During US President Donald Trump's visit to India on February 24 and 25, both countries signed three agreements in health and oil sectors. 
 
In a noteworthy gesture, the health departments of both countries sealed a pact&nbsp;to deal with mental health challenges through innovative measures.

The agreement will enable India to learn from the experience of the US in treating mental health issues. It will also facilitate greater access to traditional Indian medicines and therapies to treat mental health challenges in America.

World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that more than 300 million people suffer from depression across the world. It has further stated that there is one death by suicide every 40 seconds and each year more than 800,000 people end their own lives.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the National Mental Health Survey, 2016, conducted across 12 Indian states, has stated that 150 million persons are in need of mental health interventions and care.

According to a report, the US suicide rate increased on average by about 1 per cent a year from 2000 through 2006 and by 2 per cent a year from 2006 through 2016.

It's heartening to see that governments, people and organisations across the globe have acknowledged the challenges related to&nbsp;mental health. In 2018, the UK government had appointed Loneliness Minister for cross-government work on loneliness.

Moreover, fund allocations also have to be increased. Funds allocated to the National Mental Health Programme were not increased in the Union Budget for FY 2020. It was brought down to Rs 40 crore from Rs 50 crore in FY2018.&nbsp;

Also, more trained psychiatrists and psychologists should be made available at government health care centres to meet WHO prescribed norms so that people can avail mental health treatment at a cheaper cost.

Mental illness, like any other disease, does not discriminate. It affects all age groups, children, youth, elderly people. To tackle depression, loneliness and anxiety, it's important to deal with the illness at home, offices, schools and colleges. 
 
Other countries should also learn from this collaboration between the world's two largest democracies to deal with mental health challenges, and come together to tackle mental illness. 
 
Governments must, through there policies including programmes, educate people and organisations about the effects of mental health problems. Globally, we need to increase our efforts to tackle mental health problems.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

During US President Donald Trump's visit to India on February 24 and 25, both countries signed three agreements in health and oil sectors. In a noteworthy gesture, the health departments of both countries sealed a pact to deal with mental health challenges through innovative measures.

During US President Donald Trump's visit to India on February 24 and 25, both countries signed three agreements in health and oil sectors. In a noteworthy gesture, the health departments of both countries sealed a pact to deal with mental health challenges through innovative measures. The agreement will enable India to learn from the experience of the US in treating mental health issues. It will also facilitate greater access to traditional Indian medicines and therapies to treat mental health challenges in America. World Health Organisation (WHO) has estimated that more than 300 million people suffer from depression across the world. It has further stated that there is one death by suicide every 40 seconds and each year more than 800,000 people end their own lives. Furthermore, the National Mental Health Survey, 2016, conducted across 12 Indian states, has stated that 150 million persons are in need of mental health interventions and care. According to a report, the US suicide rate increased on average by about 1 per cent a year from 2000 through 2006 and by 2 per cent a year from 2006 through 2016. It's heartening to see that governments, people and organisations across the globe have acknowledged the challenges related to mental health. In 2018, the UK government had appointed Loneliness Minister for cross-government work on loneliness. Moreover, fund allocations also have to be increased. Funds allocated to the National Mental Health Programme were not increased in the Union Budget for FY 2020. It was brought down to Rs 40 crore from Rs 50 crore in FY2018. Also, more trained psychiatrists and psychologists should be made available at government health care centres to meet WHO prescribed norms so that people can avail mental health treatment at a cheaper cost. Mental illness, like any other disease, does not discriminate. It affects all age groups, children, youth, elderly people. To tackle depression, loneliness and anxiety, it's important to deal with the illness at home, offices, schools and colleges. Other countries should also learn from this collaboration between the world's two largest democracies to deal with mental health challenges, and come together to tackle mental illness. Governments must, through there policies including programmes, educate people and organisations about the effects of mental health problems. Globally, we need to increase our efforts to tackle mental health problems. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

India-US agreement on mental health is highly praiseworthy

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd.

It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, &nbsp;US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him.

According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US &nbsp;President - the highest in the world. 
 
Similarities Between PM Modi &amp; US President Trump

The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him.

They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his&nbsp;country's interests first.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-a-new-dawn-for-india-us-ties-282601">Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties</a>

And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. 
 
India adores&nbsp;strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint.

President Trump's Policies

In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs.

He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms.

Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite.

Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 &nbsp;to 56 per cent in 3 years. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden.

Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians.

These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. 
 
At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. 
 
The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India.

Thousands of Indians welcomed US President at Ahmedabad's Motera stadium. The Donald trump-Narendra Modi roadshow too drew quite an impressive crowd. It will be fair to say, that President got a rockstar's welcome in India. Successful, billionaire and a brand in himself, US President Donald Trump carries an aura of awe around him. According to a Pew Research Survey, 56 per cent of Indians show confidence in the US President - the highest in the world. Similarities Between PM Modi & US President Trump The reason Indians love President Trump is that they see Prime Minister Narendra Modi in him. They see a confident leader - one who is capable of governing a country, someone who is not scared to put his country's interests first. Also Read: A new dawn for India-US ties And above all, Indians love the idea of a leader who is far from conventional - just like their own Prime Minister. India adores strong leaders and it views Trump as the perfect balance to PM Modi as New Delhi expands its global footprint. President Trump's Policies In the last few years, Trump has not really been India's best friend when it comes to trade or jobs. The US President has expanded aluminium and trade tariffs. He has stripped India of its preferential trading partner status and also tightened the H1B Visa norms. Under normal circumstances, Trump's policies would have landed him in India's bad books, but what has happened is quite the opposite. Indians have grown all the more fond of America's Commander-in-Chief, their confidence in him has jumped from 14 to 56 per cent in 3 years. WATCH: × What Indians see in Trump is a leader who is determined to battle unemployment and fight the terror. Indians admire Trump's record of neutralising Islamic State Leader - al-Baghdadi, and son of Al-Qaeda Leader, Hamza bin Laden. Donald Trump's narrative of combating terror, securing borders and improving his country's state of affairs brings him very close to the hearts of Indians. These are the very promises that won Prime Minister Narendra Modi a historic mandate in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Trump's 'Make America Great Again' promise echoes Modi's 'Acche Din'. At the end of the day, India's growing love for the US President tells the tale of the growing closeness between the two nations. The fondness grows every time Trump and Modi share another hug and every time the two leaders celebrate each other at the global stage.

Here's why Indians love US President Donald Trump

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals.

During Donald Trump's visit, India has signed to two key contracts - First, New Delhi is buying 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters worth 2.6 billion dollars.

Another contract for six Apache helicopters has been signed as well.

India and America are stepping up their defence cooperation - the US now conducts the maximum number of military exercises with India. Last year, India and America conducted their first land, sea and air exercise.

In the last century, the picture was quite different - India was largely dependent on the erstwhile Soviet Union for its arms supplies.

Even today, a lot of the Indian defence arsenal dates back to that era. While Russia still remains an ally, India is buying more American arms. In 11 years, India's defence purchases from America has gone from zero to 18 billion in 2019.&nbsp;

America and India share concerns about Beijing's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Ports built by China, which are part of the Belt and Road initiative, have sprung up in the Indian subcontinent.

It's one of the major reasons why India and America are expanding their defence ties. There is an increased focus on interoperability. or the ability of defence forces on both sides to work together. 
&nbsp; 
Despite the close relationship, some issues remain - America was miffed when India decided to ink a deal with Russia to buy the S-400 missile defence system.

So far, the Americans have managed to put their concerns aside and work with India.

Considering Prime Minister Modi's personal chemistry with Donald Trump, India is in a position to maintain a strong defence partnership with the United States.

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals.

The expanding defence partnership is now a significant pillar in the Indo-American ties. India's defence engagement with America is touching new heights, there might be stumbling blocks on the trade front, but there is steady progress on defence deals. During Donald Trump's visit, India has signed to two key contracts - First, New Delhi is buying 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters worth 2.6 billion dollars. Another contract for six Apache helicopters has been signed as well. India and America are stepping up their defence cooperation - the US now conducts the maximum number of military exercises with India. Last year, India and America conducted their first land, sea and air exercise. In the last century, the picture was quite different - India was largely dependent on the erstwhile Soviet Union for its arms supplies. Even today, a lot of the Indian defence arsenal dates back to that era. While Russia still remains an ally, India is buying more American arms. In 11 years, India's defence purchases from America has gone from zero to 18 billion in 2019. America and India share concerns about Beijing's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. Ports built by China, which are part of the Belt and Road initiative, have sprung up in the Indian subcontinent. It's one of the major reasons why India and America are expanding their defence ties. There is an increased focus on interoperability. or the ability of defence forces on both sides to work together. Despite the close relationship, some issues remain - America was miffed when India decided to ink a deal with Russia to buy the S-400 missile defence system. So far, the Americans have managed to put their concerns aside and work with India. Considering Prime Minister Modi's personal chemistry with Donald Trump, India is in a position to maintain a strong defence partnership with the United States.

Expanding defence partnership a significant pillar in Indo-US ties

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.&nbsp;

This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. &nbsp;

The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties.&nbsp;

A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere.&nbsp;

In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable.&nbsp;

The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. &nbsp;

Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US.&nbsp;

A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally.&nbsp;

That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. 
 
Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. &nbsp;

Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. 
 
All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. &nbsp; 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe.

When the American President, Donald Trump, addressing a 50,000 strong Indian - American crowd in Houston said, “I am so thrilled to be here at the great state of Texas with one of America’s greatest, most devoted and loyal friends, Prime Minister Modi”, the words and its associated impact, reverberated across the globe. This camaraderie has come full circle with 'Namaste Trump', where Trump’s opening remarks are seemingly manifested in his, “… America respects India and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people.”Such emphatic words are not entirely uncommon in Trump’s oration. However, the understated importance that his words carry for India and the Indian- American diaspora in this backdrop is laced with ambivalence. The point of interest, in his speech at Motera, is when he can be heard saying, “In America, we have come to know of the splendour of Indian culture through its 4 million Indian-Americans living in the United States. They are truly spectacular people. Indian Americans enrich every aspect of our national life. They are titans of business, pioneers of Science, masters of art, innovation and technology.” The Trump-Modi show, without a doubt, has loomed larger than life, but the underlined question remains: Who and what are both Modi and Trump, openly serenading? Answer to this stays with the political capital that the Indian- American diaspora brings to US-India ties. A value analysis of the diaspora optics makes for a moot point, in that, for a developing-world country like India, to be able to even get into the game of even, with the most enterprising nation in the world is in itself a huge plus for New Delhi and its current dispensation, catapulting Modi to a higher political stratosphere. In Howdy, Modi, the optics and crowd size appeared to be Trump’s main motivations to take the unprecedented step of attending a large ethnic rally for a foreign leader. In the same fashion, Namaste Trump follows suit, in what appears as though Indian side thinks of the optics (and) the event mobilisation as something of a deliverable. The Modi rally in Houston was an opportunity for Trump to present himself as a supporter of legal immigrants while opposing illegal immigration - "We are proud to have you as Americans," Trump said, praising the Indian diaspora for accepting American values. This, I think, makes for an interesting observation. He seems to send across a view of holding this diaspora as the kind of immigrants he would like for America. Indian Americans comprise the second biggest sub-group of Asian immigrants after the Chinese. According to the Pew Research Centre, Indians are the highest-earning ethnic group in the US, with a median income of $100,000, which is almost double that of the national median, and also the highest of any ethnic group in the US. Stands in juxtaposition to Trump’s glorification of the Indian-American diaspora is his immigration policies. 'Namaste Trump' which was predicated on 'Howdy Modi', has garnered enough pomp, but has it managed to walk the talk, is something one needs to closely understand. The Indian-American community is currently suffering the brunt of the US’ tightened policy on the H1B visa, a non-immigrant document for temporary workers, of which they are the largest beneficiary – nearly 76 per cent of all H1B holders are Indian. In addition to it, Trump’s affirmations to revoke the H-4 work permit for the spouses of H1B visa holders, which will render thousands of Indians unable to work in the US. A sharp decline in US visas provided to highly skilled workers can be seen affecting the diaspora adversely. The point of contention here is, Trump’s rhetoric of pitting one “model” minority against another does not and will not bode well with the community. Trump has billed Asians and Indians as model minorities who were “skilled” and had entered the country the legal way, as opposed to others, mostly from Central and Latin America, who did so illegally. That said, there is enough reason to believe that a bulk of the Indian-American community loves Modi, as evidenced by how actively the community supported him earlier this year when he was seeking re-election. As US citizens, they could not vote, but that did not stop them from campaigning hard, with some travelling to India. In trying to tie the two subsets together with an overarching structure, it compels us to look at the diaspora diplomacy in the backdrop of a larger Modi-Trump narrative vis-à-vis Indian – Americans as agents of mobilisation. Both 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump', have all the bearings of a changing world order that’s marked more by symbiotic compulsions rather than a Big Brother’s one-upmanship that the globe is currently witnessing. Since Indian-Americans are overwhelmingly a Democrat, the fact that they can be supportive of Hindu supremacists while dissenting against right-wing White Supremacists (in the US) is telling of a diaspora who is not overtly subservient to the larger politics at play. Add to that, a programme arranged entirely by and for the Indian diaspora in America, to offer a public podium to a visiting prime minister, had well and truly transcended the protocol-bound, dogmatic plane of diplomacy and immersed itself into a celebration of Indo-US ties, whereby, the holders of the highest public offices in the world’s largest and oldest democracies not only walked in terms of their shared concerns for areas of common interests, but were also seen holding hands, literally, for much of their public appearance together. All is not white and black for this subgroup, but due credit can be attested to the diaspora, who has worked tirelessly in ensuring their status quo and keeping at it, while the future inroads and crossroads made with events like 'Howdy Modi' and 'Namaste Trump' dictate a different tomorrow for India-US ties. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Diaspora dynamics in 'Howdy Modi' to 'Namaste Trump'

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world.

Britain hosted a lavish state dinner at the Buckingham Palace for the Trumps - the classic British way to make any leader feel special.

The French invited Trump for Bastille Day which was quite effective. The parade inspired Trump to host one for himself in America-Japan invited Trump to become the first foreign leader to visit their new emperor.

The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is following the same playbook. A huge crowd gathered at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 'Namaste Trump' event.

Are we witnessing a new chapter in Indo-American ties? The jury is still out on that. But, now is the best time to expand this relationship.&nbsp;

America and India agree that China needs to be contained. China's economy is on the backfoot and Beijing is preoccupied with the coronavirus.

WATCH: What's the future of India-US ties 
&nbsp;

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It gives a small window of opportunity to both sides. There is a growing partnership, both in defence cooperation, as well as, arms trade.

Both sides have the same position on the range of issues, whether its the Indo-Pacific or China, or even South Asia as a whole.

India has received steady support from America on the issue of terrorism. A deeper Indo-US relationship makes a lot of sense. But, several complications stand in the way.

First, we have the trade situation - just like China, India too has found itself on the bitter end of Trump's 'America First' plans.

This has put the trade relationship under threat. America's on-off&nbsp;relationship with Pakistan irks India. In recent months, Trump has leaned on Imran Khan for a peace deal in Afghanistan.

Just before leaving for India, the American President Donald Trump said he is ready to sign a deal with the Taliban - something that is apparently being negotiated from Islamabad.

Despite the concerns, India has gone all out to throw a grand reception for Trump.

The events of today overshadow all previous state visits by American President to India.

It signals that New Delhi is willing to work with America for the long term. Is Trump willing to deal? that remains to be seen.

This state visit is an opportunity for both sides to come up with a strategy to re-shape not only their relationship but the geopolitics of the 21st century.

There is immense scope, but both sides need to find a way to work together. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world.

When US President Donald Trump came to power in 2016, he was the ultimate outsider. A reality TV star who found himself running one of the most powerful nations in the world. Britain hosted a lavish state dinner at the Buckingham Palace for the Trumps - the classic British way to make any leader feel special. The French invited Trump for Bastille Day which was quite effective. The parade inspired Trump to host one for himself in America-Japan invited Trump to become the first foreign leader to visit their new emperor. The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is following the same playbook. A huge crowd gathered at Motera Stadium in Ahmedabad for the 'Namaste Trump' event. Are we witnessing a new chapter in Indo-American ties? The jury is still out on that. But, now is the best time to expand this relationship. America and India agree that China needs to be contained. China's economy is on the backfoot and Beijing is preoccupied with the coronavirus. WATCH: What's the future of India-US ties × It gives a small window of opportunity to both sides. There is a growing partnership, both in defence cooperation, as well as, arms trade. Both sides have the same position on the range of issues, whether its the Indo-Pacific or China, or even South Asia as a whole. India has received steady support from America on the issue of terrorism. A deeper Indo-US relationship makes a lot of sense. But, several complications stand in the way. First, we have the trade situation - just like China, India too has found itself on the bitter end of Trump's 'America First' plans. This has put the trade relationship under threat. America's on-off relationship with Pakistan irks India. In recent months, Trump has leaned on Imran Khan for a peace deal in Afghanistan. Just before leaving for India, the American President Donald Trump said he is ready to sign a deal with the Taliban - something that is apparently being negotiated from Islamabad. Despite the concerns, India has gone all out to throw a grand reception for Trump. The events of today overshadow all previous state visits by American President to India. It signals that New Delhi is willing to work with America for the long term. Is Trump willing to deal? that remains to be seen. This state visit is an opportunity for both sides to come up with a strategy to re-shape not only their relationship but the geopolitics of the 21st century. There is immense scope, but both sides need to find a way to work together. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: A new dawn for India-US ties

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 the political leadership and its people. &nbsp;

PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have met eight times in the last 3 years, of which they met bilaterally 4 times in the last year. That, President Trump, has chosen to visit India, in a busy election year, when Presidencies are focused on their campaigns and domestic agenda, is an indicator of the level of mutual comfort and trust between the leaders. &nbsp;

This visit may have more political and optic overtones than economic, but that does nothing to take away the bilateral significance of the visit, as well as, the significant progress made in the areas of strategic importance, like defence, counter-terror, security, oil &amp; gas and trade ties.

The key takeaways from the visit would probably be in the fields of Defence, Trade and Space.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The deepening of the defence ties between the two nations has witnessed steady progression with the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), 2+2 dialogues, increased frequency of military exercises, moving from the annual YUDH ABHYAAS series to TIGER TRIUMPH – a tri-services joint exercise facilitated by the signing of the LEMOA and Communication, Compatibility &amp; Security Agreement. &nbsp;

It is expected, that TIGER TRIUMPH tri-service exercise with India will become an annual event and it is a vindication of the India’s emergence as the strategic partner of the 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 catalysed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys. &nbsp;

Geopolitics: China, being the elephant in the room, the renaming of the PACOM as the Indo-Pacific Command is reflective of the growing strategic stature of India in US military strategy and for the enforcement of the free and open, rules-based international order in the Pacific region.&nbsp;

There is the convergence of interest for India and US to limit the Chinese influence in the South Asian &amp; ASEAN region. India has assiduously cultivated maritime security alliances with Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore in pursuit of a free to navigate the Pacific and Indian Ocean region and limiting the Chinese influence in the South China Sea. &nbsp;

A free democratic and emergent power, India, is the ideal counterweight to an authoritative and expansionist China and this balancing of the two Asian powers is reflected in the formation of the QUAD of India, US, Japan and Australia. The recognition of India as a Strategic Partner is an outcome of the designation of China as a competitor by the present Trump administration.&nbsp;

The US pivot to Asia precedes the Trump Presidency – and the focus on India, from President Bush to Obama and Trump. It also highlights the bipartisan support that India enjoys on Capitol. &nbsp;

In the recent past though, this has been strained with incidents with some political overtones, on Article 370 and Diversity, which India clearly views as internal matters. These issues may have local domestic political overtones fueled in no small measure by the hostile press that India has attracted in the recent past especially under Modi 2.0 government.&nbsp;

India has to clearly reach out and be proactive in putting forth the facts on Article 370, CAA and Diversity, to the US people to counter the narrative that is built based on part fact and part imagination such as the linkage of CAA with NRC/NPR.&nbsp;

Defence Trade: The defence trade between India &amp; US has moved from a few hundred thousand dollars to approx. $20 billion, if the present visit results in the widely anticipated sale of 24 MH60R helicopters for the Indian Navy and the 6 Apache helicopters for the Army Aviation – both deals which have been years in the making. However, with the present administration pulling out all stops – the anticipated sale of NASAM-II system, 30 Armed Sea Guardian drones, 6 more P8I aircraft with advanced onboard communication and surveillance systems and 13 Mk45 naval guns. &nbsp;

The cherry on the cake will be if the Indian Navy opts for FA 18 Super Hornet Block III, though the multi-role aircraft for IAF, with both Lockheed Martin and Boeing throwing their hats in the ring, may take more time than anticipated riding on the back of the sluggish economic growth with more funds being allocated for infrastructure and social sector.&nbsp;

The only threat to this otherwise thriving partnership could come from the potential acquisition of the S400 missile system by India – though the US has shown flexibility in the past in accommodation of key Indian strategic interests such as the Chabahar port for the land route to Afghanistan, support during Doklam crisis and the abrogation of Article 370, besides diplomatic support to Indian counter-terror initiatives, but S400 deal with Russia could test this resolve.&nbsp;

Energy has been an area of increased cooperation between India and the US, and the energy exports to India from the US (both oil and gas) have registered an impressive growth of nearly $8 billion and may touch $10 billion, with Petronet LNG ($2.5 billion) &nbsp;and other companies, investing a total of $4 billion in US &nbsp;and have contracted 9 million metric tons per annum of LNG. This has helped bridge the trade deficit and has the potential to meet the ever-growing demands of energy in India – both in conventional and non -conventional sources including Nuclear energy as a part of the clean energy initiative of the government. &nbsp;

Space is an area which has seen slow yet steady cooperation of ISRO with NASA, with the space agencies building the strategic NISAR satellite at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion for studying the hazards, environmental change and natural processes. NISAR will be launched aboard an Indian launch vehicle in 2022. India and the US have been collaborating on space missions, and space crafts have carried their scientific instruments. The confirmed discovery of water on the south surface of the moon is credited to Chandrayaan 1 which carried a NASA probe.&nbsp;

Space Industry: There is considerable scope for the Indian and US Space industry to work together leveraging their complementary strengths – marrying Indian frugal space engineering and lower costs of material, supply chain and production which as a significant small industry content, with the cutting edge technologies of US firms. &nbsp;

India and the US could potentially collaborate on the planned Indian space station as the ISS retires by 2030 and India’s planned space station is in place by that time. There could be planned human space flights as this is an area of interest for both the nations, moving forward.&nbsp;

Challenges: With all the good tidings, there are drags and challenges, to the growing partnership. Apart from US Administration’s desire to see India &amp; Pakistan engage more bilaterally, more so in view of the Afghanistan Peace Deal to be announced on February 29 and the impending withdrawal of US troops and the recent offers of mediation, US would like to see greater involvement of India in Afghanistan even though PM Modi has ruled out boots on ground and has its reservations on the role of Taliban in the new Afghan dispensation, which could embolden terror outfits in Kashmir, but India could support the new Afghan government in terms of assistance, lines of credit and trade through the Chabahar route.&nbsp;

Trade: Trade is a major challenge in the US –India bilateral relations. The US-India trade grew at 10 per cent annually for the last two years and crossed $160 billion in last year. The trade deficit – something that the present administration has constantly focused on, has narrowed by 9 per cent. Historically, India has had a trade surplus but it is changing with the US goods trade deficit with India was at $20.8 billion in 2018, a 9 per cent decrease ($2.1 billion) over 2017.&nbsp;

Though bilateral investment has room for much improvement but Indian companies have invested almost $18 Billion and created direct employment for US citizens, so have US companies in India. Major US companies as Google, Microsoft, GE, Honeywell, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace have technology centers and joint ventures in India which have contributed to both the economies&nbsp;

The list of requests from the US TR is long with respect to access to the Indian markets, to single-brand retail, medical devices (reduction of duties /higher margins), pharma, insurance, banking and financial services. Higher FDI limits in the sectors not permitting more than 49 per cent FDI, data localisation, IPR protection, and e-commerce issues, have in the recent past been a bugbear for both the ministers – Lighthiser and Goyal. While India may have its share of issues such as the H1B visas for Indian technology giants, higher tariffs on aluminium &amp; metals, and the withdrawal of the GSP privileges.&nbsp;

President Trump has often quoted Indian tariffs and barriers, as an impediment. It is true that the US may be a more open market than India, but it can be said, that Indian tariff structure is WTO compliant with Japan and South Korea levying a higher tariff on certain goods. Apart from Harley &amp; Ford, there is scope for early outcomes in food, dairy, pharma, medical devices and IPR protection in trade talks between the two democracies.&nbsp;

Way Forward: Undoubtedly, these are barriers to entry and do not make for ease of doing business, but the way forward, could be - by breaking down into individual milestones, dividing their mutual interests into smaller segments, than to attempt a large all-encompassing deal that has been long in the making. &nbsp;

There is enough scope to work on this and the trade relationship between India and US is not a 100 meters dash but more akin to a long-distance marathon, where not stamina alone but technique, even pace and focusing each mile at a time ensures success.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp;

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 the political leadership and 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 the political leadership and its people. PM Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump have met eight times in the last 3 years, of which they met bilaterally 4 times in the last year. That, President Trump, has chosen to visit India, in a busy election year, when Presidencies are focused on their campaigns and domestic agenda, is an indicator of the level of mutual comfort and trust between the leaders. This visit may have more political and optic overtones than economic, but that does nothing to take away the bilateral significance of the visit, as well as, the significant progress made in the areas of strategic importance, like defence, counter-terror, security, oil & gas and trade ties. The key takeaways from the visit would probably be in the fields of Defence, Trade and Space. The deepening of the defence ties between the two nations has witnessed steady progression with the Defence Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), 2+2 dialogues, increased frequency of military exercises, moving from the annual YUDH ABHYAAS series to TIGER TRIUMPH – a tri-services joint exercise facilitated by the signing of the LEMOA and Communication, Compatibility & Security Agreement. It is expected, that TIGER TRIUMPH tri-service exercise with India will become an annual event and it is a vindication of the India’s emergence as the strategic partner of the 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 catalysed by the STA-1 status that India enjoys. Geopolitics: China, being the elephant in the room, the renaming of the PACOM as the Indo-Pacific Command is reflective of the growing strategic stature of India in US military strategy and for the enforcement of the free and open, rules-based international order in the Pacific region. There is the convergence of interest for India and US to limit the Chinese influence in the South Asian & ASEAN region. India has assiduously cultivated maritime security alliances with Japan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Singapore in pursuit of a free to navigate the Pacific and Indian Ocean region and limiting the Chinese influence in the South China Sea. A free democratic and emergent power, India, is the ideal counterweight to an authoritative and expansionist China and this balancing of the two Asian powers is reflected in the formation of the QUAD of India, US, Japan and Australia. The recognition of India as a Strategic Partner is an outcome of the designation of China as a competitor by the present Trump administration. The US pivot to Asia precedes the Trump Presidency – and the focus on India, from President Bush to Obama and Trump. It also highlights the bipartisan support that India enjoys on Capitol. In the recent past though, this has been strained with incidents with some political overtones, on Article 370 and Diversity, which India clearly views as internal matters. These issues may have local domestic political overtones fueled in no small measure by the hostile press that India has attracted in the recent past especially under Modi 2.0 government. India has to clearly reach out and be proactive in putting forth the facts on Article 370, CAA and Diversity, to the US people to counter the narrative that is built based on part fact and part imagination such as the linkage of CAA with NRC/NPR. Defence Trade: The defence trade between India & US has moved from a few hundred thousand dollars to approx. $20 billion, if the present visit results in the widely anticipated sale of 24 MH60R helicopters for the Indian Navy and the 6 Apache helicopters for the Army Aviation – both deals which have been years in the making. However, with the present administration pulling out all stops – the anticipated sale of NASAM-II system, 30 Armed Sea Guardian drones, 6 more P8I aircraft with advanced onboard communication and surveillance systems and 13 Mk45 naval guns. The cherry on the cake will be if the Indian Navy opts for FA 18 Super Hornet Block III, though the multi-role aircraft for IAF, with both Lockheed Martin and Boeing throwing their hats in the ring, may take more time than anticipated riding on the back of the sluggish economic growth with more funds being allocated for infrastructure and social sector. The only threat to this otherwise thriving partnership could come from the potential acquisition of the S400 missile system by India – though the US has shown flexibility in the past in accommodation of key Indian strategic interests such as the Chabahar port for the land route to Afghanistan, support during Doklam crisis and the abrogation of Article 370, besides diplomatic support to Indian counter-terror initiatives, but S400 deal with Russia could test this resolve. Energy has been an area of increased cooperation between India and the US, and the energy exports to India from the US (both oil and gas) have registered an impressive growth of nearly $8 billion and may touch $10 billion, with Petronet LNG ($2.5 billion) and other companies, investing a total of $4 billion in US and have contracted 9 million metric tons per annum of LNG. This has helped bridge the trade deficit and has the potential to meet the ever-growing demands of energy in India – both in conventional and non -conventional sources including Nuclear energy as a part of the clean energy initiative of the government. Space is an area which has seen slow yet steady cooperation of ISRO with NASA, with the space agencies building the strategic NISAR satellite at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion for studying the hazards, environmental change and natural processes. NISAR will be launched aboard an Indian launch vehicle in 2022. India and the US have been collaborating on space missions, and space crafts have carried their scientific instruments. The confirmed discovery of water on the south surface of the moon is credited to Chandrayaan 1 which carried a NASA probe. Space Industry: There is considerable scope for the Indian and US Space industry to work together leveraging their complementary strengths – marrying Indian frugal space engineering and lower costs of material, supply chain and production which as a significant small industry content, with the cutting edge technologies of US firms. India and the US could potentially collaborate on the planned Indian space station as the ISS retires by 2030 and India’s planned space station is in place by that time. There could be planned human space flights as this is an area of interest for both the nations, moving forward. Challenges: With all the good tidings, there are drags and challenges, to the growing partnership. Apart from US Administration’s desire to see India & Pakistan engage more bilaterally, more so in view of the Afghanistan Peace Deal to be announced on February 29 and the impending withdrawal of US troops and the recent offers of mediation, US would like to see greater involvement of India in Afghanistan even though PM Modi has ruled out boots on ground and has its reservations on the role of Taliban in the new Afghan dispensation, which could embolden terror outfits in Kashmir, but India could support the new Afghan government in terms of assistance, lines of credit and trade through the Chabahar route. Trade: Trade is a major challenge in the US –India bilateral relations. The US-India trade grew at 10 per cent annually for the last two years and crossed $160 billion in last year. The trade deficit – something that the present administration has constantly focused on, has narrowed by 9 per cent. Historically, India has had a trade surplus but it is changing with the US goods trade deficit with India was at $20.8 billion in 2018, a 9 per cent decrease ($2.1 billion) over 2017. Though bilateral investment has room for much improvement but Indian companies have invested almost $18 Billion and created direct employment for US citizens, so have US companies in India. Major US companies as Google, Microsoft, GE, Honeywell, Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Collins Aerospace have technology centers and joint ventures in India which have contributed to both the economies The list of requests from the US TR is long with respect to access to the Indian markets, to single-brand retail, medical devices (reduction of duties /higher margins), pharma, insurance, banking and financial services. Higher FDI limits in the sectors not permitting more than 49 per cent FDI, data localisation, IPR protection, and e-commerce issues, have in the recent past been a bugbear for both the ministers – Lighthiser and Goyal. While India may have its share of issues such as the H1B visas for Indian technology giants, higher tariffs on aluminium & metals, and the withdrawal of the GSP privileges. President Trump has often quoted Indian tariffs and barriers, as an impediment. It is true that the US may be a more open market than India, but it can be said, that Indian tariff structure is WTO compliant with Japan and South Korea levying a higher tariff on certain goods. Apart from Harley & Ford, there is scope for early outcomes in food, dairy, pharma, medical devices and IPR protection in trade talks between the two democracies. Way Forward: Undoubtedly, these are barriers to entry and do not make for ease of doing business, but the way forward, could be - by breaking down into individual milestones, dividing their mutual interests into smaller segments, than to attempt a large all-encompassing deal that has been long in the making. There is enough scope to work on this and the trade relationship between India and US is not a 100 meters dash but more akin to a long-distance marathon, where not stamina alone but technique, even pace and focusing each mile at a time ensures success. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Defence and trade will be the highlight of US President Donald Trump's India visit

Here's what experts have to say about the India-US ties and the bonhomie between the US President Donald Trump and&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

Puneet Ahluwalia, Political and Business Consultant

Indians have been voting for democratic, Indians are in large number in Florida and Virginia, Indians can play an important role in Ohio. Religious freedom has made a huge dampener on the overall picture of India's image and it depends on PM Narendra M\odi on how he navigates this with President Donald Trump.

If discussions on defence and energy are on the better side, it is a win-win situation for India. The hugs, comforts, and food is not the main course. Let India start focussing at Indo-Asia as a true global power. India should stop flexing muscle verbally and take a stronger position at issues that matters.

Indian mindset of doing business is very different, these two leaders and their mindset will make the difference. The relationship between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump should be making the best advantage for both the countries. 
 
President Donald Trump is more about creating jobs for Americans, at the same time having deeper relations with India and other nations. You can see the robust growth in the American economy, &nbsp;you can see the jobs coming back and India can take advantage of that. The potential is huge given the leadership in India decides to make with the visit of the US President visit.

G Parthasarathy, Former Indian Diplomat

India will not be dictated to by any country. We will keep the relationships as we want - cooperation is not fostered with preconditions. We will negotiate with the US as we negotiate with anyone else.

QUAD is going well - that will expand, but we will not allow anyone, US, Russia, and China to dictate us. Right now, I'm not worried by Washington Post and New York Times. We will decide what is in our national interest, right now it is in correspondence with the US.

Dr Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, Professor at the Center for Global Affairs, New York University

There are a lot of similarities between US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi, the bonhomie, the approach, the minorities.

The US economy is doing the best in decades whereas the Indian economy is just the opposite. The relationship should now start moving beyond the bilateral.&nbsp;

During the last presidential visit of President Barak Obama, we heard something on Indo-pacific, something similar is expected with a bigger growth in wider aspect this time. I'm sure Afghanistan and the Middle East will be a part of the discussion&nbsp;as India looks at itself as a leading nation. This being the defining moment India needs to move up.&nbsp;

Noth sides are very much on building the relationship, all US Presidents coming to India in their first term show the commitment. Containment of China is US position, India's position is managing china, freedom of navigations and freedom of seas is very critical for India.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

&nbsp; 
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Here's what experts have to say about the India-US ties and the bonhomie between the US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Puneet Ahluwalia, Political and Business Consultant Indians have been voting for democratic, Indians are in large number in Florida and Virginia, Indians can play an important role in Ohio.

Here's what experts have to say about the India-US ties and the bonhomie between the US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Puneet Ahluwalia, Political and Business Consultant Indians have been voting for democratic, Indians are in large number in Florida and Virginia, Indians can play an important role in Ohio. Religious freedom has made a huge dampener on the overall picture of India's image and it depends on PM Narendra M\odi on how he navigates this with President Donald Trump. If discussions on defence and energy are on the better side, it is a win-win situation for India. The hugs, comforts, and food is not the main course. Let India start focussing at Indo-Asia as a true global power. India should stop flexing muscle verbally and take a stronger position at issues that matters. Indian mindset of doing business is very different, these two leaders and their mindset will make the difference. The relationship between PM Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump should be making the best advantage for both the countries. President Donald Trump is more about creating jobs for Americans, at the same time having deeper relations with India and other nations. You can see the robust growth in the American economy, you can see the jobs coming back and India can take advantage of that. The potential is huge given the leadership in India decides to make with the visit of the US President visit. G Parthasarathy, Former Indian Diplomat India will not be dictated to by any country. We will keep the relationships as we want - cooperation is not fostered with preconditions. We will negotiate with the US as we negotiate with anyone else. QUAD is going well - that will expand, but we will not allow anyone, US, Russia, and China to dictate us. Right now, I'm not worried by Washington Post and New York Times. We will decide what is in our national interest, right now it is in correspondence with the US. Dr Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, Professor at the Center for Global Affairs, New York University There are a lot of similarities between US President Donald Trump and PM Narendra Modi, the bonhomie, the approach, the minorities. The US economy is doing the best in decades whereas the Indian economy is just the opposite. The relationship should now start moving beyond the bilateral. During the last presidential visit of President Barak Obama, we heard something on Indo-pacific, something similar is expected with a bigger growth in wider aspect this time. I'm sure Afghanistan and the Middle East will be a part of the discussion as India looks at itself as a leading nation. This being the defining moment India needs to move up. Noth sides are very much on building the relationship, all US Presidents coming to India in their first term show the commitment. Containment of China is US position, India's position is managing china, freedom of navigations and freedom of seas is very critical for India. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Expert view: US President Donald Trump visit a defining moment for India

US President Donald Trump will inaugurate the world's largest cricket stadium when he arrives in Ahmedabad. Authorities in Ahmedabad expect to spend around 120 crore for Trump's 3 hour visit.

Trump India Visit:3 hours visit in Ahmedabad cost 120 crore