India&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;finalise a long-conceived proposal&nbsp;to&nbsp;procure 30 multi-mission armed&nbsp;Predator&nbsp;drones from the&nbsp;US&nbsp;for the three services at an estimated cost of over $3&nbsp;billion&nbsp;(around Rs 22,000 crore), official sources said on Tuesday.

The proposal&nbsp;to&nbsp;acquire the MQ-9B long-endurance&nbsp;drones, armed&nbsp;with&nbsp;air-to-ground missiles, is likely&nbsp;to&nbsp;be cleared&nbsp;by&nbsp;the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in the next few weeks following which it will be placed before the PM-led Cabinet Committee on Security, they said.

The sources said various key aspects of the procurement including the cost component and weapons package have already been finalised and the mega-deal&nbsp;is&nbsp;set&nbsp;to&nbsp;be&nbsp;sealed&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;US&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;current&nbsp;fiscal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/before-inaugurating-a-highway-indias-pm-modi-lands-on-it-in-air-forces-c-130j-super-hercules-plane-429722" hreflang="en">Indian PM Modi lands on highway in an Indian Air Force plane</a>

Vice Chief of&nbsp;India&nbsp;Navy Vice Admiral said the proposal will be placed before the DAC in a "short while".

"The whole effort of the procurement process is that we take a very balanced decision and therefore inputs of all stakeholders are taken. The process is on and we have progressed quite a bit on this process. This will move&nbsp;to&nbsp;DAC in a short while," he&nbsp;told reporters at an event.

The procurement proposal has been moved&nbsp;by&nbsp;the&nbsp;Indian Navy and all three services are likely&nbsp;to&nbsp;get 10&nbsp;drones each.

The remotely piloted&nbsp;drones, manufactured&nbsp;by&nbsp;US&nbsp;defence major General Atomics, are capable of remaining airborne for around 35 hours and can be deployed on a range of missions including surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and destroying enemy targets.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/why-the-russian-s-400-missile-defence-deal-matters-to-india-424515" hreflang="en">Why the Russian S-400 missile defence deal matters to India</a>

The medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE)&nbsp;Predator-B&nbsp;drone&nbsp;is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance.

Indian armed forces have been focusing on procuring unmanned platforms including armed&nbsp;drones following the eastern Ladakh standoff&nbsp;with&nbsp;China and a&nbsp;drone&nbsp;strike on the Jammu airbase.

Explosives-laden&nbsp;drones were&nbsp;used&nbsp;to&nbsp;carry out the attack on the Jammu Air Force station in June in the first such instance of suspected Pakistan-based terrorists deploying unmanned aerial vehicles&nbsp;to&nbsp;strike at vital military installations in&nbsp;India.

In 2019, the&nbsp;US&nbsp;approved the sale of armed&nbsp;drones&nbsp;to&nbsp;India&nbsp;and even offered integrated air and missile defence systems.

The&nbsp;Indian Navy has been strongly pushing for the procurement&nbsp;to&nbsp;boost its overall surveillance over the&nbsp;Indian Ocean, a region that has witnessed increasing forays&nbsp;by&nbsp;Chinese ships and submarines in the last few years.

Last year, the&nbsp;Indian Navy received two&nbsp;Predator&nbsp;drones on lease from the&nbsp;US, primarily for surveillance over the&nbsp;Indian Ocean.

The two non-weaponised MQ-9B&nbsp;drones were leased for one year&nbsp;with&nbsp;the option of extending the period&nbsp;by&nbsp;another year.

In February last year,&nbsp;India&nbsp;sealed a $2.6&nbsp;billion&nbsp;deal&nbsp;with&nbsp;the&nbsp;US&nbsp;for procurement of 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from American aerospace major Lockheed Martin for the&nbsp;Indian Navy. The delivery of the helicopters has already begun.

India is set to finalise a long-conceived proposal to procure 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US for the three services at an estimated cost of over $3 billion (around Rs 22,000 crore), official sources said on Tuesday.

India is set to finalise a long-conceived proposal to procure 30 multi-mission armed Predator drones from the US for the three services at an estimated cost of over $3 billion (around Rs 22,000 crore), official sources said on Tuesday. The proposal to acquire the MQ-9B long-endurance drones, armed with air-to-ground missiles, is likely to be cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) in the next few weeks following which it will be placed before the PM-led Cabinet Committee on Security, they said. The sources said various key aspects of the procurement including the cost component and weapons package have already been finalised and the mega-deal is set to be sealed with the US by the current fiscal. Also read | Indian PM Modi lands on highway in an Indian Air Force plane Vice Chief of India Navy Vice Admiral said the proposal will be placed before the DAC in a "short while". "The whole effort of the procurement process is that we take a very balanced decision and therefore inputs of all stakeholders are taken. The process is on and we have progressed quite a bit on this process. This will move to DAC in a short while," he told reporters at an event. The procurement proposal has been moved by the Indian Navy and all three services are likely to get 10 drones each. The remotely piloted drones, manufactured by US defence major General Atomics, are capable of remaining airborne for around 35 hours and can be deployed on a range of missions including surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering and destroying enemy targets. Also read | Why the Russian S-400 missile defence deal matters to India The medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) Predator-B drone is the first hunter-killer UAV designed for long-endurance and high-altitude surveillance. Indian armed forces have been focusing on procuring unmanned platforms including armed drones following the eastern Ladakh standoff with China and a drone strike on the Jammu airbase. Explosives-laden drones were used to carry out the attack on the Jammu Air Force station in June in the first such instance of suspected Pakistan-based terrorists deploying unmanned aerial vehicles to strike at vital military installations in India. In 2019, the US approved the sale of armed drones to India and even offered integrated air and missile defence systems. The Indian Navy has been strongly pushing for the procurement to boost its overall surveillance over the Indian Ocean, a region that has witnessed increasing forays by Chinese ships and submarines in the last few years. Last year, the Indian Navy received two Predator drones on lease from the US, primarily for surveillance over the Indian Ocean. The two non-weaponised MQ-9B drones were leased for one year with the option of extending the period by another year. In February last year, India sealed a $2.6 billion deal with the US for procurement of 24 MH-60 Romeo helicopters from American aerospace major Lockheed Martin for the Indian Navy. The delivery of the helicopters has already begun.

India set to seal $3 billion Predator drone deal with US by current fiscal

India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that India US ties are "destined to move ahead" and both countries continue to develop the relationship in areas like defense, health care, etc. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Washington, Envoy Sandhu said, "The relationship has steadily evolved.... in Biden's time-- in first 100 days and&nbsp;first three&nbsp;months, we have had a flurry of engagements".

His comments come&nbsp;as Indian Prime Minister Narendra&nbsp;Modi is all set to visit the US. PM will be in Washington on September 23&nbsp;and will hold bilateral with President Biden and participate in the Quad summit on September 24. Later he will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 25. On the visit, India's top diplomat to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "very fact, the President is hosting the PM in person despite all the difficulties....is a very important signal that US holds India important, including our PM."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-biden-pm-modis-meeting-will-strengthen-deep-ties-says-us-ahead-of-unga-414562" hreflang="en">President Biden-PM Modi meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US</a>

WION: How will the visit further the ties between India and United States?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: See the relationship ever since President Biden has taken over, if you look at the first 100 days, you will see that the intensity of interaction. There were three&nbsp;direct telephonic calls between President Biden, PM Modi. That was followed by two&nbsp;top-level summits, in which both of them PM Modi was the prominent speaker. We have had, high-level exchanges of visits. We have had US defense secretary, John Kerry, we had external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visiting, those were substantial visits. Subsequently, a foreign secretary has come. This is part and parcel of that, the continuation of that. But you must keep in mind, but because of the Covid situation-- the visit would have otherwise happened even sooner. The very fact, the President is hosting the PM in person despite all the difficulties, not only all around the world but also covid, is a very important signal that the US holds India important, including our PM.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/on-unga-sidelines-jaishankar-discusses-afghanistan-indo-pacific-in-bilateral-meetings-414763" hreflang="en">On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific in meetings</a>

WION: How have the ties evolved over the years between India and the US, from Obama to Trump to Biden Administration?

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: I can certainly tell you, why the Obama administration, go back to the Clinton administration, during President George W Bush's time. The relationship has steadily evolved. Then we come back to President Trump's visit to India. And now in Biden's time-- in the first 100 days and&nbsp;first three&nbsp;months, we have had a flurry of engagements. The bilateral relationship is destined to move ahead. There are very clear five&nbsp;areas in which this relationship will develop. One is strategic and defense side, second is in health care, we have affordable vaccines, these are important priorities for both our countries, including the US. Then we have--IT, digital going into innovation as well as startups. Again, that is an area in which both US and India have a great potential to move ahead. We have an energy basket in which we have LNG, but also the largest renewable program in the world, in which solar is an important component. All this flows into what is climate change. Climate change is an important priority, both for PM Modi, as well as President Biden. Last but not the least, I will say the education, knowledge area. You know a large number of Indian students' study here, you have around 200,000 Indian students--2/3 are in STEM areas. Even in this, current educational year, a large number of Indian students have come. A great desire among US universities to get more of them, beyond that we have a new education policy in which internationalization of education policy is an important component and the US will be an important partner.

WION: How do you see Quad moving ahead, India's role in the grouping...

Taranjit Singh Sandhu: See, the quad as know is an important grouping and these are like-minded countries. They have similar systems, similar values, and all our democratic systems. You know the first virtual quad summit was hosted by President Biden and at that time there was a clear indication by him that he will hold the first in-person summit by the end of the year. They have kept the word despite all the challenges of covid and others. This is perhaps the first major international summit which is being held in the United States and all the four&nbsp;countries are coming in. And here, I will again like to mention, you have seen the first virtual summit, there were three&nbsp;clear areas which had come out--one in the area of vaccine, second was in the area of emerging technologies and third was climate change. In all these three&nbsp;areas things have been moving ahead, and working groups have been meeting. In this summit, further collaborative steps to be taken in these areas.

India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that India US ties are "destined to move ahead" and both countries continue to develop the relationship in areas like defense, health care, etc.

India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu has said that India US ties are "destined to move ahead" and both countries continue to develop the relationship in areas like defense, health care, etc. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Washington, Envoy Sandhu said, "The relationship has steadily evolved.... in Biden's time-- in first 100 days and first three months, we have had a flurry of engagements". His comments come as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to visit the US. PM will be in Washington on September 23 and will hold bilateral with President Biden and participate in the Quad summit on September 24. Later he will address the United Nations General Assembly on September 25. On the visit, India's top diplomat to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu said, "very fact, the President is hosting the PM in person despite all the difficulties....is a very important signal that US holds India important, including our PM." Also read | President Biden-PM Modi meeting will strengthen deep ties, says US WION: How will the visit further the ties between India and United States? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: See the relationship ever since President Biden has taken over, if you look at the first 100 days, you will see that the intensity of interaction. There were three direct telephonic calls between President Biden, PM Modi. That was followed by two top-level summits, in which both of them PM Modi was the prominent speaker. We have had, high-level exchanges of visits. We have had US defense secretary, John Kerry, we had external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar visiting, those were substantial visits. Subsequently, a foreign secretary has come. This is part and parcel of that, the continuation of that. But you must keep in mind, but because of the Covid situation-- the visit would have otherwise happened even sooner. The very fact, the President is hosting the PM in person despite all the difficulties, not only all around the world but also covid, is a very important signal that the US holds India important, including our PM. Also read | On UNGA sidelines, Jaishankar discusses Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific in meetings WION: How have the ties evolved over the years between India and the US, from Obama to Trump to Biden Administration? Taranjit Singh Sandhu: I can certainly tell you, why the Obama administration, go back to the Clinton administration, during President George W Bush's time. The relationship has steadily evolved. Then we come back to President Trump's visit to India. And now in Biden's time-- in the first 100 days and first three months, we have had a flurry of engagements. The bilateral relationship is destined to move ahead. There are very clear five areas in which this relationship will develop. One is strategic and defense side, second is in health care, we have affordable vaccines, these are important priorities for both our countries, including the US. Then we have--IT, digital going into innovation as well as startups. Again, that is an area in which both US and India have a great potential to move ahead. We have an energy basket in which we have LNG, but also the largest renewable program in the world, in which solar is an important component. All this flows into what is climate change. Climate change is an important priority, both for PM Modi, as well as President Biden. Last but not the least, I will say the education, knowledge area. You know a large number of Indian students' study here, you have around 200,000 Indian students--2/3 are in STEM areas. Even in this, current educational year, a large number of Indian students have come. A great desire among US universities to get more of them, beyond that we have a new education policy in which internationalization of education policy is an important component and the US will be an important partner. WION: How do you see Quad moving ahead, India's role in the grouping... Taranjit Singh Sandhu: See, the quad as know is an important grouping and these are like-minded countries. They have similar systems, similar values, and all our democratic systems. You know the first virtual quad summit was hosted by President Biden and at that time there was a clear indication by him that he will hold the first in-person summit by the end of the year. They have kept the word despite all the challenges of covid and others. This is perhaps the first major international summit which is being held in the United States and all the four countries are coming in. And here, I will again like to mention, you have seen the first virtual summit, there were three clear areas which had come out--one in the area of vaccine, second was in the area of emerging technologies and third was climate change. In all these three areas things have been moving ahead, and working groups have been meeting. In this summit, further collaborative steps to be taken in these areas.

Exclusive-Bilateral ties destined to move ahead, says India's envoy to US Taranjit Singh Sandhu

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year.&nbsp;United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin visited New Delhi earlier this year and held talks with his counterpart and called on top Indian leadership including PM Modi.&nbsp;

Blinken will hold talks with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Both Blinken, Jaishankar have met each other three&nbsp;times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign minister meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and then&nbsp;on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy.&nbsp;

The visit is expected to&nbsp;focus&nbsp;on the current situation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, Quad. Biden administration is keen to host Quad (the grouping of&nbsp;India, US, Australia, and Japan) in-person leadership meet later this year. Indian PM Modi, depending on the current Covid situation will visit Washington.&nbsp;

But undoubtedly, the situation in Afghanistan remains a worry as&nbsp;Taliban makes territorial gains. Both sides have been in touch on the issue. In fact, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Spl Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit India next week, becoming the second Biden administration official to visit Delhi this year. United States Secretary of Defense, General (Retd.) Lloyd J. Austin visited New Delhi earlier this year and held talks with his counterpart and called on top Indian leadership including PM Modi. Blinken will hold talks with India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar. Both Blinken, Jaishankar have met each other three times previously - first on the sidelines of the G7 foreign minister meet in London, then during EAM's bilateral visit to the US, and then on the sidelines of the G20 FMs meet in Italy. The visit is expected to focus on the current situation in Afghanistan, Indo-Pacific, Quad. Biden administration is keen to host Quad (the grouping of India, US, Australia, and Japan) in-person leadership meet later this year. Indian PM Modi, depending on the current Covid situation will visit Washington. But undoubtedly, the situation in Afghanistan remains a worry as Taliban makes territorial gains. Both sides have been in touch on the issue. In fact, India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had met Dy NSA Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall and US Spl Representative on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad last week in Uzbekistan on the sidelines of the connectivity summit.

US Secretary of State Blinken to visit India next week

US has formally conveyed to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-distribute-80-million-vaccine-doses-through-covax-india-included-in-list-white-house-389263">India</a> that it will be giving Covid vaccines to the country during the telephonic conversation between Indian PM Modi and US Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris.

The conversation which took place with India's prime minister&nbsp;on Thursday evening was at the request of US Vice President.&nbsp;&nbsp;

India will be getting vaccines from the US as part of the 25 million Covid vaccines it will be giving to the world in the first tranche with nineteen&nbsp;million doses&nbsp;to be given via Covax and&nbsp;six&nbsp;million to be directly given to partners.&nbsp;

"Vice President notified the Biden-Harris administration will begin sharing the first 25 million doses of COVID vaccines," the&nbsp;US statement said. Washington will be giving out 80 million vaccines globally by the end of June.&nbsp;

During the talks, Prime Minister expressed his "appreciation" to Vice President Harris for the US decision, as well as for all "other forms of support and solidarity that India has received in recent days from the US government, businesses and the Indian expatriate community in the US", the PMO said.

During the talks, both sides also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the health supply chain between the US and India, including in the area of vaccine manufacturing. Cooperation under the Quad format was also discussed. During the Quad virtual meet of heads of government, a joint initiative on vaccines was announced with India being the production hub.

The US will be giving 75 per cent of the 25 million vaccines and&nbsp;19 million via the COVAX facility with six&nbsp;million doses for South and Central America, seven&nbsp;million for Asia and five&nbsp;million for African&nbsp;countries that will be selected in coordination with the African Union.

US President Biden in a statement said, "over 6 million&nbsp;will be shared directly with countries experiencing surges, those in crisis, and other partners and neighbours, including Canada, Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea."

Over thirty&nbsp;countries will be getting vaccines in the first tranche. The&nbsp;vaccines will also be given to United Nations frontline workers, which will be shared directly.

US has formally conveyed to India that it will be giving Covid vaccines to the country during the telephonic conversation between Indian PM Modi and US Vice President Kamala Harris.

US has formally conveyed to India that it will be giving Covid vaccines to the country during the telephonic conversation between Indian PM Modi and US Vice President Kamala Harris. The conversation which took place with India's prime minister on Thursday evening was at the request of US Vice President. India will be getting vaccines from the US as part of the 25 million Covid vaccines it will be giving to the world in the first tranche with nineteen million doses to be given via Covax and six million to be directly given to partners. "Vice President notified the Biden-Harris administration will begin sharing the first 25 million doses of COVID vaccines," the US statement said. Washington will be giving out 80 million vaccines globally by the end of June. During the talks, Prime Minister expressed his "appreciation" to Vice President Harris for the US decision, as well as for all "other forms of support and solidarity that India has received in recent days from the US government, businesses and the Indian expatriate community in the US", the PMO said. During the talks, both sides also discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen the health supply chain between the US and India, including in the area of vaccine manufacturing. Cooperation under the Quad format was also discussed. During the Quad virtual meet of heads of government, a joint initiative on vaccines was announced with India being the production hub. The US will be giving 75 per cent of the 25 million vaccines and 19 million via the COVAX facility with six million doses for South and Central America, seven million for Asia and five million for African countries that will be selected in coordination with the African Union. US President Biden in a statement said, "over 6 million will be shared directly with countries experiencing surges, those in crisis, and other partners and neighbours, including Canada, Mexico, India, and the Republic of Korea." Over thirty countries will be getting vaccines in the first tranche. The vaccines will also be given to United Nations frontline workers, which will be shared directly.

Modi-Harris phone call: US conveys it will give coronavirus vaccines to India

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state&nbsp;Antony Blinken.&nbsp;Both the foreign minister had met earlier this year in London on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign minister meeting.&nbsp;

Jaishankar, standing alongside the US Secretary of State said, "our relations have grown strong over the years and I am very confident that it will continue to do so", thanking the US for the "strong support and solidarity at the moment of great difficulty for us".&nbsp;

Amid the second wave of Covid crisis, US sent assistance which included 20,000 courses of remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, over 2.5 million N95 masks and a&nbsp;large-scale deployable oxygen concentration system.&nbsp;Responding to this, Blinken said, "We know, we remember in the earlier days of Covid&nbsp;India was there for the US, something we will never forget, and now we want to make sure that we are there for India"

Last year, India had sent HCQ to US. Both sides have been engaging with each over dealing with&nbsp;the crisis, especially under the Quad grouping of US, India, Australia, and Japan. After the first virtual summit that took place earlier this year, it was decided that more Covid vaccines will be manufactured under the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative.&nbsp;

Calling EAM, friend and colleague, US Secretary of state said, "US and India are working together on so many of the most important challenges of our time, one those are having a profound impact on the lives of our citizens".&nbsp;He highlighted how both countries are "united" in "confronting covid" &amp; the "challenge posed by climate change" even as they have "partnered directly through the quad, other institutions like the UN" and "partnership between US and India is vital, it is strong and increasingly productive".

EAM Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to US, during which he held talks with the US defense secretary and USTR in Washington and will meet&nbsp;UN Secretary-General&nbsp;Antonio Guterres in New York.&nbsp;

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken.

India and the US on Friday vowed to support each other amid Covid crisis in the second physical meet between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar and US Secretary of state Antony Blinken. Both the foreign minister had met earlier this year in London on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign minister meeting. Jaishankar, standing alongside the US Secretary of State said, "our relations have grown strong over the years and I am very confident that it will continue to do so", thanking the US for the "strong support and solidarity at the moment of great difficulty for us". Amid the second wave of Covid crisis, US sent assistance which included 20,000 courses of remdesivir, 1,500 oxygen cylinders, 550 mobile oxygen concentrators, over 2.5 million N95 masks and a large-scale deployable oxygen concentration system. Responding to this, Blinken said, "We know, we remember in the earlier days of Covid India was there for the US, something we will never forget, and now we want to make sure that we are there for India" Last year, India had sent HCQ to US. Both sides have been engaging with each over dealing with the crisis, especially under the Quad grouping of US, India, Australia, and Japan. After the first virtual summit that took place earlier this year, it was decided that more Covid vaccines will be manufactured under the Quad Covid Vaccine initiative. Calling EAM, friend and colleague, US Secretary of state said, "US and India are working together on so many of the most important challenges of our time, one those are having a profound impact on the lives of our citizens". He highlighted how both countries are "united" in "confronting covid" & the "challenge posed by climate change" even as they have "partnered directly through the quad, other institutions like the UN" and "partnership between US and India is vital, it is strong and increasingly productive". EAM Jaishankar is on a week-long visit to US, during which he held talks with the US defense secretary and USTR in Washington and will meet UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York.

Blinken says US and India united in tackling COVID-19

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports.

Biden is expected to announce the names of political ambassadors, including for India, as soon as next week, according to a report in Axios.

President Biden, a Democrat, is also expected to announce Nicholas Burns as the ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel and Tom Nides as ambassadors to Japan and Israel respectively, the report in the American news website said on Wednesday.

Garcetti, 50, who served as the co-chair of Biden's presidential campaign, was initially considered for the Cabinet.

Garcetti is the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, after New York City.

The important position of the US envoy to India has been lying vacant since January 20.

In the absence of a full-time ambassador, Daniel Smith, the director of the Foreign Service Institute, who recently served as acting Secretary of State and Acting Deputy Secretary of State, has been sent to New Delhi to serve as Charge d'Affaires, ad interim.

However, the White House declined to comment on the nomination of Burns or Garcetti, saying no one is final until they're announced," an AP news report said.

According to the Axios report, the White House is still finishing the vetting process for potential ambassadors, including Garcetti, following which, Biden is expected to formally send more than a dozen names to the Senate to begin the confirmation process for his first batch of political ambassadors, which also include appointments for France, Italy and Canada.

The president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March, and officials are putting a premium on diversity in assembling the first batch that he'll send to the Senate, the report said.

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports.

US President Joe Biden is expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, a trusted political ally, as America's next ambassador to India, according to media reports. Biden is expected to announce the names of political ambassadors, including for India, as soon as next week, according to a report in Axios. President Biden, a Democrat, is also expected to announce Nicholas Burns as the ambassador to China and Rahm Emanuel and Tom Nides as ambassadors to Japan and Israel respectively, the report in the American news website said on Wednesday. Garcetti, 50, who served as the co-chair of Biden's presidential campaign, was initially considered for the Cabinet. Garcetti is the 42nd Mayor of Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, after New York City. The important position of the US envoy to India has been lying vacant since January 20. In the absence of a full-time ambassador, Daniel Smith, the director of the Foreign Service Institute, who recently served as acting Secretary of State and Acting Deputy Secretary of State, has been sent to New Delhi to serve as Charge d'Affaires, ad interim. However, the White House declined to comment on the nomination of Burns or Garcetti, saying no one is final until they're announced," an AP news report said. According to the Axios report, the White House is still finishing the vetting process for potential ambassadors, including Garcetti, following which, Biden is expected to formally send more than a dozen names to the Senate to begin the confirmation process for his first batch of political ambassadors, which also include appointments for France, Italy and Canada. The president began reviewing names of potential ambassadors in March, and officials are putting a premium on diversity in assembling the first batch that he'll send to the Senate, the report said.

Biden expected to nominate Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti as US ambassador to India: Reports

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights.

The United Airlines and Air India are continuing to operate numerous direct flights weekly from India to the US, a State Department health alert said.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/covid-19-surge-in-india-heartbreaking-us-determined-to-help-the-country-vp-kamala-harris-383627" hreflang="en">COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris</a>

Additional flight options remain available on Air France, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways via transfers in Paris, Frankfurt, and Doha.

US citizens who wish to depart India are encouraged to book tickets through the airlines, the health alert said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-american-physicians-sending-5000-oxygen-concentrators-to-india-383606" hreflang="en">Indian-American physicians sending 5,000 oxygen concentrators to India</a>

It is mandatory for anyone travelling to the US (two years and older) to take a COVID-19 test no more than three days before travel and show a negative result to the airline before boarding the flight, it said.

The passengers should be prepared to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating clearance for travel).

Travellers are encouraged to follow post-travel guidance once in the US, it said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-sees-record-4187-covid-19-deaths-401078-new-cases-govt-383617" hreflang="en">India sees record 4,187 COVID-19 deaths, 4,01,078 new cases: Govt&nbsp;</a>

The US this week reissued its travel advisory on India, urging its citizens not to travel to the country due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there.

"Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism," the State Department said on Wednesday in its latest travel advisory that looked identical to the one issued on April 28.

Both the travel advisories have been marked ''Level 4'' which is the highest warning level.

On April 28, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of US government employees.

On May 5, the Department approved the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees.

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights.

The US, which has urged its citizens not to travel to India due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there, on Friday encouraged those in the country to book their tickets to return home through currently available flights. The United Airlines and Air India are continuing to operate numerous direct flights weekly from India to the US, a State Department health alert said. ALso read | COVID-19 surge in India heartbreaking; US determined to help the country: VP Kamala Harris Additional flight options remain available on Air France, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways via transfers in Paris, Frankfurt, and Doha. US citizens who wish to depart India are encouraged to book tickets through the airlines, the health alert said. Also read | Indian-American physicians sending 5,000 oxygen concentrators to India It is mandatory for anyone travelling to the US (two years and older) to take a COVID-19 test no more than three days before travel and show a negative result to the airline before boarding the flight, it said. The passengers should be prepared to show documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (proof of a recent positive viral test and a letter from a healthcare provider or a public health official stating clearance for travel). Travellers are encouraged to follow post-travel guidance once in the US, it said. Also read | India sees record 4,187 COVID-19 deaths, 4,01,078 new cases: Govt The US this week reissued its travel advisory on India, urging its citizens not to travel to the country due to an unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 cases there. "Do not travel to India due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution due to crime and terrorism," the State Department said on Wednesday in its latest travel advisory that looked identical to the one issued on April 28. Both the travel advisories have been marked ''Level 4'' which is the highest warning level. On April 28, the Department approved the voluntary departure of family members of US government employees. On May 5, the Department approved the voluntary departure of non-emergency US government employees.

US urges its citizens to return home from India through available flights

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country&nbsp;will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

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Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. <a href="https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y">https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y</a>
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1386401947729633280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said US&nbsp;officials were "working around the clock" to deploy available resources and supplies to help India manufacture the Covishield vaccine and tend to the millions of Indians who are sick and dying.

The United States will also send therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits and ventilators.

Washington was under mounting pressure to help India, the world's largest democracy, after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid over the weekend.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all citizens to be vaccinated and exercise caution, as the country set a global record for new COVID-19 infections in a single day.

The United States was also pursuing options to provide India with oxygen generation and related supplies, Horne said.

US&nbsp;Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, welcomed the announcement but urged Biden to go further and give India the United States' unused COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca Plc.

"Let's use the US&nbsp;military and get as much oxygen and AstraZeneca doses to India as fast as we can," he said.

The top US&nbsp;infectious disease official, Dr&nbsp; Anthony Fauci, told ABC News on Sunday such a move was "something that certainly is going to be actively considered."

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the Pentagon to provide all necessary support to Indian healthcare workers battling the worsening coronavirus situation in the country.

Horne said the United States would send a team of experts to work with India from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Agency for International Development.

In addition to the immediate aid, the US&nbsp;Development Finance Corporation will fund a substantial expansion of manufacturing capability for Indian vaccine maker Biological E Ltd, or BioE, enabling the company to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections.

US President Joe Biden said on Sunday that the country will immediately send raw materials for COVID-19 vaccines, medical equipment, and protective gear to help India respond to a massive surge in coronavirus infections. Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need. https://t.co/SzWRj0eP3y — President Biden (@POTUS) April 25, 2021 × National Security Council spokeswoman Emily Horne said US officials were "working around the clock" to deploy available resources and supplies to help India manufacture the Covishield vaccine and tend to the millions of Indians who are sick and dying. The United States will also send therapeutics, rapid diagnostic test kits and ventilators. Washington was under mounting pressure to help India, the world's largest democracy, after Britain, France and Germany pledged aid over the weekend. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged all citizens to be vaccinated and exercise caution, as the country set a global record for new COVID-19 infections in a single day. The United States was also pursuing options to provide India with oxygen generation and related supplies, Horne said. US Representative Ro Khanna, Democratic vice-chair of the Congressional India Caucus, welcomed the announcement but urged Biden to go further and give India the United States' unused COVID-19 vaccine doses from AstraZeneca Plc. "Let's use the US military and get as much oxygen and AstraZeneca doses to India as fast as we can," he said. The top US infectious disease official, Dr Anthony Fauci, told ABC News on Sunday such a move was "something that certainly is going to be actively considered." US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has directed the Pentagon to provide all necessary support to Indian healthcare workers battling the worsening coronavirus situation in the country. Horne said the United States would send a team of experts to work with India from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and US Agency for International Development. In addition to the immediate aid, the US Development Finance Corporation will fund a substantial expansion of manufacturing capability for Indian vaccine maker Biological E Ltd, or BioE, enabling the company to produce at least 1 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines by the end of 2022. (With inputs from agencies)

US will 'immediately' send vaccine components, medical supplies to India, says Biden

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.

At the Leaders Summit on Climate on Thursday, the two countries launched a new high-level US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership&nbsp;to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

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The partnership will proceed along two main tracks,&nbsp;the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, co-chaired by Secretary of Energy Granholm, and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, co-chaired by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, a joint statement said.

''India, in partnership with the United States, to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power. Why is that important? Because if we can do that,&nbsp;which is where our finance component of this is so critical,&nbsp;if we do that, India is on track to hold the 1.5 degrees centigrade,''&nbsp;White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference.

Describing the partnership as one of the core venues for the US-India collaboration, the joint statement said that its focus would be on driving urgent progress in this critical decade for climate action.

Both the United States and India have set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy. In its new nationally determined contribution, the US has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030.

While India, as part of its climate mitigation efforts, has set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Through the partnership, the United States and India are firmly committed to working together in achieving their ambitious climate and clean energy targets and to strengthening bilateral collaboration across climate and clean energy, the statement said.

''India is formally stepping up its commitment to accelerate renewable energy deployment,''&nbsp;State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said.

The joint statement said the partnership will aim to mobilise finance and speed clean energy deployment, demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to decarbonise sectors including industry, transportation, power, and buildings, and build capacity to measure, manage, and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy.

The Biden administration has applauded India for stepping up its climate change commitment including the partnership with the US to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power to meet the ambitious 2030 target for climate action and clean energy. At the Leaders Summit on Climate on Thursday, the two countries launched a new high-level US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. The partnership will proceed along two main tracks, the Strategic Clean Energy Partnership, co-chaired by Secretary of Energy Granholm, and the Climate Action and Finance Mobilisation Dialogue, co-chaired by Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry, a joint statement said. ''India, in partnership with the United States, to deploy 450 gigawatts of renewable power. Why is that important? Because if we can do that, which is where our finance component of this is so critical, if we do that, India is on track to hold the 1.5 degrees centigrade,'' White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. Describing the partnership as one of the core venues for the US-India collaboration, the joint statement said that its focus would be on driving urgent progress in this critical decade for climate action. Both the United States and India have set ambitious 2030 targets for climate action and clean energy. In its new nationally determined contribution, the US has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 percent below 2005 levels in 2030. While India, as part of its climate mitigation efforts, has set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. Through the partnership, the United States and India are firmly committed to working together in achieving their ambitious climate and clean energy targets and to strengthening bilateral collaboration across climate and clean energy, the statement said. ''India is formally stepping up its commitment to accelerate renewable energy deployment,'' State Department Spokesperson Ned Price said. The joint statement said the partnership will aim to mobilise finance and speed clean energy deployment, demonstrate and scale innovative clean technologies needed to decarbonise sectors including industry, transportation, power, and buildings, and build capacity to measure, manage, and adapt to the risks of climate-related impacts. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden administration applauds India for stepping up its climate change commitment

A US&nbsp;commission&nbsp;on&nbsp;Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed&nbsp;on&nbsp;a blacklist for&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

In addition to India, the&nbsp;commission&nbsp;called&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist.

The&nbsp;commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious&nbsp;freedom&nbsp;conditions in India continued their negative trajectory."

The&nbsp;commission&nbsp;recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and&nbsp;Pakistan.

Other nations already&nbsp;on&nbsp;the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records,&nbsp;are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.

The recommendation&nbsp;on&nbsp;India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump.

Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of&nbsp;religious&nbsp;freedom.

"Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said.

"It is diversity personified and its&nbsp;religious&nbsp;life has been its greatest historic blessing."

&nbsp;

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further.

A US commission on Wednesday recommended for the second year in a row that India be placed on a blacklist for religious freedom, saying treatment of minorities had deteriorated further. In addition to India, the commission called on the State Department to add Russia, Syria and Vietnam to the blacklist. The commission, which offers recommendations but does not set US policy, said in its annual report that "religious freedom conditions in India continued their negative trajectory." The commission recommended that the State Department designate India as a "country of particular concern," a blacklist that includes China, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Other nations already on the State Department's blacklist -- which paves the way for sanctions if they do not improve their records, are Eritrea, Iran, Myanmar, Nigeria, North Korea, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. The recommendation on India drew a dissent from one commissioner, Johnnie Moore, an appointee of former President Donald Trump. Moore in a statement said India was "at a crossroads" but noted that it was the world's largest democracy with constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. "Of all the countries in the world, India should not be a 'country of particular concern,'" he said. "It is diversity personified and its religious life has been its greatest historic blessing."

US commission alleges religious freedom in India deteriorating

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,''&nbsp;Blinken said in a tweet.

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Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change.
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1384265377593495552?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,''&nbsp;Jaishankar said in a separate tweet.

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Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecBlinken</a> this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1384145024829456388?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call.

The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said.

They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added.

''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,''&nbsp;Price said.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his American counterpart Tony Blinken on Monday discussed on phone bilateral and regional issues including Afghanistan, Myanmar, and climate change. ''Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change,'' Blinken said in a tweet. Had a warm and productive conversation with Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the U.S.-India relationship. We discussed regional security issues of mutual concern in Afghanistan and Burma and global challenges such as climate change. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) April 19, 2021 × ''Conversation covered recent developments in India's immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation,'' Jaishankar said in a separate tweet. Spoke to my US counterpart Secretary of State @SecBlinken this evening. Conversation covered recent developments in India’s immediate and extended neighbourhood. Exchanged views on the UNSC agenda. Also discussed issues pertaining to our health cooperation. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) April 19, 2021 × Blinken spoke with Jaishankar to reaffirm the importance of the US-India relationship and cooperation on regional security issues, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a readout of the call. The two leaders agreed to close and frequent coordination in support of a lasting peace and development for the people of Afghanistan, Price said. They also reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic values and mutual support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar, he added. ''Blinken and Jaishankar discussed US-India cooperation on climate change, COVID-19, and other global challenges and pledged to remain in close contact on these and other issues of mutual concern,'' Price said.

EAM Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Blinken discuss security issues in Afghanistan, Myanmar

Members of the United States Navy were recently witnessed singing a popular Hindi song at dinner with Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Saturday.&nbsp; On the same day, India’s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu met with the CNO, Michael M Gilday.

“Together, we will promote a free, open &amp; inclusive rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. I look forward to our two navies’ continued cooperation”, Gilday tweeted.

The Navy sang the following in Hindi - "This is a friendship bond that cannot be broken ever”, echoing the state of relations between the United States and India.

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Great to meet with India’s Ambassador to the United States <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandhuTaranjitS</a> today! Together, we will promote a free, open &amp; inclusive rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. I look forward to our two navies’ continued cooperation. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianEmbassyUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndianEmbassyUS</a> 🇮🇳🇺🇸 <a href="https://t.co/UJ8aopHjl0">pic.twitter.com/UJ8aopHjl0</a>
— USNavyCNO (@USNavyCNO) <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavyCNO/status/1375613959106088960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The original song is called “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” and was performed by coveted musician AR Rahman for the soundtrack of the film “Swades” in 2004.

Watch the clip below

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'ये वो बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता! This is a friendship bond that cannot be broken ever.' 🇮🇳🇺🇸 
 
US Navy singing a popular Hindi tune <a href="https://twitter.com/USNavyCNO?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@USNavyCNO</a> 's dinner last night! <a href="https://t.co/hfzXsg0cAr">pic.twitter.com/hfzXsg0cAr</a>
— Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS/status/1375937058229919744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Cooperation between the United States and India has improved in the face of increased Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific.&nbsp;

Recently, a grouping of four countries called “Quad” including India, United States, Japan, and Australia convened which was seen as signalling to China that their excesses in the region will not go unanswered.

The US also extended extensive support to Taiwan as it faces increasing threat of a Chinese invasion, with Chinese planes continuously breaching territorial borders.

Members of the United States Navy were recently witnessed singing a popular Hindi song at dinner with Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Saturday. On the same day, India’s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu met with the CNO, Michael M Gilday.

Members of the United States Navy were recently witnessed singing a popular Hindi song at dinner with Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) on Saturday. On the same day, India’s Ambassador to the United States Taranjit Singh Sandhu met with the CNO, Michael M Gilday. “Together, we will promote a free, open & inclusive rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. I look forward to our two navies’ continued cooperation”, Gilday tweeted. The Navy sang the following in Hindi - "This is a friendship bond that cannot be broken ever”, echoing the state of relations between the United States and India. Great to meet with India’s Ambassador to the United States @SandhuTaranjitS today! Together, we will promote a free, open & inclusive rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. I look forward to our two navies’ continued cooperation. @IndianEmbassyUS 🇮🇳🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/UJ8aopHjl0 — USNavyCNO (@USNavyCNO) March 27, 2021 × The original song is called “Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera” and was performed by coveted musician AR Rahman for the soundtrack of the film “Swades” in 2004. Watch the clip below 'ये वो बंधन है जो कभी टूट नहीं सकता! This is a friendship bond that cannot be broken ever.' 🇮🇳🇺🇸 US Navy singing a popular Hindi tune @USNavyCNO 's dinner last night! pic.twitter.com/hfzXsg0cAr — Taranjit Singh Sandhu (@SandhuTaranjitS) March 27, 2021 × Cooperation between the United States and India has improved in the face of increased Chinese activity in the Indian Ocean, Indo-Pacific. Recently, a grouping of four countries called “Quad” including India, United States, Japan, and Australia convened which was seen as signalling to China that their excesses in the region will not go unanswered. The US also extended extensive support to Taiwan as it faces increasing threat of a Chinese invasion, with Chinese planes continuously breaching territorial borders.

Watch: US Navy sings Hindi song from hit Bollywood movie 'Swades'

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. 
 
This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. 
 
The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-committed-to-enhance-capabilities-in-defence-manufacturing-pm-modi-365375" hreflang="en">India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi</a> 
 
The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. 
 
The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-growth-engine-to-be-powered-by-assam-ne-pm-365383" hreflang="en">India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM</a>

The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. 
 
The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. 
 
A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. 
 
"The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise.

The closing ceremony of the joint military exercise between Indian and US Army, exercise `Yudh Abhyas-20` was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range on Sunday. This was the 16th edition of the joint exercise. The aim of the exercise that began on February 8 was to focus on counter-terrorism operations under the mandate of the United Nations. The training focused primarily on subject matter exchange of topical issues of contemporary significance, drills at tactical level and sharing of best practices of each other. The joint training developed into an excellent professional forum which strengthened the capabilities of joint operations by both armies, said Lt Col Amitabh Sharma, PRO Defence, Rajasthan. Also read| India committed to enhance capabilities in defence manufacturing: PM Modi The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase of combat conditioning, tactical training and interoperability was completed successfully by both contingents. The training received by both the armies in the first phase was validated in the second phase. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation exercise which included planning and execution of various counter terrorist operations over 52 hours. The highlight of the exercise was the bonhomie and camaraderie displayed by the troops, thereby ensuring integration and achievement of interoperability at all levels. The validation exercise was witnessed by Maj Gen Daniel Mc Daniel, Deputy Commander General, United States Army Pacific and Maj Gen Xavier Brunson, General Officer Commanding, 7th Infantry Division from the US Army together with Maj Gen Michael AJ Fernandez and Maj Gen Gurpreet Singh, General Officer Commanding, Ranbankura Division of Indian Army. Also read| India's growth engine to be powered by Assam, NE: PM The exercise included a number of aerial platforms including newly inducted indigenous Advance Light Helicopter WSI RUDRA, MI - 17, Chinooks, Apaches, in addition to the versatile Stryker IFVs of US Army and BMP-II Mechanised Infantry Combat Vehicles of Indian Army. The closing ceremony was held at the Mahajan Field Firing Ranges to commemorate the successful completion of the Exercise and nourishing of relations between the two Armies. A series of programmes displaying the rich culture and heritage of both the nations were also witnessed by officials of both armies. "The joint exercise was undoubtedly an unprecedented success. Another significant milestone in the enhanced upward trajectory of India-US relations as well as towards global war on terror was achieved," said Lt Col Sharma.

India-US joint military exercise 'Yudh Abhyas' concludes

The world likes Joe Biden, but it is losing faith in America. These are the findings of a poll conducted in 12 countries in December 2020 — Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and the United States.

Respondents in these countries say they support Joe Biden, but they don't trust America's ability to deliver. Another poll was conducted in Europe and they found that Biden's popularity or acceptability is undermined by pessimism against the US. Europeans believe the US Political system is broken and the world cannot rely on Washington to protect allies.

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Recent decisions offer some clues into Biden's thinking and they also offer insights into the problems Biden is not thinking about such as Afghanistan — no clear statement on America's longest-ever war.

Biden wants to remain tough on China. Recently, the US President gave his first interview.

He described the Chinese president Xi Jinping as "He's very bright. He's very tough. He doesn't have — and I don't mean it as a criticism, just the reality — he doesn't have a democratic, small bone in his body. But he is the question is, I've said to him all along, that we need to not have a conflict. But there's going to be extreme competition. And I'm not going to do it the way that he knows."

Two takeaways from that statement are that America isn't looking for a conflict with China but it does fear "extreme competition". Second, America wants to stop China from forcing its authoritarianism on the world. The question is how do you do that with a country like China without a conflict?

America's new secretary of state, Antony Blinken has said something similar. He had his first call with his counterpart in China and it wasn't pleasant. Blinken was quite straightforward. He told China that the US will hold Beijing accountable for its abuses in the international system and for its efforts to threaten stability in the Indo-pacific. During the call, Blinken said the US wants to raise issues of human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong.

Blinken pressed China to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Obviously, China won't take all of this lying down. So, it blamed America for the breakdown in their relationship and asking it to "strictly" follow the one-China policy on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet.

Not surprisingly, China refused to recognise the indo-pacific as well. The Chinese statement uses the phrase "Asia pacific" instead.

Where does team Biden stand on India?

The American president didn't mention India in his speech last week but the Biden administration has dropped some hints mostly on the quad — the quadrilateral alliance of India, the US, Japan and Australia. Reports say the US Has proposed a quad summit — an online meeting with the leaders of Australia, Japan and India.

America's national security adviser Jack Sullivan issued a statement last week, saying the quad is "Fundamental, a foundation upon which to build substantial American policy in the indo-pacific region". New Delhi has something to look forward to here, but it must also prepare for scrutiny especially on the issue of the farmer protests.

What about Iran?

President Biden has sent a clear message to Tehran that the sanctions won't be lifted. It will have to first comply with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal and stop the enrichment of uranium. So, for now, Biden is keeping the Trump-era sanctions on Iran.

Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei has rejected Biden's demand. "If they want Iran to return to its JCPOA commitments, America must completely lift sanctions, and not just in words or on paper," he said. "They must be lifted in action, and then we will verify and see if they have been properly lifted, and then return to these JCPOA commitments. This is the Islamic republic's definite policy." After that, he tweeted "The post-U.S. era has started"

This is a clear message to Washington that Khamenei wants the US to come to the table first.

West Asia remains a quagmire for America and Biden's first steps on Saudi Arabia won't make his job any easier.

Last week Biden put Saudi Arabia on notice. He declared the war in Yemen a “humanitarian and strategic catastrophe” and withdrew America's support to the Saudi-led coalition, meaning America will no longer support the Saudi offensive in Yemen, an end to the military aid, curbs on weapons supplies.

Reports say America could cut off supplies of munitions and spare parts to Saudi Arabia, stop maintaining the aircraft of the Saudi Air Force and limit sharing military advice. The US has also moved to de-list the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist organisation. Saudi Arabia has led a military intervention against the Houthis since 2015.

This is quite a shake-up after Trump's very successful peace deals between the Arabs and the Israelis.

The world likes Joe Biden, but it is losing faith in America. These are the findings of a poll conducted in 12 countries in December 2020 — Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and the United States.

The world likes Joe Biden, but it is losing faith in America. These are the findings of a poll conducted in 12 countries in December 2020 — Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, India, Indonesia, Mexico, South Africa, Turkey and the United States. Respondents in these countries say they support Joe Biden, but they don't trust America's ability to deliver. Another poll was conducted in Europe and they found that Biden's popularity or acceptability is undermined by pessimism against the US. Europeans believe the US Political system is broken and the world cannot rely on Washington to protect allies. Recent decisions offer some clues into Biden's thinking and they also offer insights into the problems Biden is not thinking about such as Afghanistan — no clear statement on America's longest-ever war. Biden wants to remain tough on China. Recently, the US President gave his first interview. He described the Chinese president Xi Jinping as "He's very bright. He's very tough. He doesn't have — and I don't mean it as a criticism, just the reality — he doesn't have a democratic, small bone in his body. But he is the question is, I've said to him all along, that we need to not have a conflict. But there's going to be extreme competition. And I'm not going to do it the way that he knows." Two takeaways from that statement are that America isn't looking for a conflict with China but it does fear "extreme competition". Second, America wants to stop China from forcing its authoritarianism on the world. The question is how do you do that with a country like China without a conflict? America's new secretary of state, Antony Blinken has said something similar. He had his first call with his counterpart in China and it wasn't pleasant. Blinken was quite straightforward. He told China that the US will hold Beijing accountable for its abuses in the international system and for its efforts to threaten stability in the Indo-pacific. During the call, Blinken said the US wants to raise issues of human rights in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong. Blinken pressed China to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Obviously, China won't take all of this lying down. So, it blamed America for the breakdown in their relationship and asking it to "strictly" follow the one-China policy on Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet. Not surprisingly, China refused to recognise the indo-pacific as well. The Chinese statement uses the phrase "Asia pacific" instead. Where does team Biden stand on India? The American president didn't mention India in his speech last week but the Biden administration has dropped some hints mostly on the quad — the quadrilateral alliance of India, the US, Japan and Australia. Reports say the US Has proposed a quad summit — an online meeting with the leaders of Australia, Japan and India. America's national security adviser Jack Sullivan issued a statement last week, saying the quad is "Fundamental, a foundation upon which to build substantial American policy in the indo-pacific region". New Delhi has something to look forward to here, but it must also prepare for scrutiny especially on the issue of the farmer protests. What about Iran? President Biden has sent a clear message to Tehran that the sanctions won't be lifted. It will have to first comply with the terms of the 2015 nuclear deal and stop the enrichment of uranium. So, for now, Biden is keeping the Trump-era sanctions on Iran. Iran's leader, Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei has rejected Biden's demand. "If they want Iran to return to its JCPOA commitments, America must completely lift sanctions, and not just in words or on paper," he said. "They must be lifted in action, and then we will verify and see if they have been properly lifted, and then return to these JCPOA commitments. This is the Islamic republic's definite policy." After that, he tweeted "The post-U.S. era has started" This is a clear message to Washington that Khamenei wants the US to come to the table first. West Asia remains a quagmire for America and Biden's first steps on Saudi Arabia won't make his job any easier. Last week Biden put Saudi Arabia on notice. He declared the war in Yemen a “humanitarian and strategic catastrophe” and withdrew America's support to the Saudi-led coalition, meaning America will no longer support the Saudi offensive in Yemen, an end to the military aid, curbs on weapons supplies. Reports say America could cut off supplies of munitions and spare parts to Saudi Arabia, stop maintaining the aircraft of the Saudi Air Force and limit sharing military advice. The US has also moved to de-list the Houthi rebels in Yemen as a terrorist organisation. Saudi Arabia has led a military intervention against the Houthis since 2015. This is quite a shake-up after Trump's very successful peace deals between the Arabs and the Israelis.

As Joe Biden takes over the US, does the world trust him?

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing.

Being a seasoned politician, Joe Biden knows better than offending India. The Indian diaspora in the US has become quite affluent and influential. Indian-Americans funded Biden's campaign and now at least 20 Indian-Americans are part of the White House team.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-bidens-america-is-back-falls-short-of-real-action-362271" hreflang="en">Joe Biden's 'America is back' falls short of real action</a>

Also, the geopolitical realities have changed since the Obama era. Today, India is a leading global force and enjoys strong bipartisan support across the world. India sits at the high table of the United Nations Security Council. In fact, just three days back, India played a key role in shaping the UNSC statement on Myanmar.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-america-dictate-terms-to-india-362286/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition to this, India's vaccine diplomacy spreads as far as Latin America as New Delhi is supplying vaccines to countries such as Brazil and Mexico.&nbsp;

There's a congruence of interests on the diplomatic front as India and America are on the same page when it comes to Taiwan and China. India is America's strategic counter to Chinese aggression. The quad countries are already arranging a meeting of their leaders with an eye on China. India is the only quad member that shares a land border with China and operates outside of the US Security-led alliances.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-joe-biden-takes-over-the-us-does-the-world-trust-him-362269">As Joe Biden takes over the US, does the world trust him?</a>

America would think twice before interfering in India's internal affairs just as India has steered clear of interfering in America's. However, there's no guarantee that Joe Biden will be as tough on China as Donald Trump. It could be mere political compulsion, given the kind of narrative Trump had built in the last four years.

Considering, Biden is a seasoned politician, he is likely to seek more avenues of cooperation than actively stoke more conflicts with China — something Biden suggested in his first diplomatic address.

"We'll confront China's economic abuses, counter its aggressive course of action to push back on China's attack on human rights, intellectual property and global governance. But we are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so," Biden said. "We are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so."

this shows that Biden won't deal with China as Trump did. In his back pocket, he has a longstanding relationship with Xi Jinping. In a recent interview, he noted that he had spent more time with Xi than most world leaders. He said, "I had 24 to 25 hours of private meetings with him when I was Vice President. Traveled 17,000 miles with him. I know him pretty well".

India's relationship with America hinges strongly on how Joe Biden deals with China.&nbsp;

Russia

Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a law aimed at pushing back Russian influence. Under this act, the US has sanctioned Turkey for buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Remember, India too has ordered the S-400 systems from Russia. In fact, India is Russia's largest defence customer.

The Trump administration limited itself to 'expressing displeasure', but the question is whether Joe Biden will do the same or will he use CAATSA against India — a major potential defence buyer and a clear strategic partner. There's no guarantee, although he cannot really afford to irk India with sanctions.

So the bottom line is that the current geopolitical chessboard is complex and India has strategically positioned itself in this game. The Biden administration will have to find a way to work with India, the odd statements to appease Biden's domestic vote bank, notwithstanding.

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing.

Ever since Joe Biden came to power, it has become fashionable for some to claim that the Indian government will face some pushback on its internal affairs. However, America is not in a position to do any such thing. Being a seasoned politician, Joe Biden knows better than offending India. The Indian diaspora in the US has become quite affluent and influential. Indian-Americans funded Biden's campaign and now at least 20 Indian-Americans are part of the White House team. Also read| Joe Biden's 'America is back' falls short of real action Also, the geopolitical realities have changed since the Obama era. Today, India is a leading global force and enjoys strong bipartisan support across the world. India sits at the high table of the United Nations Security Council. In fact, just three days back, India played a key role in shaping the UNSC statement on Myanmar. In addition to this, India's vaccine diplomacy spreads as far as Latin America as New Delhi is supplying vaccines to countries such as Brazil and Mexico. There's a congruence of interests on the diplomatic front as India and America are on the same page when it comes to Taiwan and China. India is America's strategic counter to Chinese aggression. The quad countries are already arranging a meeting of their leaders with an eye on China. India is the only quad member that shares a land border with China and operates outside of the US Security-led alliances. Also read| As Joe Biden takes over the US, does the world trust him? America would think twice before interfering in India's internal affairs just as India has steered clear of interfering in America's. However, there's no guarantee that Joe Biden will be as tough on China as Donald Trump. It could be mere political compulsion, given the kind of narrative Trump had built in the last four years. Considering, Biden is a seasoned politician, he is likely to seek more avenues of cooperation than actively stoke more conflicts with China — something Biden suggested in his first diplomatic address. "We'll confront China's economic abuses, counter its aggressive course of action to push back on China's attack on human rights, intellectual property and global governance. But we are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so," Biden said. "We are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so." this shows that Biden won't deal with China as Trump did. In his back pocket, he has a longstanding relationship with Xi Jinping. In a recent interview, he noted that he had spent more time with Xi than most world leaders. He said, "I had 24 to 25 hours of private meetings with him when I was Vice President. Traveled 17,000 miles with him. I know him pretty well". India's relationship with America hinges strongly on how Joe Biden deals with China. Russia Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) is a law aimed at pushing back Russian influence. Under this act, the US has sanctioned Turkey for buying the S-400 missile defence system from Russia. Remember, India too has ordered the S-400 systems from Russia. In fact, India is Russia's largest defence customer. The Trump administration limited itself to 'expressing displeasure', but the question is whether Joe Biden will do the same or will he use CAATSA against India — a major potential defence buyer and a clear strategic partner. There's no guarantee, although he cannot really afford to irk India with sanctions. So the bottom line is that the current geopolitical chessboard is complex and India has strategically positioned itself in this game. The Biden administration will have to find a way to work with India, the odd statements to appease Biden's domestic vote bank, notwithstanding.

With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?

Indian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a> and the newly-elected US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders&nbsp;since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-bidens-dreams-for-america-will-the-us-india-ties-change-362282" hreflang="en">With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Spoke to <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831326602817537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking&nbsp;"forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-along-with-the-world-awaits-who-probe-report-on-origin-of-coronavirus-362275" hreflang="en">Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus</a>

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President <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBiden?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeBiden</a> and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1358831328263741441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus&nbsp;pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other.&nbsp;

Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the newly-elected US President Joe Biden spoke to each other on Monday. This is the first conversation between the two leaders since Biden took charge as the US President last month. In a tweet, Modi said he conveyed "best wishes for his success" and "discussed regional issues and our shared priorities", with a focus on "co-operation against climate change". Also read| With Biden's dreams for America, will the US-India ties change? Spoke to @POTUS @JoeBiden and conveyed my best wishes for his success. We discussed regional issues and our shared priorities. We also agreed to further our co-operation against climate change. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × He also said that both sides are "committed to a rules-based international order" and are looking "forward to consolidating our strategic partnership" to "further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond." Also read| Joe Biden, along with the world, awaits WHO probe report on origin of coronavirus President @JoeBiden and I are committed to a rules-based international order. We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. @POTUS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 8, 2021 × In November, after the US election results, both sides had spoken to each other and discussed cooperation on the coronavirus pandemic, its economic impact, and Indo-Pacific. The Defence, External Affairs/secretary of state counterparts and National Security Advisors of both countries have already spoken to each other. Biden has been a supporter of close New Delhi-Washington ties, in his capacity as a senator and the Vice President. In August 2001, Joe Biden had written a letter to the then-President George W. Bush calling on the new administration to drop US sanctions against India and during his tenure as the Chairman of Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he worked towards the US Senate’s approval of US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008.

Modi speaks to Biden for first time since US inaugural ceremony

In a way endorsing the India policy of outgoing US President Donald Trump, a top incoming Biden Administration official said India has been a bipartisan success story of successive American administrations.

''India has been a bipartisan success story of our successive administrations,''&nbsp;Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken told members of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Responding to a Senator's question during his marathon confirmation hearing that lasted more than four hours, Blinken said this relationship started towards the end of the Clinton administration.

''During the Obama administration, we deepened cooperation on defence procurement and information sharing, and the Trump administration carried that forward including its concept of Indo-Pacific and to make sure we were working with India so that no country in the region including China could challenge its sovereignty and also working with it on concerns that we share about terrorism,''&nbsp;he said.

Blinken said there are many ways the two countries can deepen the cooperation between them and one area that has a lot of promise and necessity is climate.

''Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has been a very strong advocate of renewable energy and different technologies. I think there is very strong potential for our countries to work together," Blinken said.

A confidante of President-elect Joe Biden, Blinken had served as the Deputy Secretary of State in the second term of the Obama Administration and the National Security Advisor to Biden when he was the vice president.

During virtual India's Independence Day celebrations last year organized by the Biden Campaign, Blinken had batted for an India-US relationship.

''The Vice President (Biden) has long been a champion of stronger ties with India. I saw this firsthand, I started working for him in 2002 on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Then, of course, the Obama-Biden administration and his years as Vice President.

"But if you go back 15 years, Joe Biden had a vision for the future of US-India relations. In 2006, he said, my dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States,''&nbsp;Blinken said on August 15 during the virtual event.

''Well, we're not quite there, but it's a terrific vision, and one that I know he will act to realize, as president of the United States.''

&nbsp;He was the driving force of the lifting of nuclear sanctions on India, and then the passage of this landmark India civil nuclear deal. And this is something I got to see up close and personal with him in the Senate,? Blinken said.&nbsp;

In a way endorsing the India policy of outgoing US President Donald Trump, a top incoming Biden Administration official said India has been a bipartisan success story of successive American administrations.

In a way endorsing the India policy of outgoing US President Donald Trump, a top incoming Biden Administration official said India has been a bipartisan success story of successive American administrations. ''India has been a bipartisan success story of our successive administrations,'' Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken told members of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Responding to a Senator's question during his marathon confirmation hearing that lasted more than four hours, Blinken said this relationship started towards the end of the Clinton administration. ''During the Obama administration, we deepened cooperation on defence procurement and information sharing, and the Trump administration carried that forward including its concept of Indo-Pacific and to make sure we were working with India so that no country in the region including China could challenge its sovereignty and also working with it on concerns that we share about terrorism,'' he said. Blinken said there are many ways the two countries can deepen the cooperation between them and one area that has a lot of promise and necessity is climate. ''Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi has been a very strong advocate of renewable energy and different technologies. I think there is very strong potential for our countries to work together," Blinken said. A confidante of President-elect Joe Biden, Blinken had served as the Deputy Secretary of State in the second term of the Obama Administration and the National Security Advisor to Biden when he was the vice president. During virtual India's Independence Day celebrations last year organized by the Biden Campaign, Blinken had batted for an India-US relationship. ''The Vice President (Biden) has long been a champion of stronger ties with India. I saw this firsthand, I started working for him in 2002 on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Then, of course, the Obama-Biden administration and his years as Vice President. "But if you go back 15 years, Joe Biden had a vision for the future of US-India relations. In 2006, he said, my dream is that in 2020, the two closest nations in the world will be India and the United States,'' Blinken said on August 15 during the virtual event. ''Well, we're not quite there, but it's a terrific vision, and one that I know he will act to realize, as president of the United States.'' He was the driving force of the lifting of nuclear sanctions on India, and then the passage of this landmark India civil nuclear deal. And this is something I got to see up close and personal with him in the Senate,? Blinken said.

US Secretary of State nominee Tony Blinken says India has been a bipartisan success story

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Legion of Merit by US President Donald Trump for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.

India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepted the award on behalf of the prime minister from the US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at the White House.

President Trump “presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership,” O’Brien said in a tweet.

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“President <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the U.S.-India strategic partnership. Ambassador <a href="https://twitter.com/SandhuTaranjitS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SandhuTaranjitS</a> accepted the medal on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.” –NSA Robert C. O’Brien <a href="https://t.co/QhOjTROdCC">pic.twitter.com/QhOjTROdCC</a>
— NSC (@WHNSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/WHNSC/status/1341157503539830785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Modi was presented with the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit which is given only to the Head of State or Government.

He was given the award in recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges.

O’Brien in another tweet said that Trump also presented the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The awards were received by their respective ambassadors in Washington DC.

President Trump “awarded the Legion of Merit to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Trump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security, O’Brien tweeted.

The United States is the latest country to confer its highest award to the Indian prime minister. Other awards include Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud by Saudi Arabia in 2016, State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018), Order of Zayed Award by United Arab Emirates (2019), Order of St Andrew by Russia (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives (2019).

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Legion of Merit by US President Donald Trump for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the Legion of Merit by US President Donald Trump for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership. India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepted the award on behalf of the prime minister from the US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at the White House. President Trump “presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the US-India strategic partnership,” O’Brien said in a tweet. “President @realDonaldTrump presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the U.S.-India strategic partnership. Ambassador @SandhuTaranjitS accepted the medal on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.” –NSA Robert C. O’Brien pic.twitter.com/QhOjTROdCC — NSC (@WHNSC) December 21, 2020 × Modi was presented with the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion of Merit which is given only to the Head of State or Government. He was given the award in recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges. O’Brien in another tweet said that Trump also presented the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The awards were received by their respective ambassadors in Washington DC. President Trump “awarded the Legion of Merit to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said. Trump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security, O’Brien tweeted. The United States is the latest country to confer its highest award to the Indian prime minister. Other awards include Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud by Saudi Arabia in 2016, State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018), Order of Zayed Award by United Arab Emirates (2019), Order of St Andrew by Russia (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by Maldives (2019). (With inputs from PTI)

Donald Trump presents Legion of Merit to PM Modi for elevating US-India strategic partnership

India’s weapons procurement from the United States jumped from a meagre USD 6.2 million to a whopping USD 3.4 billion in the final year of the Donald Trump’s administration, according to official data.

As per the data released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the jump in the sale of American weapons to India comes at a time when sale of weapons from the US to other countries has dipped to USD 50.8 billion in 2020 from USD 55.7 billion in 2019.

In 2019, the sale of US weapons to foreign countries was USD 55.7 billion. In 2017, it was USD 41.9 billion, it said.

Major buyers of American weapons in 2020 were India (USD 3.4 billion up from USD 6.2 million in fiscal year 2019), Morocco (USD 4.5 billion up from USD 12.4 million), Poland (USD 4.7 billion up from USD 673 million), Singapore (USD 1.3 billion up from USD 137 million), Taiwan (USD 11.8 billion up from USD 876 million), and the United Arab Emirates (USD 3.6 billion up from USD 1.1 billion), the data showed.

Several countries reported a drop in purchase of weapons from the US.

Prominent among them were Saudi Arabia which came down from USD 14.9 billion in 2019 to USD 1.2 billion in 2020, Afghanistan (USD 1.1 billion down from USD 1.6 billion), Belgium (USD 41.8 million down from USD 5.5 billion), Iraq (USD 368 million down from USD 1.4 billion), and South Korea (USD 2.1 billion down from USD 2.7 billion).

According to the 2020 edition of the Historical Sales Book, India purchased weapons worth USD 754.4 million in 2017 and USD 282 million in 2018. Between 1950 and 2020, US sale of weapons to India under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) category was USD 12.8 billion.

For Pakistan, the official figures reflected that sale of weapons under FMS did happen, even though there was a freeze in any military and security assistance to Islamabad from the Trump administration.

In 2020, US sale of weapons to Pakistan was USD 146 million, in 2018 it was USD 65 million and in 2017 it was USD 22 million.

In 2019, there was no sale of US military weapons to Pakistan. In fact, the US refunded USD 10.8 million to Pakistan, taken for the purchase of weapons.

Between 1950 and 2020, Pakistan purchased weapons worth USD 10 billion from the US under FMS.

However, the total supply of American military weapons to Pakistan is much more, as a major chunk of weapons to Pakistan has gone from United States as military and security assistance.

According to the Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Clarke Cooper, fiscal 2020 saw a total of USD 175.8 billion in US government-authorised arms exports. This is overall a 2.8 per cent increase since fiscal year 2019.

The overall value of State Department-authorised government-to-government FMS cases implemented by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency decreased 8.3 per cent from USD 55.39 billion in Fiscal Year 2019 to USD 50.78 billion in Fiscal Year 2020.

“The dollar value of potential FMS sales, formally notified to Congress, also rose by more than 50 per cent from USD 58.33 billion to USD 87.64 billion. This was driven by the July potential sale of USD 23.11 billion worth of F-35 aircraft to Japan, which was the second largest single FMS notification ever authorised by the Department of State,” Cooper said.

The Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), which is the Department of State-authorised commercial export licenses, totalled USD 124.3 billion in fiscal year 2020, and this was up from USD 114.7 billion in fiscal year 2019, he said. “This represented an 8.4 per cent increase. This total value covers authorisations of hardware, defense services, and technical data. The total number of licences issued decreased by 20-per cent from 36,111 in Fiscal Year 2019 to 28,800 in Fiscal Year 2020,” Cooper said.

The top commercial DCS notified to Congress in Fiscal Year 2020 included a USD 8.39 billion sale to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom for F-35 components.

This also included a USD 3.2 billion sale to Australia for P-8 aircraft parts, and a USD 2.48 billion sale to United Kingdom and Australia for E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Cooper said.

&nbsp;

India’s weapons procurement from the United States jumped from a meagre USD 6.2 million to a whopping USD 3.4 billion in the final year of the Donald Trump’s administration, according to official data.

India’s weapons procurement from the United States jumped from a meagre USD 6.2 million to a whopping USD 3.4 billion in the final year of the Donald Trump’s administration, according to official data. As per the data released by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the jump in the sale of American weapons to India comes at a time when sale of weapons from the US to other countries has dipped to USD 50.8 billion in 2020 from USD 55.7 billion in 2019. In 2019, the sale of US weapons to foreign countries was USD 55.7 billion. In 2017, it was USD 41.9 billion, it said. Major buyers of American weapons in 2020 were India (USD 3.4 billion up from USD 6.2 million in fiscal year 2019), Morocco (USD 4.5 billion up from USD 12.4 million), Poland (USD 4.7 billion up from USD 673 million), Singapore (USD 1.3 billion up from USD 137 million), Taiwan (USD 11.8 billion up from USD 876 million), and the United Arab Emirates (USD 3.6 billion up from USD 1.1 billion), the data showed. Several countries reported a drop in purchase of weapons from the US. Prominent among them were Saudi Arabia which came down from USD 14.9 billion in 2019 to USD 1.2 billion in 2020, Afghanistan (USD 1.1 billion down from USD 1.6 billion), Belgium (USD 41.8 million down from USD 5.5 billion), Iraq (USD 368 million down from USD 1.4 billion), and South Korea (USD 2.1 billion down from USD 2.7 billion). According to the 2020 edition of the Historical Sales Book, India purchased weapons worth USD 754.4 million in 2017 and USD 282 million in 2018. Between 1950 and 2020, US sale of weapons to India under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) category was USD 12.8 billion. For Pakistan, the official figures reflected that sale of weapons under FMS did happen, even though there was a freeze in any military and security assistance to Islamabad from the Trump administration. In 2020, US sale of weapons to Pakistan was USD 146 million, in 2018 it was USD 65 million and in 2017 it was USD 22 million. In 2019, there was no sale of US military weapons to Pakistan. In fact, the US refunded USD 10.8 million to Pakistan, taken for the purchase of weapons. Between 1950 and 2020, Pakistan purchased weapons worth USD 10 billion from the US under FMS. However, the total supply of American military weapons to Pakistan is much more, as a major chunk of weapons to Pakistan has gone from United States as military and security assistance. According to the Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Clarke Cooper, fiscal 2020 saw a total of USD 175.8 billion in US government-authorised arms exports. This is overall a 2.8 per cent increase since fiscal year 2019. The overall value of State Department-authorised government-to-government FMS cases implemented by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency decreased 8.3 per cent from USD 55.39 billion in Fiscal Year 2019 to USD 50.78 billion in Fiscal Year 2020. “The dollar value of potential FMS sales, formally notified to Congress, also rose by more than 50 per cent from USD 58.33 billion to USD 87.64 billion. This was driven by the July potential sale of USD 23.11 billion worth of F-35 aircraft to Japan, which was the second largest single FMS notification ever authorised by the Department of State,” Cooper said. The Direct Commercial Sales (DCS), which is the Department of State-authorised commercial export licenses, totalled USD 124.3 billion in fiscal year 2020, and this was up from USD 114.7 billion in fiscal year 2019, he said. “This represented an 8.4 per cent increase. This total value covers authorisations of hardware, defense services, and technical data. The total number of licences issued decreased by 20-per cent from 36,111 in Fiscal Year 2019 to 28,800 in Fiscal Year 2020,” Cooper said. The top commercial DCS notified to Congress in Fiscal Year 2020 included a USD 8.39 billion sale to Australia, Canada, Denmark, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom for F-35 components. This also included a USD 3.2 billion sale to Australia for P-8 aircraft parts, and a USD 2.48 billion sale to United Kingdom and Australia for E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft, Cooper said.

India's weapons procurement from the US jumps to USD 3.4 billion in 2020

India and US will hold their third edition of 2+2 ministerial dialogue on October 27 in New Delhi, India.

Third India-US 2+2 ministerial dialogue to be hosted by India on Oct 27

A top Democratic senator has introduced a legislation in the US Senate to establish a forum for cooperation with India on clean energy technologies and energy transmission.

Introduced by Senator Robert Menendez, a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Prioritising Clean Energy and Climate Cooperation with India Act seeks to establish the US-India Clean Energy and Power Transmission Partnership (CEPTP) as the main forum for cooperation between the two nations on clean energy technologies.

The activities under the CEPTP include promoting joint research and development on clean energy technologies, encouraging US private investment in the Indian clean energy market and supporting initiatives to develop new and renewable energy generation capacity in India.

The legislation also promotes US-India cooperation on climate resilience and risk reduction, a statement said.

''Given the shared threat of climate change and India's growing need for electricity, there is a strong case to be made for strengthening the US-India clean energy partnership,''&nbsp;Menendez said.

''In that vein, I am introducing this legislation having witnessed firsthand the positive results that come when our nations work as a team to tackle common challenges,''&nbsp;he said.

It also sought America's participation in the International Solar Alliance led by India which is playing a key role in mobilising significant international investment in solar energy.

It urged the US to promote research, development and private sector cooperation on the production of electric vehicles and the planning and execution of an expansive charging station network to support extensive use of electric vehicles.

The Senate legislation, running into 39 pages, asks the Trump administration to support a report, within 90 days of its passage, detailing the scope and nature of the US' participation in Mission Innovation.

Observing that the US should support the Power for All initiative created by the Government of India through technical and other forms of assistance, the legislation said that the US should support the ambitious renewable energy generation goals set by the India through technical and other forms of assistance.

Increased demand for refrigeration and air conditioning in India, and the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, done at Montreal September 16, 1987, are driving innovation and investments in next-generation refrigeration equipment and refrigerants in India; it said.

As such the legislation says that enhanced United States-India bilateral cooperation and engagement on the development of technologies and chemicals that are compliant with the Kigali Amendment are in the interest of US industry leaders in the refrigeration and chemical coolant industries.

Menendez was part of a congressional delegation to India in the fall of 2019, during which he engaged with India's minister of New and Renewable Energy and Indian business leaders to discuss how the US and India can address the threat of climate change and deepen cooperation on clean energy production.

''By establishing the US-India Clean Energy and Power Transmission Partnership, we are laying the groundwork for successful partnerships between not only the US and Indian governments, but also our universities and private sectors. I am proud to lead this effort to further strengthen our relationship with India,''&nbsp;Menendez said.

The legislation also seeks to promotes lawful sharing of intellectual property between US and Indian private sector entities for renewable energy technology, air conditioning technology, and refrigeration systems technology.

A top Democratic senator has introduced a legislation in the US Senate to establish a forum for cooperation with India on clean energy technologies and energy transmission.

A top Democratic senator has introduced a legislation in the US Senate to establish a forum for cooperation with India on clean energy technologies and energy transmission. Introduced by Senator Robert Menendez, a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the Prioritising Clean Energy and Climate Cooperation with India Act seeks to establish the US-India Clean Energy and Power Transmission Partnership (CEPTP) as the main forum for cooperation between the two nations on clean energy technologies. The activities under the CEPTP include promoting joint research and development on clean energy technologies, encouraging US private investment in the Indian clean energy market and supporting initiatives to develop new and renewable energy generation capacity in India. The legislation also promotes US-India cooperation on climate resilience and risk reduction, a statement said. ''Given the shared threat of climate change and India's growing need for electricity, there is a strong case to be made for strengthening the US-India clean energy partnership,'' Menendez said. ''In that vein, I am introducing this legislation having witnessed firsthand the positive results that come when our nations work as a team to tackle common challenges,'' he said. It also sought America's participation in the International Solar Alliance led by India which is playing a key role in mobilising significant international investment in solar energy. It urged the US to promote research, development and private sector cooperation on the production of electric vehicles and the planning and execution of an expansive charging station network to support extensive use of electric vehicles. The Senate legislation, running into 39 pages, asks the Trump administration to support a report, within 90 days of its passage, detailing the scope and nature of the US' participation in Mission Innovation. Observing that the US should support the Power for All initiative created by the Government of India through technical and other forms of assistance, the legislation said that the US should support the ambitious renewable energy generation goals set by the India through technical and other forms of assistance. Increased demand for refrigeration and air conditioning in India, and the adoption of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, done at Montreal September 16, 1987, are driving innovation and investments in next-generation refrigeration equipment and refrigerants in India; it said. As such the legislation says that enhanced United States-India bilateral cooperation and engagement on the development of technologies and chemicals that are compliant with the Kigali Amendment are in the interest of US industry leaders in the refrigeration and chemical coolant industries. Menendez was part of a congressional delegation to India in the fall of 2019, during which he engaged with India's minister of New and Renewable Energy and Indian business leaders to discuss how the US and India can address the threat of climate change and deepen cooperation on clean energy production. ''By establishing the US-India Clean Energy and Power Transmission Partnership, we are laying the groundwork for successful partnerships between not only the US and Indian governments, but also our universities and private sectors. I am proud to lead this effort to further strengthen our relationship with India,'' Menendez said. The legislation also seeks to promotes lawful sharing of intellectual property between US and Indian private sector entities for renewable energy technology, air conditioning technology, and refrigeration systems technology.

Legislation introduced in US Senate to boost clean energy cooperation with India

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred&nbsp;ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The ventilators are manufactured in the US and are compact, easy to deploy and provide India with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus, the US embassy said in a statement.

The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the Indian government and the Indian Red Cross Society, donated the second shipment of 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators to assist India in its fight against COVID-19, the statement said.

US Ambassador Kenneth Juster said, "We are very pleased to hand over the final tranche of 100 ventilators to India, fulfilling President Trump's commitment to provide these critically needed supplies to support India's pandemic response."

In addition to the ventilators, USAID is funding a package of support that includes warranties and additional supplies required to operate these machines, such as tubes, filters and other necessary components, the statement said.

USAID is also working in close coordination with the Indian government to enhance the capacity of the health facilities using these ventilators by facilitating setup, orientations and clinical training for health care providers responsible for operating the machines, it said.

The first shipment of 100 ventilators arrived in India on June 14. Since then, the ventilators have been deployed to support the care of COVID-19 patients at the eight regional All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the statement said. "The total donation of 200 ventilators builds on the long history of US-India collaboration in the health sector and the assistance that USAID has committed to India in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.&nbsp;

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The US on Wednesday handed over to India hundred ventilators as part of President Donald Trump's offer of assistance to New Delhi in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The ventilators are manufactured in the US and are compact, easy to deploy and provide India with flexibility in treating patients affected by the virus, the US embassy said in a statement. The US government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), in coordination with the Indian government and the Indian Red Cross Society, donated the second shipment of 100 new, state-of-the-art ventilators to assist India in its fight against COVID-19, the statement said. US Ambassador Kenneth Juster said, "We are very pleased to hand over the final tranche of 100 ventilators to India, fulfilling President Trump's commitment to provide these critically needed supplies to support India's pandemic response." In addition to the ventilators, USAID is funding a package of support that includes warranties and additional supplies required to operate these machines, such as tubes, filters and other necessary components, the statement said. USAID is also working in close coordination with the Indian government to enhance the capacity of the health facilities using these ventilators by facilitating setup, orientations and clinical training for health care providers responsible for operating the machines, it said. The first shipment of 100 ventilators arrived in India on June 14. Since then, the ventilators have been deployed to support the care of COVID-19 patients at the eight regional All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the statement said. "The total donation of 200 ventilators builds on the long history of US-India collaboration in the health sector and the assistance that USAID has committed to India in response to the COVID-19 pandemic," it added.

US hands over second shipment of 100 ventilators to India amid COVID-19 crisis

Senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 slammed the United States over hypocrisy towards Pakistan.

Fineprint: Reham Khan blames US for being behind military operations in Pakistan

Reham Khan slams US over hypocrisy towards Pakistan | WION Global Summit 2020

At WION's third edition of Global Summit in Dubai, BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav talked on upgraded relations between US and India.

BJP's General Secretary Ram Madhav on US-India relations | WION Global Summit 2020

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'

US Presidents who have visited India

US President Donald Trump is a showman, his extreme rhetoric won him votes but his bluster on Twitter and impulsive diplomacy have caused more pains than gains for America.&nbsp;

The US President is scheduled to travel to India&nbsp;on February 24 and 25. Ahead of his visit, let's find out if&nbsp;Donald Trump is India's best bet for a strong relationship with the United States?

Previous American Presidents have maintained a steady policy towards India. Bill Clinton called out Pakistan for violating the line of control during the Kargil war.

This was the first time that an American President publically sided with India against Pakistan. In 2005, George Bush signed a historic deal - this agreement lifted a three-decade-old moratorium on Nuclear trade with India.

Despite his initial reservations, Barack Obama pushed for America's defence alliance with India, among other things, he understood how important a market India is. 
 
WATCH:&nbsp;

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He was the first American President to attend the Republic Day celebrations as a chief guest. Under Obama, America elevated India's status to a major defence partner.

Of course, all these presidents also kept giving military and other aid to Pakistan in their miscalculated and poorly executed war on terror. But on India, there was gradual progress and some semblance of consistency.

However, under Donald Trump, you can't be sure - one day he's your best friend, the next day he's mocking you. As far as India is concerned, he has little to show in terms of achievements or progress. His foreign policy is erratic.

Just before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump tried to set the tone. He said that tariffs on American goods are unacceptable and they must be withdrawn.

This was a&nbsp;clear attempt at pressure tactics by the American President. He calls himself the best deal maker, but he's yet to make a winning deal as President. The word that describes him is disruptive and not of a good kind.

He removed a preferential trade status to India. Since taking office, Trump has tried to cut back on H1B&nbsp;Visas to Indian techies.

As of November, the denials had gone up from six to 24 per cent. Americans are transactional, Trump is another level.

This is what explains why India and the US have not been able to close a trade deal for so long. 
 
Trump is&nbsp;working on re-election. Everything he does is campaign fodder. &nbsp;

So, he would want an agreement, even a modest one to showcase at home. But he will be hard to negotiate with. On the plus side,&nbsp;relations between nations are bigger than the men and women ruling them. Indo-US ties are strong, with or without Trump.

There is bipartisan support in favour of this relationship. Three things work for India:

1. It's a big market.

2. It's a major defence buyer.

3. Strategically, America needs India.

American policymakers see India as an obvious counterweight to China because of India's size, location and economic prospects. And as the past has shown, any American President will have to find a way to work with India. &nbsp;

We are not sure if Donald Trump can provide the stability that this relationship needs. His erratic behaviour, narcissistic tendencies and disruptive approach to foreign policy do not inspire confidence.

But he's the man America has chosen and if he secures a second term, expect the rollercoaster ride to continue for the next four years. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

 
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US President Donald Trump is a showman, his extreme rhetoric won him votes but his bluster on Twitter and impulsive diplomacy have caused more pains than gains for America.

US President Donald Trump is a showman, his extreme rhetoric won him votes but his bluster on Twitter and impulsive diplomacy have caused more pains than gains for America. The US President is scheduled to travel to India on February 24 and 25. Ahead of his visit, let's find out if Donald Trump is India's best bet for a strong relationship with the United States? Previous American Presidents have maintained a steady policy towards India. Bill Clinton called out Pakistan for violating the line of control during the Kargil war. This was the first time that an American President publically sided with India against Pakistan. In 2005, George Bush signed a historic deal - this agreement lifted a three-decade-old moratorium on Nuclear trade with India. Despite his initial reservations, Barack Obama pushed for America's defence alliance with India, among other things, he understood how important a market India is. WATCH: × He was the first American President to attend the Republic Day celebrations as a chief guest. Under Obama, America elevated India's status to a major defence partner. Of course, all these presidents also kept giving military and other aid to Pakistan in their miscalculated and poorly executed war on terror. But on India, there was gradual progress and some semblance of consistency. However, under Donald Trump, you can't be sure - one day he's your best friend, the next day he's mocking you. As far as India is concerned, he has little to show in terms of achievements or progress. His foreign policy is erratic. Just before his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Trump tried to set the tone. He said that tariffs on American goods are unacceptable and they must be withdrawn. This was a clear attempt at pressure tactics by the American President. He calls himself the best deal maker, but he's yet to make a winning deal as President. The word that describes him is disruptive and not of a good kind. He removed a preferential trade status to India. Since taking office, Trump has tried to cut back on H1B Visas to Indian techies. As of November, the denials had gone up from six to 24 per cent. Americans are transactional, Trump is another level. This is what explains why India and the US have not been able to close a trade deal for so long. Trump is working on re-election. Everything he does is campaign fodder. So, he would want an agreement, even a modest one to showcase at home. But he will be hard to negotiate with. On the plus side, relations between nations are bigger than the men and women ruling them. Indo-US ties are strong, with or without Trump. There is bipartisan support in favour of this relationship. Three things work for India: 1. It's a big market. 2. It's a major defence buyer. 3. Strategically, America needs India. American policymakers see India as an obvious counterweight to China because of India's size, location and economic prospects. And as the past has shown, any American President will have to find a way to work with India. We are not sure if Donald Trump can provide the stability that this relationship needs. His erratic behaviour, narcissistic tendencies and disruptive approach to foreign policy do not inspire confidence. But he's the man America has chosen and if he secures a second term, expect the rollercoaster ride to continue for the next four years. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Donald Trump India visit - can India deal with the US President?

US President Donald Trump will have a packed schedule on his two-day visit to India. Trump and his wife Melania Trump will be visited by PM Modi at Ahmedabad. Later Trump and Modi will leave for the Motera stadium for 'Namaste Trump' event. Watch the video to know more about Trump's schedule for India visit.

WION Dispatch: Packed schedule of Donald Trump on India's visit, Namaste Trump

Donald Trump in India, Things to watch out for, Namaste Trump Event

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-acting-assistant-secretary-welcomes-kartarpur-agreement-between-india-pakistan-258095">Alice Wells</a>&nbsp;will arrive in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-may-host-oic-foreign-ministers-meet-on-kashmir-caa-report-270827">Islamabad</a> today on a four-day visit to discuss several bilateral issues. 
 
According to sources, during her visit, Wells will meet several political and military representatives of the country to discuss the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/strains-in-us-pak-relations-what-does-it-mean-for-india-191158">US-Pakistan </a>diplomatic affairs, mending ties with Afghanistan and current problems in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/strains-in-us-pak-relations-what-does-it-mean-for-india-191158">Also read:&nbsp;Ups and downs in US-Pakistan relations: What does it mean for India?</a>

According to the US department of state, she will also ''address a think tank'' and discuss ''bilateral and regional problems with the members of civil society''.

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Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells will travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, from January 13-22. <a href="https://t.co/aIIv0cr3qI">https://t.co/aIIv0cr3qI</a>
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1215374276846653441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Previously, the chief US diplomat had visited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lankan-president-ajit-doval-discuss-cooperation-on-intelligence-sharing-maritime-security-275297">Colombo</a>, Sri Lanka on January 13 and 14 and met several senior government officials. 
 
She was also supposed to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fifth-edition-of-raisina-dialogue-focusing-on-geopolitics-geo-economics-begins-today-274129">Raisina dialogue</a> in India from January 15-18 to ''strengthen the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-officials-to-travel-to-india-next-week-to-further-us-india-trade-talks-262217">US-India</a> partnership after the success of US-India 2+2 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-commence-22-ministerial-dialogue-in-washington-dc-269125">Ministerial Dialogue</a> 2019,'' an official release of said.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs Alice Wells will arrive in Islamabad today on a four-day visit to discuss several bilateral issues.

Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs Alice Wells will arrive in Islamabad today on a four-day visit to discuss several bilateral issues. According to sources, during her visit, Wells will meet several political and military representatives of the country to discuss the US-Pakistan diplomatic affairs, mending ties with Afghanistan and current problems in the country. Also read: Ups and downs in US-Pakistan relations: What does it mean for India? According to the US department of state, she will also ''address a think tank'' and discuss ''bilateral and regional problems with the members of civil society''. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells will travel to Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan, from January 13-22. https://t.co/aIIv0cr3qI — State_SCA (@State_SCA) January 9, 2020 × Previously, the chief US diplomat had visited Colombo, Sri Lanka on January 13 and 14 and met several senior government officials. She was also supposed to attend the Raisina dialogue in India from January 15-18 to ''strengthen the US-India partnership after the success of US-India 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue 2019,'' an official release of said.

US envoy Alice Wells to arrive in Islamabad on 4-day trip

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