrawn GSP benefits, clearly qualify for de minimis waiver, since their import values were below the threshold of $23.5 million in 2017. It is time that the government of India protects the interests of the domestic manufacturing industry from the increasingly protectionist American Administration. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Battling against US protectionism

A big global corporate voice, the Indian-origin CEO of the US-based payments company Mastercard, Ajaypal Singh Banga, has come out in defence of the Indian government.&nbsp;

Banga told WION that one or two quarters of slow economic growth should not impact the pace of reforms.&nbsp;

Banga&#39;s comments come at a time when some of the Indian government&#39;s measures -- demonetisation and the goods and services tax -- have come under severe criticism, and are being blamed for slowing down the economy.&nbsp;

Banga also hailed the reforms undertaken by previous governments, but said the pace of reforms under the current establishment has been quicker. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;India is going through an exciting phase. FDI, GDP, foreign reserves have gone up in the last two decades,&quot; he said. &nbsp;

&quot;Digitisation will give the next boost to the Indian economy,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

&quot;Change has actually accelerated in the last two years,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Banga told WION that one or two quarters of slow economic growth should not impact the pace of reforms.?

A big global corporate voice, the Indian-origin CEO of the US-based payments company Mastercard, Ajaypal Singh Banga, has come out in defence of the Indian government. Banga told WION that one or two quarters of slow economic growth should not impact the pace of reforms. Banga's comments come at a time when some of the Indian government's measures -- demonetisation and the goods and services tax -- have come under severe criticism, and are being blamed for slowing down the economy. Banga also hailed the reforms undertaken by previous governments, but said the pace of reforms under the current establishment has been quicker. "India is going through an exciting phase. FDI, GDP, foreign reserves have gone up in the last two decades," he said. "Digitisation will give the next boost to the Indian economy," he said. "Change has actually accelerated in the last two years," he added.

WATCH: Not concerned by slowdown in Indian economy, says Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga

&quot;It&#39;s a tax code that says you should pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, New York.&rdquo; That was Barack Obama for you in May 2009. &#39;Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,&#39; or so went the slogan at the time, intended to discourage outsourcing of jobs away from American cities such as Buffalo to Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, in India. But, by the end of October of the same year, Obama, the first Black president in the history of the United States, had already become the first American president ever to personally celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, at the White House.

For an American president whose two consecutive terms in office straddled two governments in India, one led by Manmohan Singh and the other by Narendra Modi, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders. He held the elderly Manmohan Singh in respect for his sagacity and economic insights while he considered the relatively younger Narendra Modi as a good friend, to quote White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz. This, for someone, who, until then, had remained persona non grata for successive American administrations. And Modi reciprocated in equal measure, investing in personalised diplomacy with Obama, and meeting him on at least eight occasions since he came to power in India in 2014. Commentators couldn&#39;t stop gushing about a bromance when Obama visited India as the chief guest for India&#39;s 66th Republic Day celebrations; Modi dropped all honorifics to refer to Obama as Barack.

Obama&#39;s wooing of India, and Indians, continued through his presidency, except on occasions when he got on the wrong side of India. For instance, barely a few weeks after celebrating Diwali at the White House, Obama visited China where he agreed to a joint statement which read, &quot;... two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan.&quot; It was a red rag for New Delhi, which opposed the implicit recognition of China as a regional hegemon or a Group of Two (G2) comprising the US and China.

That was not all. Before his China visit, Obama became the first US president not to welcome Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama to the White House, in deference to his Chinese hosts. But the bonhomie would diminish soon, as subsequent developments suggest, including Obama&#39;s pivot, which was subsequently renamed as rebalance, to Asia and the Hague verdict on the&nbsp;South China Sea. And, to boot, Obama hosted the Dalai Lama on at least four occasions at the White House, most recently in June 2016, drawing vehement protests from Beijing. The Americans defended it by saying that the Dalai Lama was received for a personal meeting with Obama in the Map Room of the White House, and not the Oval Office, which generally is reserved for heads of state or government.

In fact, even before he was sworn in as the 44th president of the US in January 2009, Obama raised New Delhi&#39;s hackles by talking about Kashmir and how he wanted to appoint someone such as former US president Bill Clinton to mediate between India and Pakistan. India also vociferously protested any move by the US to appoint a special envoy for the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan region. Obama has the distinction of introducing Af-Pak into the lexicon, when he appointed the late Richard Holbrooke as the first special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The &quot;breakthrough understanding&quot; reached between Obama and Modi was another milestone in India-US relations under Obama. It accelerated the process of allowing nuclear contracts to be signed between US firms and India. This, in spite of the fact that Obama, when he was a Senator, had raised potential non-proliferation consequences of this deal and pushed two amendments that changed the terms of the agreement.

An indication of the deepening strategic ties between India and the US can be had from Obama&#39;s description of the bilateral relationship as &quot;one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century&quot;. And it manifested itself in Obama&#39;s becoming the first US president to visit India twice while in office. Towards the end of his second term, Obama approved a legislation that designated India as a &quot;major defence partner&quot;, a definition the US has not used for any other country.

Modi best summed up the blossoming of the India-US relations under Obama when he told the US Congress, &quot;Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations.&quot;

(WION)

For an American president whose two terms in office straddled two governments in India, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders

"It's a tax code that says you should pay lower taxes if you create a job in Bangalore, India, than if you create one in Buffalo, New York.” That was Barack Obama for you in May 2009. 'Say no to Bangalore and yes to Buffalo,' or so went the slogan at the time, intended to discourage outsourcing of jobs away from American cities such as Buffalo to Bengaluru, formerly Bangalore, in India. But, by the end of October of the same year, Obama, the first Black president in the history of the United States, had already become the first American president ever to personally celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, at the White House. For an American president whose two consecutive terms in office straddled two governments in India, one led by Manmohan Singh and the other by Narendra Modi, Obama struck a rapport with both the Indian leaders. He held the elderly Manmohan Singh in respect for his sagacity and economic insights while he considered the relatively younger Narendra Modi as a good friend, to quote White House Deputy Press Secretary Eric Schultz. This, for someone, who, until then, had remained persona non grata for successive American administrations. And Modi reciprocated in equal measure, investing in personalised diplomacy with Obama, and meeting him on at least eight occasions since he came to power in India in 2014. Commentators couldn't stop gushing about a bromance when Obama visited India as the chief guest for India's 66th Republic Day celebrations; Modi dropped all honorifics to refer to Obama as Barack. Obama's wooing of India, and Indians, continued through his presidency, except on occasions when he got on the wrong side of India. For instance, barely a few weeks after celebrating Diwali at the White House, Obama visited China where he agreed to a joint statement which read, "... two sides welcomed all efforts conducive to peace, stability and development in South Asia. They support the improvement and growth of relations between India and Pakistan." It was a red rag for New Delhi, which opposed the implicit recognition of China as a regional hegemon or a Group of Two (G2) comprising the US and China. That was not all. Before his China visit, Obama became the first US president not to welcome Tibetan spiritual leader and Nobel laureate the Dalai Lama to the White House, in deference to his Chinese hosts. But the bonhomie would diminish soon, as subsequent developments suggest, including Obama's pivot, which was subsequently renamed as rebalance, to Asia and the Hague verdict on the South China Sea. And, to boot, Obama hosted the Dalai Lama on at least four occasions at the White House, most recently in June 2016, drawing vehement protests from Beijing. The Americans defended it by saying that the Dalai Lama was received for a personal meeting with Obama in the Map Room of the White House, and not the Oval Office, which generally is reserved for heads of state or government. In fact, even before he was sworn in as the 44th president of the US in January 2009, Obama raised New Delhi's hackles by talking about Kashmir and how he wanted to appoint someone such as former US president Bill Clinton to mediate between India and Pakistan. India also vociferously protested any move by the US to appoint a special envoy for the India-Pakistan-Afghanistan region. Obama has the distinction of introducing Af-Pak into the lexicon, when he appointed the late Richard Holbrooke as the first special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The "breakthrough understanding" reached between Obama and Modi was another milestone in India-US relations under Obama. It accelerated the process of allowing nuclear contracts to be signed between US firms and India. This, in spite of the fact that Obama, when he was a Senator, had raised potential non-proliferation consequences of this deal and pushed two amendments that changed the terms of the agreement. An indication of the deepening strategic ties between India and the US can be had from Obama's description of the bilateral relationship as "one of the defining partnerships of the 21st century". And it manifested itself in Obama's becoming the first US president to visit India twice while in office. Towards the end of his second term, Obama approved a legislation that designated India as a "major defence partner", a definition the US has not used for any other country. Modi best summed up the blossoming of the India-US relations under Obama when he told the US Congress, "Today, our relationship has overcome the hesitations of history. Comfort, candour and convergence define our conversations." (WION)

A new symphony in play

With the US elections around the corner, India is trying to hurry up one of its defence deals with the country. India had in June asked for 22 Predator Guardian drones and the deal is in an advanced state of negotiation, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

It added that government officials in New Delhi had said &quot;the two sides hope to make enough progress so only administrative tasks remain by the time President Barack Obama leaves office&quot;. &nbsp;

&quot;It is progressing well. The aim is to complete the main process in the next few months,&quot; said one of the officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

America is now India&#39;s largest defence supplier; it used to be Russia. The two countries (India and America) are drawing ever closer militarily; they recently signed the Logistics Support Agreement, allowing the two countries to use each others land, sea and air bases to refuel and resupply, and Delhi is also on the verge of signing a US nuclear reactor deal worth billions of dollars.&nbsp;

In return, Delhi has got access to high-end military technology, and Washington has pushed other countries to let India into the Missile Technology Control Regime, which cleared the way for the sale of the unarmed Predator.

India&#39;s military has also asked for the armed version of the Predator to help target suspected militant camps in Pakistan but US&nbsp;export control laws prohibit such a transfer.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

The two sides hope to make enough progress so only administrative tasks remain by the time President Obama leaves office

With the US elections around the corner, India is trying to hurry up one of its defence deals with the country. India had in June asked for 22 Predator Guardian drones and the deal is in an advanced state of negotiation, Reuters reported. It added that government officials in New Delhi had said "the two sides hope to make enough progress so only administrative tasks remain by the time President Barack Obama leaves office". "It is progressing well. The aim is to complete the main process in the next few months," said one of the officials, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity. America is now India's largest defence supplier; it used to be Russia. The two countries (India and America) are drawing ever closer militarily; they recently signed the Logistics Support Agreement, allowing the two countries to use each others land, sea and air bases to refuel and resupply, and Delhi is also on the verge of signing a US nuclear reactor deal worth billions of dollars. In return, Delhi has got access to high-end military technology, and Washington has pushed other countries to let India into the Missile Technology Control Regime, which cleared the way for the sale of the unarmed Predator. India's military has also asked for the armed version of the Predator to help target suspected militant camps in Pakistan but US export control laws prohibit such a transfer. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

With US election around the corner, India trying to hurry up Predator drone deal