This comes at a time when the Centre is facing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and a proposed pan-India National Register of Citizen (NRC) and also amid concerns expressed by US lawmakers over the situation in Kashmir.

US President Donald Trump may visit India in February

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon.

"There is so much more we can do for our economies. My advice to the trade negotiators is — get a deal soon," Rice said during a conversation with USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) board member Purna Saggurti at the second Annual India Leadership Summit here.

"Around the world, geopolitical perspective and shifting global order are driven by technology, oil and emerging markets," she added.

Tensions on the trade front between both countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples.

India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers.

The two countries were expected to announce a limited deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New York visit last month. But no agreement was sealed as negotiators were reportedly trying to tie loose ends related to some farm products and generic drugs.

Recalling the India-US civil nuclear deal signed in 2008, Rice underlined that the agreement opened up the possibility of further boosting bilateral ties in key sectors.

"I was the Secretary of State when the two countries signed the civil nuclear deal that opened up the possibility of a much more sophisticated US-India relationship, whether in hi-tech, defence or humanitarian grounds," she said.

Rice served as 66th US Secretary of State under the then George W Bush administration from 2005 to 2009.

Touching upon the current scenario of the world order, Rice highlighted the difference of governance styles in democratic and authoritarian regimes.

"One of the great advantages of democracies is that change in the governance and policy can be brought about peacefully through the voice of the people. Authoritarian regimes can make policy quickly but they can also make bad policy without oversight," she said.

The former top American diplomat said that people in Europe would hope that they will not see a 'hard' Brexit, meaning the UK leaving the EU without a deal.

"I hope that the Europeans do not get to see a hard Brexit. This Brexit has already come at a great cost," Rice said.

The Republican leader said that the US was "very close" in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, but lamented that Washington is now "further away".

"We were very close. But we are now farther away. Palestine has not had an election for a very long time. Time could be running out," she warned.

Underlining that protection of religious minorities is a worldwide problem, Rice called for a separation of state policies from religion.

"Separation of state from religion is preferable. There are societies in which issues are contested every day. There is nothing more emotional and dangerous when people go after each other for religion. The protection of religious minorities is a problem worldwide. We will all suffer badly if we go down this road," she said.

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon. "There is so much more we can do for our economies.

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Monday said that a trade deal between her country and India should be finalised soon. "There is so much more we can do for our economies. My advice to the trade negotiators is — get a deal soon," Rice said during a conversation with USISPF (US-India Strategic Partnership Forum) board member Purna Saggurti at the second Annual India Leadership Summit here. "Around the world, geopolitical perspective and shifting global order are driven by technology, oil and emerging markets," she added. Tensions on the trade front between both countries had emerged in June after US President Donald Trump revoked preferential trade privileges, in response to which India imposed tariffs on 28 US products, including almonds and apples. India had been the biggest beneficiary of the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), a programme designed to help developing countries sell to US consumers. The two countries were expected to announce a limited deal during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's New York visit last month. But no agreement was sealed as negotiators were reportedly trying to tie loose ends related to some farm products and generic drugs. Recalling the India-US civil nuclear deal signed in 2008, Rice underlined that the agreement opened up the possibility of further boosting bilateral ties in key sectors. "I was the Secretary of State when the two countries signed the civil nuclear deal that opened up the possibility of a much more sophisticated US-India relationship, whether in hi-tech, defence or humanitarian grounds," she said. Rice served as 66th US Secretary of State under the then George W Bush administration from 2005 to 2009. Touching upon the current scenario of the world order, Rice highlighted the difference of governance styles in democratic and authoritarian regimes. "One of the great advantages of democracies is that change in the governance and policy can be brought about peacefully through the voice of the people. Authoritarian regimes can make policy quickly but they can also make bad policy without oversight," she said. The former top American diplomat said that people in Europe would hope that they will not see a 'hard' Brexit, meaning the UK leaving the EU without a deal. "I hope that the Europeans do not get to see a hard Brexit. This Brexit has already come at a great cost," Rice said. The Republican leader said that the US was "very close" in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict, but lamented that Washington is now "further away". "We were very close. But we are now farther away. Palestine has not had an election for a very long time. Time could be running out," she warned. Underlining that protection of religious minorities is a worldwide problem, Rice called for a separation of state policies from religion. "Separation of state from religion is preferable. There are societies in which issues are contested every day. There is nothing more emotional and dangerous when people go after each other for religion. The protection of religious minorities is a problem worldwide. We will all suffer badly if we go down this road," she said.

'There is so much more we can do': Condoleezza Rice pitches for US-India trade deal

Strengthening Strategic Ties Between The U.S. & India & Its Growing Significance.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: U.S.-India: An essential pivot of new world order (Part 2)

Gravitas U.S. Edition: U.S.-India: An essential pivot of new world order (Part 3)

Gravitas U.S. Edition: U.S.-India: An essential pivot of new world order (Part 1)

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

The exercise "Yudh Abhyas" started on September 5 and will continue till September 18.&nbsp;

It is a part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation.

Chinook and ultra-light howitzers have been acquired by India also and both would be used during Exercise HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border in October.

This is the 15th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries.

Both armies are jointly training, planning and executing a series of well-developed operations for neutralisation of threats of varied nature.ln the end, a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate.&nbsp;

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

Indian and US Army soldiers were trained jointly on the howitzers and Chinook helicopters during their Yudh Abhyas 2019 exercise at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. The exercise "Yudh Abhyas" started on September 5 and will continue till September 18. It is a part of the ongoing Indo-US defence cooperation. Chinook and ultra-light howitzers have been acquired by India also and both would be used during Exercise HimVijay in Arunachal Pradesh near the China border in October. This is the 15th edition of the joint exercise hosted alternately between the two countries. Both armies are jointly training, planning and executing a series of well-developed operations for neutralisation of threats of varied nature.ln the end, a joint exercise will be undertaken by both countries in an operational setting under a UN mandate.

Yudh Abhyas 2019: US, India troops train jointly on howitzers, Chinook helicopters

U.S trade representative reaches Delhi for talks. Source said U.S seeks to resolve trade issues with India. U.S is India's largest trading partner, recently U.S ended India's preferential status. Watch this video to know more.

Sources: U.S. seeks to resolve trade issues with India

U.S trade representative reach Delhi for talks. Source said U.S seeks to resolve trade issues with India. U.S is India's largest trading partner. U.S ended India's preferential status, India retaliated. watch this video to know more.

Trump Targets India, Hurts Own Farmers

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who arrived in India on Tuesday, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval today. H1-B visas, trade war and India’s purchase of S-400 missile defence systems from Russia were expected to figure in the talks between the two sides, which come ahead of the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 28-29.

India is our major trade partner: Mike Pompeo

Focus on defence, security, trade and boosting strategic ties during Pompeo's 3-day visit to India

Mike Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran. Watch this video to know more.

Pompeo to visit India next week to seek India's cooperation on Iran

Two top US senators have moved an amendment to change the US Armed Controls Export Act to bring India on a par with NATO allies, Israel, Australia, New Zealand and Korea for purposes of selling military items under the ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) list.

India can soon get Nato ally-like status

Ahead of his planned trip to India, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called for close partnership between the two countries, saying the "two nations have an incredibly unique opportunity to move forward together for the good of both of our peoples." Pompeo spoke at an "India Ideas Summit" at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday.

Mike Pompeo lauds U.S.-India relations

The United States (US), on June 5, withdrew duty-free market access to over 3,600 products that it was providing to India under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). &nbsp;

The GSP was put in place in 1971, under which 13 developed countries provide duty-free access to designated products for beneficiary developing countries. &nbsp;

While most developed countries introduced the GSP in 1971, the US accepted this system of preferences in 1976, after the Trade Act of 1974 authorised the US president “to extend duty-free treatment to certain eligible products imported into the United States from beneficiary developing countries”. &nbsp;

The US extended GSP benefits to 104 countries before it removed India from the list of “beneficiary developing countries”.

The Trade Act of 1974 also outlined a set of conditions for determining whether any country should be designated as a beneficiary developing country.

These are: (i) a request by the country to be so designated, (ii) the level of economic development of such a country, (iii) whether or not the other major developed countries extend their GSP scheme to the country, and (iv) the extent to which the country has assured the US of equitable and reasonable access to its market and basic commodity resources. &nbsp;

These conditions gave the US trade administration discretionary powers. Alongside, the Act also introduced a mechanism that was to be used to review if specific products originating in the beneficiary developing countries could continue to enjoy the GSP benefits. &nbsp;

One of the key mechanisms is Competitive Need Limitations (CNL). This states that a beneficiary developing country could lose its GSP eligibility with respect to any product if the CNLs are exceeded. &nbsp;

There are two measures for CNLs: (i) when, during any calendar year, import of a particular product into the US from a beneficiary developing country accounts for 50 per cent or more of the value of total imports of that product into the US, or (ii) exceeds a certain dollar value. As per the GSP rules, the dollar-value limit is increased by $5 million annually. The limit set in 2017 was $180 million.&nbsp;

There were indications since last year that the Trump Administration was taking steps towards eventually denying India the benefits under GSP. &nbsp;

The US president, on October 30, 2018, announced the decision to exclude 94 products from the list of GSP-eligible products, for 16 countries beginning November 1, 2018. &nbsp;

There were 50 products in the exclusion list in which India was the principal beneficiary. The targeted list of products for India was the largest among the 16 countries, whose products lost the GSP beneficiary status.

In March 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the Trump administration’s intent to terminate India’s designation as a beneficiary developing country under its GSP programme since it was not complying with the “statutory eligibility criteria”. &nbsp;

India was targeted, according to the USTR, for its failure to provide the US with “assurances that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets in numerous sectors”. &nbsp;

This was the beginning of a mandatory 60-day period, which is required to be given before a final decision was taken whether to retain the country in the list of beneficiaries. &nbsp;

Finally, on May 31, Trump announced his decision to remove India as a beneficiary country under the US GSP programme, effective from June 5.

The decision of the US president was based on an eligibility review conducted by the USTR in April 2018. This review was conducted on “concerns” related to India’s compliance with the GSP market access criterion, but more importantly, on two petitions related to the same criterion. &nbsp;

The petitions were filed by the US dairy industry and the US medical device industry (Advanced Medical Technology Association) requesting the USTR to withdraw India as a beneficiary country, given Indian trade barriers affecting US exports in those sectors. &nbsp;

The latter petition was regarding the price controls that the government of India had introduced for coronary stents and knee implants aimed at making such devices affordable in the country.

These expressed reasons for removing India from the list of GSP beneficiaries hardly sound convincing. It is clearly part of a strategy adopted by the Trump administration to target the Indian market. &nbsp;

Trump has frequently spoken of the “disadvantage” the US faces due to India being a “very high-tariff nation”. There should be no doubt that there will be further measures taken against India, including implementing “a measure in the form of a safeguard to address increased imports of articles that are a substantial cause of serious injury to a domestic industry producing competitive products”; this was mentioned by Trump in his May 31 proclamation.

What are the implications of India’s removal from the list of US GSP beneficiary countries? According to research conducted for the US Congress, in 2018, India was the largest beneficiary developing country, accounting for over 25 per cent of US imports under GSP. &nbsp;

India’s exports of GSP beneficiary products were $15 billion during April-February 2018-19, which was just less than a third of the total exports to the US. &nbsp;

Six sectors – gems and jewellery, electrical and non-electrical machinery, chemicals, auto components and iron and steel products were the main beneficiaries – with each sector exporting more than a billion dollars. These products would now have to pay tariffs to enter the US market.

It may be mentioned that the tariffs on these products is below 3 per cent for nearly a fourth of the total, which are usually called “nuisance tariffs” because they effectively provide no protection to the domestic industry. &nbsp;

But, these tariffs could cause considerable “nuisance” to the exporters in the form of procedural formalities that would have to be thoroughly reviewed. This would increase the cost of the transaction with regard to exporting to the US. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-decoding-the-gsp-puzzle-2759399">original article)</a>

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

The United States (US), on June 5, withdrew duty-free market access to over 3,600 products that it was providing to India under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP).

The United States (US), on June 5, withdrew duty-free market access to over 3,600 products that it was providing to India under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). The GSP was put in place in 1971, under which 13 developed countries provide duty-free access to designated products for beneficiary developing countries. While most developed countries introduced the GSP in 1971, the US accepted this system of preferences in 1976, after the Trade Act of 1974 authorised the US president “to extend duty-free treatment to certain eligible products imported into the United States from beneficiary developing countries”. The US extended GSP benefits to 104 countries before it removed India from the list of “beneficiary developing countries”. The Trade Act of 1974 also outlined a set of conditions for determining whether any country should be designated as a beneficiary developing country. These are: (i) a request by the country to be so designated, (ii) the level of economic development of such a country, (iii) whether or not the other major developed countries extend their GSP scheme to the country, and (iv) the extent to which the country has assured the US of equitable and reasonable access to its market and basic commodity resources. These conditions gave the US trade administration discretionary powers. Alongside, the Act also introduced a mechanism that was to be used to review if specific products originating in the beneficiary developing countries could continue to enjoy the GSP benefits. One of the key mechanisms is Competitive Need Limitations (CNL). This states that a beneficiary developing country could lose its GSP eligibility with respect to any product if the CNLs are exceeded. There are two measures for CNLs: (i) when, during any calendar year, import of a particular product into the US from a beneficiary developing country accounts for 50 per cent or more of the value of total imports of that product into the US, or (ii) exceeds a certain dollar value. As per the GSP rules, the dollar-value limit is increased by $5 million annually. The limit set in 2017 was $180 million. There were indications since last year that the Trump Administration was taking steps towards eventually denying India the benefits under GSP. The US president, on October 30, 2018, announced the decision to exclude 94 products from the list of GSP-eligible products, for 16 countries beginning November 1, 2018. There were 50 products in the exclusion list in which India was the principal beneficiary. The targeted list of products for India was the largest among the 16 countries, whose products lost the GSP beneficiary status. In March 2019, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced the Trump administration’s intent to terminate India’s designation as a beneficiary developing country under its GSP programme since it was not complying with the “statutory eligibility criteria”. India was targeted, according to the USTR, for its failure to provide the US with “assurances that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to its markets in numerous sectors”. This was the beginning of a mandatory 60-day period, which is required to be given before a final decision was taken whether to retain the country in the list of beneficiaries. Finally, on May 31, Trump announced his decision to remove India as a beneficiary country under the US GSP programme, effective from June 5. The decision of the US president was based on an eligibility review conducted by the USTR in April 2018. This review was conducted on “concerns” related to India’s compliance with the GSP market access criterion, but more importantly, on two petitions related to the same criterion. The petitions were filed by the US dairy industry and the US medical device industry (Advanced Medical Technology Association) requesting the USTR to withdraw India as a beneficiary country, given Indian trade barriers affecting US exports in those sectors. The latter petition was regarding the price controls that the government of India had introduced for coronary stents and knee implants aimed at making such devices affordable in the country. These expressed reasons for removing India from the list of GSP beneficiaries hardly sound convincing. It is clearly part of a strategy adopted by the Trump administration to target the Indian market. Trump has frequently spoken of the “disadvantage” the US faces due to India being a “very high-tariff nation”. There should be no doubt that there will be further measures taken against India, including implementing “a measure in the form of a safeguard to address increased imports of articles that are a substantial cause of serious injury to a domestic industry producing competitive products”; this was mentioned by Trump in his May 31 proclamation. What are the implications of India’s removal from the list of US GSP beneficiary countries? According to research conducted for the US Congress, in 2018, India was the largest beneficiary developing country, accounting for over 25 per cent of US imports under GSP. India’s exports of GSP beneficiary products were $15 billion during April-February 2018-19, which was just less than a third of the total exports to the US. Six sectors – gems and jewellery, electrical and non-electrical machinery, chemicals, auto components and iron and steel products were the main beneficiaries – with each sector exporting more than a billion dollars. These products would now have to pay tariffs to enter the US market. It may be mentioned that the tariffs on these products is below 3 per cent for nearly a fourth of the total, which are usually called “nuisance tariffs” because they effectively provide no protection to the domestic industry. But, these tariffs could cause considerable “nuisance” to the exporters in the form of procedural formalities that would have to be thoroughly reviewed. This would increase the cost of the transaction with regard to exporting to the US. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Decoding the GSP puzzle

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.” India has two options. First, it can appeal the withdrawal to the World Trade Organisation.&nbsp; 
 
Second, India can simply wait; the US has re-instated the GSP in the past (case in point, Argentina, 2018). However, the decision to end the GSP is actually a great compliment towards India.&nbsp;

The nation should not go to the WTO or appeal the decision in any way. There are two major reasons for PM Narendra Modi’s ‘cool as a cucumber,’ indifferent attitude towards taking away the GSP. &nbsp;&nbsp;

First, India’s massive market is something that America just cannot look away from and do without. The USA needs to have access to India’s population. India currently carries 1.3 billion people and, more significantly, carries one of the strongest, most vibrant workforces in the world (over 65 per cent under the age of 35 years old). This is a goldmine for employability for American MNCs now present in India like Walmart, Facebook, Google, etc.&nbsp;

The list also includes future superstar MNCs like Netflix and Uber. When these companies first came to India, it was PM Modi that worked efficiently and placed regulations for business. This prevented companies from being too bullish and operating with too much autonomy in India. While foreign leaders were not happy with this, it did not really make much if a difference in terms of companies still pursuing business in India. Case In point, Apple. Despite restrictions hurting Apple phone sales, CEO Cook remains extremely bullish in India, still aggressively penetrating the Indian market. Similarly, it is not likely that MNCs are going anywhere no matter how stringent regulations are. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Second, India has garnered top levels of foreign direct investment with America being a heavy investor. Just recently, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expressed confidence in the Indian market due to Modi returning and the accelerating pace of NDA reforms. Many foreign firms carry the same sentiment. These investors will continue to be involved in India’s rewarding market. The Modi 1.0 government saw record-high FDI levels which will continue to rise over the next five years. And FDI is not the only thing the USA wants to keep engagement in India with.&nbsp;

Just hours after the GSP was taken away, there was a statement by the USA: American plans on increasing the ‘scope, complexity and frequency of military engagement with India.’&nbsp;

The USA considers India a ‘major defence partner’ which has facilitated greater interoperability and information spending over the past few years. This is strategic for the Indian economy in multiple ways: it brings employment, technological development, research, strategy and innovation to name a few. Thus, the impact caused by taking away GSP will be offset by this engagement. &nbsp;

What is the real impact on&nbsp;India’s economy by the move? Out of about $36 billion worth of exports by India to the USA, $5.7 billion worth of exports are affected, or just about 15.83 per cent. Many Indian experts are expecting that the USA will likely reinstate the GSP because the products that are exported will be hard to replace with India’s competitive advantage: items like natural pearls, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Furthermore, even if the GSP does not get reinstated, it is not really a concern. India is steadily turning into a global manufacturing hub via reforms during the Modi 1.0 and now 2.0 government. For these reason along with reducing costs and diversifying, hundreds of US companies are looking to move their manufacturing bases from China to India. Likewise, the Modi 2.0 government is looking to export in new markets. All of these actions will offset any loss created by eliminating GSP. Lower crude oil prices will also minimise the blow. &nbsp;

The root reason why the GSP has been taken away is because Trump is frustrated at India’s regulatory restrictions that were placed by PM Modi during his first term. Otherwise, American firms would bully India by running unregulated and autonomous in the market which would fatally impact India’s economy at a crucial point. &nbsp;

What’s the best way to treat a bully? Indifference. Schoolyard taunts are not meant to get a response. India has spoken maturely on this matter and asked for a dialogue to reach mutual terms. If not, no biggie. India has stated that the two nations will continue to work together regardless.

With this unruffled response, India has shown its new strength and place as a frontrunner on the international stage. It is no longer a nation that can be bullied. Rather, it is a strong, stabilising economy that is expanding its domestic sectors and fostering lucrative international engagement through positive development. And with a strong, abled, young, dynamic workforce driving innovation and setting higher standards for New India, the nation’s economy is most definitely ‘the new place to be.’ It’s about time that the USA gets this message. Otherwise, their loss. &nbsp;

&nbsp;(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.

As of June 5, perhaps as part of his trade war, US President Trump ended the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) for India. The GSP has been around since the mid-1970s and aims to help the “World’s poorest countries to use trade to grow their economies and climb out of poverty.” India has two options. First, it can appeal the withdrawal to the World Trade Organisation. Second, India can simply wait; the US has re-instated the GSP in the past (case in point, Argentina, 2018). However, the decision to end the GSP is actually a great compliment towards India. The nation should not go to the WTO or appeal the decision in any way. There are two major reasons for PM Narendra Modi’s ‘cool as a cucumber,’ indifferent attitude towards taking away the GSP. First, India’s massive market is something that America just cannot look away from and do without. The USA needs to have access to India’s population. India currently carries 1.3 billion people and, more significantly, carries one of the strongest, most vibrant workforces in the world (over 65 per cent under the age of 35 years old). This is a goldmine for employability for American MNCs now present in India like Walmart, Facebook, Google, etc. The list also includes future superstar MNCs like Netflix and Uber. When these companies first came to India, it was PM Modi that worked efficiently and placed regulations for business. This prevented companies from being too bullish and operating with too much autonomy in India. While foreign leaders were not happy with this, it did not really make much if a difference in terms of companies still pursuing business in India. Case In point, Apple. Despite restrictions hurting Apple phone sales, CEO Cook remains extremely bullish in India, still aggressively penetrating the Indian market. Similarly, it is not likely that MNCs are going anywhere no matter how stringent regulations are. Second, India has garnered top levels of foreign direct investment with America being a heavy investor. Just recently, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon expressed confidence in the Indian market due to Modi returning and the accelerating pace of NDA reforms. Many foreign firms carry the same sentiment. These investors will continue to be involved in India’s rewarding market. The Modi 1.0 government saw record-high FDI levels which will continue to rise over the next five years. And FDI is not the only thing the USA wants to keep engagement in India with. Just hours after the GSP was taken away, there was a statement by the USA: American plans on increasing the ‘scope, complexity and frequency of military engagement with India.’ The USA considers India a ‘major defence partner’ which has facilitated greater interoperability and information spending over the past few years. This is strategic for the Indian economy in multiple ways: it brings employment, technological development, research, strategy and innovation to name a few. Thus, the impact caused by taking away GSP will be offset by this engagement. What is the real impact on India’s economy by the move? Out of about $36 billion worth of exports by India to the USA, $5.7 billion worth of exports are affected, or just about 15.83 per cent. Many Indian experts are expecting that the USA will likely reinstate the GSP because the products that are exported will be hard to replace with India’s competitive advantage: items like natural pearls, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Furthermore, even if the GSP does not get reinstated, it is not really a concern. India is steadily turning into a global manufacturing hub via reforms during the Modi 1.0 and now 2.0 government. For these reason along with reducing costs and diversifying, hundreds of US companies are looking to move their manufacturing bases from China to India. Likewise, the Modi 2.0 government is looking to export in new markets. All of these actions will offset any loss created by eliminating GSP. Lower crude oil prices will also minimise the blow. The root reason why the GSP has been taken away is because Trump is frustrated at India’s regulatory restrictions that were placed by PM Modi during his first term. Otherwise, American firms would bully India by running unregulated and autonomous in the market which would fatally impact India’s economy at a crucial point. What’s the best way to treat a bully? Indifference. Schoolyard taunts are not meant to get a response. India has spoken maturely on this matter and asked for a dialogue to reach mutual terms. If not, no biggie. India has stated that the two nations will continue to work together regardless. With this unruffled response, India has shown its new strength and place as a frontrunner on the international stage. It is no longer a nation that can be bullied. Rather, it is a strong, stabilising economy that is expanding its domestic sectors and fostering lucrative international engagement through positive development. And with a strong, abled, young, dynamic workforce driving innovation and setting higher standards for New India, the nation’s economy is most definitely ‘the new place to be.’ It’s about time that the USA gets this message. Otherwise, their loss. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India's indifference to the US on GSP is the perfect response

On Saturday, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a statement saying it will continue to build on strong ties with the US. “India as part of our bilateral trade discussions, had offered resolution on significant US requests in an effort to find a mutually acceptable way forward,” the government said in the statement. “It is unfortunate that this did not find acceptance by the US.”

Donald Trump to end preferential trade treatment for India on June 5

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/suspension-of-preferential-trade-status-for-india-under-gsp-is-done-deal-us-222997">India and the US</a> will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.&nbsp;

Modi on Thursday<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/narendra-modi-takes-oath-as-prime-minister-for-second-time-222847"> took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry</a>. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats.

"This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward,"&nbsp;a senior State Department Official said on Thursday.

As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said.

"We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership,"&nbsp;the official added.

Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry.

"You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations,"&nbsp;the official said.

According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said.

Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/heres-look-at-new-cabinet-entrants-in-pm-narendra-modis-council-of-ministers-223016/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said.

"There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India,"&nbsp;the official said.

It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability.

"We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state,"&nbsp;the official said.

There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall.

The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington.

According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past.

Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said.

The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law.

"We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month,"&nbsp;the official said.

"We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability,"&nbsp;the official said.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term.

The Trump administration has exuded confidence that the relationship between India and the US will see a very positive trajectory, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as the Prime Minister for the second term. Modi on Thursday took the oath of office, helming a 58-member ministry. He led his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) towards a resounding victory, crossing the 300 marks for 542 Lok Sabha seats. "This is really a resilient partnership. It enjoys bipartisan support. It has the structures and it has a strategic commitment in place to take advantage of our leader's vision. I anticipate a very positive trajectory moving forward," a senior State Department Official said on Thursday. As was evident in the tweets, statements and phone calls from the US President, Vice President and Secretary of State after the Indian elections, the US looks forward to working with Prime Minister Modi and his government in the second term, the official said. "We do expect that our strategic partnership will continue to flourish under his leadership," the official added. Recalling Modi's 2017 visit to the US, the official said that Trump and the Indian prime minister enjoy a warm relationship and personal chemistry. "You saw that when the prime minister was here in June of 2017. That means that the sort of the geopolitical compulsion to this relationship is matched by a personal leadership commitment to advance relations," the official said. According to the official, Trump and Modi will meet in Japan on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit next month in Osaka, Japan. A trilateral meeting involving the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been planned, the official said. Watch: Here's look at new cabinet entrants in PM Narendra Modi's Council of Ministers × The partnership encompasses cooperation on a broad range of economic, defence and security issues and stands on the foundation of extensive people to people ties and shared democratic values, the official said. "There's been significant momentum in the relationship since the Prime Minister's visit to Washington with the two plus two mechanisms that was developed last year. The meetings between our ministers of foreign affairs and defence will continue to serve as a strategic vehicle for our engagement with India," the official said. It capped off last year with the assigning of a secure communications agreement that was 10 years in the negotiations and represented a breakthrough and their ability to achieve military interoperability. "We are looking forward again to early high-level contact with the Modi 2.0 government. We will have the G-20 meeting opportunity between our heads of state," the official said. There will be a senior level participation at US-India Forum in New Delhi in August. There will be two plus two intercessional and maritime security dialogue in August and two plus two ministerial in early fall. The Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo will be speaking at the June 12 US-India Business Council's India Ideas summit in Washington. According to the official, the mechanisms for this engagement reflect what are now very developed habits of cooperation between the two countries that are allowing them to push the agenda much more rapidly in the past. Much of the expansion in this relationship has been a result of the Indo Pacific strategy and this common vision that the two countries share secures a rules-based free and open Indo-Pacific region, the official said. The two countries, the official said also share complimentary visions based on democratic norms and rule of law. "We also share concerns. Concerns about predatory lending, lending and norm defined practices that have been seen in the region. That's why you've seen the US and Indian Navy's alongside those of Japan and the Philippines conduct a group sale for the first time ever in the south China Sea this month," the official said. "We're also looking forward to our first ever try service military exercise involving the US and India Navy Air Force and army at the end of this year to further increase interoperability. And you'll continue to see forward movement on defence enabling agreements that will further deepen our information sharing and interoperability," the official said.

'Anticipate positive trajectory in ties with India,' says US after Modi takes oath

The Trump administration has said it is not going back on its decision to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP trade programme, terming the suspension a "done deal".

The Generalised System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries.

On March 4, President Donald Trump announced that the US intended to<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/i-intend-to-end-indias-preferential-trade-treatment-under-gsp-program-trump-201179"> terminate India's designation as a beneficiary</a> developing country under the GSP programme.

The 60-day notice period ended on May 3. A formal notification is now expected anytime.

The Trump administration has prioritised working with the Government of India to ensure that US companies have a level playing field, a senior State Department official told reporters on Thursday, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second time following his spectacular electoral victory in the general elections.

"The persistent market access issues, which we were engaged with our Indian counterparts over the last year, led us to announce in March that we would be suspending or withdrawing India's benefits under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delay-generalised-system-of-preferences-eligibility-decision-till-indian-elections-us-209980">generalised system of Preferences</a> Program," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

"That suspension is a done deal. Now the task is how do we look ahead; how do we work under the second Modi Administration, to identify a path forward?" the official said, reflecting the Trump administration's decision that the GSP termination is final.

Under the GSP programme, nearly 2,000 products including auto components and textile materials can enter the US duty-free if the beneficiary developing countries meet the eligibility criteria established by Congress.

India was the largest beneficiary of the program in 2017 with $5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status and Turkey the fifth largest with $1.7 billion in covered imports, according to a Congressional Research Service report issued in January.

"We believe there's enormous potential to grow our trade relationship and to help stimulate the jobs that Prime Minister Modi is committed to bringing to an overwhelmingly young Indian population.

"We believe that if India is prepared to address policies including data localisation and e-commerce measures, that served to stifle international investment from top tier companies, that we can continue to make significant progress moving forward," the official said.

Noting that President Trump has already made the announcement regarding his decision to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary nation under GSP, the official said there was a 60-day notification to Congress.

The official said that does not rule out in the future, being able to achieve the reforms and the market access that the US needs under this programme to restore benefits.

"But I think we need to be looking forward at how do we relaunch an ambitious set of discussions between our trade teams in order to address these outstanding irritants," the official said, asserting that there is every reason to believe that the GSP suspension will move forward.

Responding to questions, the official reiterated that India needed to address some of its major concerns, in particular, those related to market access and data localisation.

"Data localisation is a phenomenon that's been taking place globally where we've seen increasing digital protectionism. While we recognise that there are legitimate security and privacy and law enforcement issues related to data protection, we're looking at nearly eight per cent of India's GDP, about $160 billion is associated with IT firms who depend upon the free flow of data," the official said.

So, the US does not want to see market access barriers to American firms in India when the Indian companies currently enjoy largely unfettered access to the US markets, the official said.

These issues, as well as that surrounding e-commerce, will certainly be a topic of conversation with the Indians, the official said.

The senior State Department official said there has been significant growth in the bilateral trade relationship as well as a narrowing of the trade deficit.

The bilateral trade is now at about $142 billion. US exports last year increased by 28 per cent. The trade deficits for goods and services stands at about $24 billion, which is about 11.9 per cent reduction.

"We have also seen strategic Indian investments in aviation, defence, oil and gas. In the last year, India has imported more than $3.3 billion worth of US crude and is contracted to import $2 billion worth of liquefied natural gas annually which obviously brings tangible benefits to both our economies and our people," the official said.

At the same time, the official asserted that the tension remained between the two countries.

"India remains one of the least open major economies in the world. The Trump administration is committed to ensuring free and fair and reciprocal trade.

And we've prioritised working with the government of India to ensure that US companies have a level playing field," the official said.&nbsp;

The Trump administration has said it is not going back on its decision to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP trade programme, terming the suspension a "done deal".

The Trump administration has said it is not going back on its decision to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing nation under the key GSP trade programme, terming the suspension a "done deal". The Generalised System of Preference (GSP) is the largest and oldest US trade preference programme and is designed to promote economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. On March 4, President Donald Trump announced that the US intended to terminate India's designation as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP programme. The 60-day notice period ended on May 3. A formal notification is now expected anytime. The Trump administration has prioritised working with the Government of India to ensure that US companies have a level playing field, a senior State Department official told reporters on Thursday, hours after Narendra Modi was sworn in as Prime Minister for a second time following his spectacular electoral victory in the general elections. "The persistent market access issues, which we were engaged with our Indian counterparts over the last year, led us to announce in March that we would be suspending or withdrawing India's benefits under the generalised system of Preferences Program," said the official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. "That suspension is a done deal. Now the task is how do we look ahead; how do we work under the second Modi Administration, to identify a path forward?" the official said, reflecting the Trump administration's decision that the GSP termination is final. Under the GSP programme, nearly 2,000 products including auto components and textile materials can enter the US duty-free if the beneficiary developing countries meet the eligibility criteria established by Congress. India was the largest beneficiary of the program in 2017 with $5.7 billion in imports to the US given duty-free status and Turkey the fifth largest with $1.7 billion in covered imports, according to a Congressional Research Service report issued in January. "We believe there's enormous potential to grow our trade relationship and to help stimulate the jobs that Prime Minister Modi is committed to bringing to an overwhelmingly young Indian population. "We believe that if India is prepared to address policies including data localisation and e-commerce measures, that served to stifle international investment from top tier companies, that we can continue to make significant progress moving forward," the official said. Noting that President Trump has already made the announcement regarding his decision to terminate the designation of India as a beneficiary nation under GSP, the official said there was a 60-day notification to Congress. The official said that does not rule out in the future, being able to achieve the reforms and the market access that the US needs under this programme to restore benefits. "But I think we need to be looking forward at how do we relaunch an ambitious set of discussions between our trade teams in order to address these outstanding irritants," the official said, asserting that there is every reason to believe that the GSP suspension will move forward. Responding to questions, the official reiterated that India needed to address some of its major concerns, in particular, those related to market access and data localisation. "Data localisation is a phenomenon that's been taking place globally where we've seen increasing digital protectionism. While we recognise that there are legitimate security and privacy and law enforcement issues related to data protection, we're looking at nearly eight per cent of India's GDP, about $160 billion is associated with IT firms who depend upon the free flow of data," the official said. So, the US does not want to see market access barriers to American firms in India when the Indian companies currently enjoy largely unfettered access to the US markets, the official said. These issues, as well as that surrounding e-commerce, will certainly be a topic of conversation with the Indians, the official said. The senior State Department official said there has been significant growth in the bilateral trade relationship as well as a narrowing of the trade deficit. The bilateral trade is now at about $142 billion. US exports last year increased by 28 per cent. The trade deficits for goods and services stands at about $24 billion, which is about 11.9 per cent reduction. "We have also seen strategic Indian investments in aviation, defence, oil and gas. In the last year, India has imported more than $3.3 billion worth of US crude and is contracted to import $2 billion worth of liquefied natural gas annually which obviously brings tangible benefits to both our economies and our people," the official said. At the same time, the official asserted that the tension remained between the two countries. "India remains one of the least open major economies in the world. The Trump administration is committed to ensuring free and fair and reciprocal trade. And we've prioritised working with the government of India to ensure that US companies have a level playing field," the official said.

Suspension of preferential trade status for India under GSP is 'done deal': US

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/lok-sabha-polls-2019-election-commission-to-start-counting-of-votes-for-parliamentary-polls-in-542-seats-at-8-am-220717">Indian elections</a> and would work with whoever is the victor.&nbsp;

"I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/foreign-media-on-exit-polls-predicting-second-term-for-bjp-219997">credentials of the Election Commission</a> of India.&nbsp;

"We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question.

The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said.

"I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added.

The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world.

"With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said.

Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States.&nbsp;

"A dual-track approach is quite clear,&nbsp;continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said.&nbsp;

"Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question.&nbsp;

He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports.&nbsp;

"Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added.

A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister.

It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read.

According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation.&nbsp;

"India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said.

In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge,&nbsp;the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."&nbsp;

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here.

The United States Wednesday said that it was confident in the fairness and integrity of the Indian elections and would work with whoever is the victor. "I would say from the US perspective, we are very confident in the fairness and the integrity of the Indian elections, and we will obviously work with whoever is the victor and whatever the outcome is there," State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus told reporters during an off-camera gaggle here. Unlike other countries, the US does not send its election observers to India because of the strong independent credentials of the Election Commission of India. "We have a very strong relationship and a lot of cooperation with the Indian government on a full range of issues, and the Secretary (of State, Mike Pompeo) has said numerous times that we have a true strategic partner in India," Ortagus said in response to a question. The diplomat praised India and its people for carrying out such a massive exercise peacefully, describing it as fascinating. "Someone pointed this out to me today that India's election is the largest exercise in democracy in human history," she said. "I think with everything going on in the world, that's a thing that we can pause and think about and certainly commend the Indian people," Ortagus added. The Washington Post had on Wednesday said that the Indian election was the largest democratic exercise in the world. "With about 900 million eligible voters, the size of the electorate had swelled by more than 80 million compared to 2014. In that election, 550 million people ultimately cast votes," it had said. Richard M Rossow, Wadhwani Chair in US India Policy Studies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank, said the next Indian government will have a difficult time managing ties with the United States. "A dual-track approach is quite clear, continued progress in deepening our security relationship while simultaneously engaging in a wider trade fight," Rossow said. "Too often this trade fight is attributed mainly to the United States. This is unfair, as the Modi government took significant steps to slow imports in recent years, such as increasing customs duties and initiating new local content mandates for government procurement," Rossow told PTI in response to a question. He said while the next government in India might trigger fresh reforms early in its tenure, they are likely to be more focused on attracting foreign investment rather than taking steps that could increase imports. "Investment-oriented reforms are unlikely to assuage US trade policy concerns. So this dual-track approach is likely to persist post-election," Rossow added. A New York Times editorial piece said the election had become a sweeping referendum on the last five years of governance by Narendra Modi, the country's dominant and divisive prime minister. It is also likely to be the world's most expensive elections, with parties estimated to have spent a total of as much as $7 billion, it read. According to The Washington Post, the result of this election will be pivotal to the future of India, soon to become the world's most populous nation. "India is attempting to catch up in economic terms with China, its neighbour to the east, a pursuit that requires massive investment in infrastructure and significant policy change. At the same time, the country is also deciding what kind of democracy it wants to be," the daily said. In a news dispatch from New Delhi, The Wall Street Journal reported that Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears on track for a second term if exit polls bear out, "but less clear to investors and executives is which version of Mr Modi would take charge, the business-friendly leader or the divisive nationalist."

Lok Sabha polls 2019: US says it is confident about fairness, integrity of Indian elections

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">Masood Azhar a global terrorist</a> demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

Welcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">China's decision to lift its hold on the proposal</a> to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a senior Trump administration official during a conference call with reporters said after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its blockade.

"I think China seems to have understood that it was increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric," the White House official said on the condition of anonymity.

Pulwama attack, the official noted was just the latest in the terrorist attacks that this "deadly group"&nbsp;has conducted.

"Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia," the official said, adding that this designation is critically important and it was a long time coming.

This designation, the official said, is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's stated commitment to crack down on militancy inside Pakistan and his acknowledgement that prosperity and development in Pakistan are contingent on maintaining regional stability.

"So we acknowledged that this designation is a good step forward and we look forward to how Pakistan would use this international designation press forward on its own stated commitment,"&nbsp;the official said.

"The US will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan to determine whether the recent positive statements from the prime minister will translate into irreversible steps"&nbsp;to end terrorist and militant safe haven inside Pakistan," the official said.

"All too often the world has seen a familiar pattern of Pakistan taking temporary steps against militants following immediately terrorist attacks, only to reverse those positive steps a few months later when the heat is off," the official said, adding that the history of the effort behind this listing demonstrates Pakistan has in the past been reluctant to divorce itself from terrorist proxy groups.

"China's willingness to shield Pakistan in these policies has been unhelpful to establishing regional stability. China acting on behalf of Pakistan has prevented the designation of Azhar on multiple occasions over the last decade,"&nbsp;the senior administration official alleged.

The official noted that this listing that will help to "avoid a re-escalation"&nbsp;of India-Pak tension, by holding Pakistan accountable on its international obligations.

"This designation serves as a forcing function for Pakistan, to implement their stated commitments to peace and stability and to rooting out terrorism from Pakistani soil."

"We have seen Pakistan taking some steps against Jaish-e-Mohammed following the Pulwama attack. However, there are additional steps that Pakistan could take to show an irreversible commitment and to permanently put these kinds of groups out of business,"&nbsp;the official said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-gravitas-what-the-listing-of-masood-azhar-as-terrorist-means-215177/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani networks are the other two groups among others, the official said.

"These steps could include things like arresting leaders and disrupting their ability to communicate and travel and shutting down affiliated businesses like their charity wings," the US official demanded.

"We remain hopeful that Pakistan will continue to move in this direction and that today's designation will assist in that effort,"&nbsp;said the senior administration official.

Responding to questions, the two senior officials who briefed reporters did not give any insight into why reference to Pulwama attack was taken off from the final resolution.

The officials said they would not go into the internal deliberations at the UN Security Council.

"China probably came to the conclusion that it needed to do the right thing, be on the right side. And that it can no longer afford for the sake of its international reputation to continue blocking what it was so obvious that down this was a deadly group and that leader is responsible for these deadly attacks,"&nbsp;the official said.

"China came to realise that it should match its action on international terrorism. This was the culmination of a 10 years process," the official said.&nbsp;

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil.

The UN declaring Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a global terrorist demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia, the Trump administration said Wednesday, expressing hope that Islamabad will take sustained and irreversible action against terror groups operating from its soil. Welcoming China's decision to lift its hold on the proposal to blacklist the Pakistan-based JeM chief, a senior Trump administration official during a conference call with reporters said after 10 years China has done the right thing by lifting its blockade. "I think China seems to have understood that it was increasingly important that its actions on the international stage on terrorism matched its rhetoric," the White House official said on the condition of anonymity. Pulwama attack, the official noted was just the latest in the terrorist attacks that this "deadly group" has conducted. "Designating Azhar demonstrates an international commitment to rooting out terrorism in Pakistan and bringing security and stability to South Asia," the official said, adding that this designation is critically important and it was a long time coming. This designation, the official said, is in line with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's stated commitment to crack down on militancy inside Pakistan and his acknowledgement that prosperity and development in Pakistan are contingent on maintaining regional stability. "So we acknowledged that this designation is a good step forward and we look forward to how Pakistan would use this international designation press forward on its own stated commitment," the official said. "The US will continue to monitor the situation in Pakistan to determine whether the recent positive statements from the prime minister will translate into irreversible steps" to end terrorist and militant safe haven inside Pakistan," the official said. "All too often the world has seen a familiar pattern of Pakistan taking temporary steps against militants following immediately terrorist attacks, only to reverse those positive steps a few months later when the heat is off," the official said, adding that the history of the effort behind this listing demonstrates Pakistan has in the past been reluctant to divorce itself from terrorist proxy groups. "China's willingness to shield Pakistan in these policies has been unhelpful to establishing regional stability. China acting on behalf of Pakistan has prevented the designation of Azhar on multiple occasions over the last decade," the senior administration official alleged. The official noted that this listing that will help to "avoid a re-escalation" of India-Pak tension, by holding Pakistan accountable on its international obligations. "This designation serves as a forcing function for Pakistan, to implement their stated commitments to peace and stability and to rooting out terrorism from Pakistani soil." "We have seen Pakistan taking some steps against Jaish-e-Mohammed following the Pulwama attack. However, there are additional steps that Pakistan could take to show an irreversible commitment and to permanently put these kinds of groups out of business," the official said. × Lashkar-e-Taiba and Haqqani networks are the other two groups among others, the official said. "These steps could include things like arresting leaders and disrupting their ability to communicate and travel and shutting down affiliated businesses like their charity wings," the US official demanded. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will continue to move in this direction and that today's designation will assist in that effort," said the senior administration official. Responding to questions, the two senior officials who briefed reporters did not give any insight into why reference to Pulwama attack was taken off from the final resolution. The officials said they would not go into the internal deliberations at the UN Security Council. "China probably came to the conclusion that it needed to do the right thing, be on the right side. And that it can no longer afford for the sake of its international reputation to continue blocking what it was so obvious that down this was a deadly group and that leader is responsible for these deadly attacks," the official said. "China came to realise that it should match its action on international terrorism. This was the culmination of a 10 years process," the official said.

After 10 years, China has done the right thing: White House official on UN listing Masood Azhar as global terrorist

The US on Thursday placed India on its<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-trade-war-chinas-exports-fall-to-three-year-low-imports-slip-for-third-straight-month-201889"> 'Priority Watch List', alleging</a> lack of "sufficient measurable improvements" to its Intellectual Property (IP) framework on long-standing and new challenges that have negatively affected American right holders over the past year.

"Over the past year, India took steps to address intellectual property challenges and promote IP protection and enforcement. However, many of the actions have not yet translated into concrete benefits for innovators and creators, and long-standing deficiencies persist. India remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP," an official US report said.

The US Trade Representatives (USTR) in its report identified 11 countries, including India, in its 'Priority Watch List'.&nbsp;

China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela are among others. It has also placed 25 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey and the UAE, on the Watch List.

In February, Republican Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee had said he worried about the spread in the United States of what he called "counterintelligence and information security risks that come prepackaged with the goods and services of certain overseas vendors."

President Donald Trump has repeatedly thrashed Beijing for what he said was the rampant theft of US know-how, through forced technology transfer and other means, and made that a central feature of ongoing trade talks.

Trade officials are due to resume talks in Beijing on April 30 and then return to Washington for another round on May 8th.

China remains at the top of the USTR "priority watch list" for the worst violators of US trade secrets and an online market run by Alibaba also features on the "notorious markets" list.

Canada was removed from the worst-offenders list after the signing of a new regional free trade agreement, which includes new provisions to protect intellectual property.&nbsp;

The report said "these commitments will substantially improve the IP environment in Canada."&nbsp;

Colombia likewise was removed from the list after signing a free trade deal with Washington, but Saudi Arabia was added "for failing to address longstanding IP concerns and further deteriorating IP protection and enforcement within its borders," especially with regards to medicines, the report said.

The US on Thursday placed India on its 'Priority Watch List', alleging lack of "sufficient measurable improvements" to its Intellectual Property (IP) framework on long-standing and new challenges that have negatively affected American right holders over the past year.

The US on Thursday placed India on its 'Priority Watch List', alleging lack of "sufficient measurable improvements" to its Intellectual Property (IP) framework on long-standing and new challenges that have negatively affected American right holders over the past year. "Over the past year, India took steps to address intellectual property challenges and promote IP protection and enforcement. However, many of the actions have not yet translated into concrete benefits for innovators and creators, and long-standing deficiencies persist. India remains one of the world's most challenging major economies with respect to protection and enforcement of IP," an official US report said. The US Trade Representatives (USTR) in its report identified 11 countries, including India, in its 'Priority Watch List'. China, Indonesia, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela are among others. It has also placed 25 countries, including Pakistan, Turkey and the UAE, on the Watch List. In February, Republican Senator Richard Burr, chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee had said he worried about the spread in the United States of what he called "counterintelligence and information security risks that come prepackaged with the goods and services of certain overseas vendors." President Donald Trump has repeatedly thrashed Beijing for what he said was the rampant theft of US know-how, through forced technology transfer and other means, and made that a central feature of ongoing trade talks. Trade officials are due to resume talks in Beijing on April 30 and then return to Washington for another round on May 8th. China remains at the top of the USTR "priority watch list" for the worst violators of US trade secrets and an online market run by Alibaba also features on the "notorious markets" list. Canada was removed from the worst-offenders list after the signing of a new regional free trade agreement, which includes new provisions to protect intellectual property. The report said "these commitments will substantially improve the IP environment in Canada." Colombia likewise was removed from the list after signing a free trade deal with Washington, but Saudi Arabia was added "for failing to address longstanding IP concerns and further deteriorating IP protection and enforcement within its borders," especially with regards to medicines, the report said.

US places India, China among others on 'Priority Watch List' for IP rights violations

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship.

If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treat India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act.

It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation.

The bill HR 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

"India is the world's largest democracy, a pillar of stability in the region, and has shown strong commitments to export control policies," said Mr Wilson.

"This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with our security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. I am grateful for the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), led by Dr Mukesh Aghi, and their support for this legislation," he said.

The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera - the longest-serving Indian-American in the US Congress - and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States.

The language seeks unique consideration for trade and technology sharing with India and increased attention and support to advance this relationship in the areas of defence trade and technology sharing.

"The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State."

"Such a change will institutionalise the gains made in the relationship and provide a more stable foundation upon which both countries can solidify this unique defence partnership," USISPF said.

Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA FY 2017 has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement.

To fulfil the spirit and intent of the NDAA 2017, the US-India Enhanced Cooperation Act would amend the Arms Export Control Act to put India on par with NATO allies and Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

"We applaud Congressman Wilson's leadership in reintroducing this important bill. We are confident the US Congress will continue to enact legislation that bolsters the bilateral. The great power competition is not lost on Members of Congress, who understand the strategic imperative for a deeper relationship with India," said Mr Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF.

"This legislation would be a major breakthrough for the US-India defence relationship. As Chairman of USISPF, I support this move because it would ultimately further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The future is bright for the US-India relationship and we hope this legislation is enacted soon," USISPF chairman John Chambers said.

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship.

A bipartisan group of half a dozen influential American lawmakers has reintroduced important legislation in the House of Representatives which seeks to advance the US-India strategic relationship. If enacted, the legislation would ensure that the US State Department treat India as a NATO ally for the purposes of the Arms Export Control Act. It would send a powerful signal that defence sales to India should be prioritised according to US-India Strategic Partnership Forum, which had worked on this important legislation. The bill HR 2123 was introduced this week by Congressman Joe Wilson, a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "India is the world's largest democracy, a pillar of stability in the region, and has shown strong commitments to export control policies," said Mr Wilson. "This adjustment to US law will further allow the US-India partnership to flourish in line with our security commitment to the Indo-Pacific region. I am grateful for the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), led by Dr Mukesh Aghi, and their support for this legislation," he said. The original co-sponsors of the legislation are Congressman Ami Bera - the longest-serving Indian-American in the US Congress - and the House India Caucus Co-Chairs, Congressmen George Holding, Brad Sherman and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard and Congressman Ted Yoho. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal 2017 included special language recognising the unique US-India defence relationship that designated India as a "Major Defence Partner" of the United States. The language seeks unique consideration for trade and technology sharing with India and increased attention and support to advance this relationship in the areas of defence trade and technology sharing. "The legislation bolsters national security and helps ensure full alignment between the Department of Defense and the Department of State." "Such a change will institutionalise the gains made in the relationship and provide a more stable foundation upon which both countries can solidify this unique defence partnership," USISPF said. Although powerful in its own right, the NDAA FY 2017 has no legal bearing on the State Department's body of legislation, nor does it compel the State Department to view defence with India more favourably, USISPF said in a statement. To fulfil the spirit and intent of the NDAA 2017, the US-India Enhanced Cooperation Act would amend the Arms Export Control Act to put India on par with NATO allies and Israel, South Korea, New Zealand, Australia and Japan. "We applaud Congressman Wilson's leadership in reintroducing this important bill. We are confident the US Congress will continue to enact legislation that bolsters the bilateral. The great power competition is not lost on Members of Congress, who understand the strategic imperative for a deeper relationship with India," said Mr Aghi, president and CEO of USISPF. "This legislation would be a major breakthrough for the US-India defence relationship. As Chairman of USISPF, I support this move because it would ultimately further strengthen the strategic partnership between the two countries. The future is bright for the US-India relationship and we hope this legislation is enacted soon," USISPF chairman John Chambers said.

India could soon become a 'NATO ally'; bill introduced by US Congress

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald

Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade".

His statement came days after he criticised India, saying it is one of the world's "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/want-reciprocal-tax-on-india-to-match-tariffs-on-us-exports-says-donald-trump-200816">highest taxing nations</a>".

The US President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products.

Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas on Saturday, Trump said: "We have a case where a certain country, India, is charging us... What great country, a great friend, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi -- charging us over 100 per cent for many things".

The United States, he said, is charging India "nothing for similar or same" products.

In his speech, Trump indicated that he is receiving resistance from Senators for imposing a reciprocal tariff on India.

He cited India as a country other than China which imposes high tariffs on American products.

India, he alleged, continues to wage "stupid trade" and unfair trade practices, and called out Prime Minister Modi for the trade imbalance with the US.

"I have Senators who say, you can't do that. It's not free trade. When did they come from? Where did they come from? It's not free trade," he said, ramping up his rhetoric against India's trade and tariff policies.

He asked his senior administration officials to work on this.

"Will you please work on them? It's the craziest thing. It's stupid trade. We have so much stupid trade," Trump said.

He said that as a result of such trades, the US has lost for many years now -- $800 billion a year on trade.

"Who the hell makes these deals? Those are not good negotiators. Actually, Democrats made a lot of them though. But Republicans met a lot of up too, that's the amazing thing. They made $800 billion. But we're getting it back. We'll get to give back. We're going to be getting a lot of it.

"I have to be a little bit politically correct by saying it's ok if we lose $20 billion with a country because we want to be nice. We want to be nice with everyone," Trump said, asserting that his administration is cracking down on countries that cheat.

Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent.

Trump has said that his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers. 
&nbsp;

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade".

India charges America over 100 per cent tariffs on a large number of products while the US imposes nothing on the similar or same items, President Donald Trump has said, urging his administration to work on the "stupid trade". His statement came days after he criticised India, saying it is one of the world's "highest taxing nations". The US President has repeatedly claimed that India is a "tariff king" and imposes "tremendously high" tariffs on American products. Addressing the Republican Jewish Coalition in Las Vegas on Saturday, Trump said: "We have a case where a certain country, India, is charging us... What great country, a great friend, Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi -- charging us over 100 per cent for many things". The United States, he said, is charging India "nothing for similar or same" products. In his speech, Trump indicated that he is receiving resistance from Senators for imposing a reciprocal tariff on India. He cited India as a country other than China which imposes high tariffs on American products. India, he alleged, continues to wage "stupid trade" and unfair trade practices, and called out Prime Minister Modi for the trade imbalance with the US. "I have Senators who say, you can't do that. It's not free trade. When did they come from? Where did they come from? It's not free trade," he said, ramping up his rhetoric against India's trade and tariff policies. He asked his senior administration officials to work on this. "Will you please work on them? It's the craziest thing. It's stupid trade. We have so much stupid trade," Trump said. He said that as a result of such trades, the US has lost for many years now -- $800 billion a year on trade. "Who the hell makes these deals? Those are not good negotiators. Actually, Democrats made a lot of them though. But Republicans met a lot of up too, that's the amazing thing. They made $800 billion. But we're getting it back. We'll get to give back. We're going to be getting a lot of it. "I have to be a little bit politically correct by saying it's ok if we lose $20 billion with a country because we want to be nice. We want to be nice with everyone," Trump said, asserting that his administration is cracking down on countries that cheat. Early this year at a White House event to announce his support for the reciprocal tax, Trump said he was satisfied with the Indian decision to reduce the import tariff on high-end Harley-Davidson motorcycles from 100 per cent to 50 per cent. Trump has said that his administration is fixing broken trade deals to protect the American workers.

India charging US over 100 per cent tariffs on many products: Donald Trump

Investment of $1 Million in US required for EB-5 program

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country.

The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict".

"US issues Level 2 travel alert for India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict," White House bureau chief Steve Herman wrote on Twitter along with the advisory.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
US issues Level 2 travel alert for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> "due to the potential for armed conflict." <a href="https://t.co/HdC29kYTDk">pic.twitter.com/HdC29kYTDk</a>
— Steve Herman (@W7VOA) <a href="https://twitter.com/W7VOA/status/1104139987023474689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, it allowed American traveller to visit Ladakh region and its capital Leh.

The United States has various levels of the travel advisory. The level 2 advisory means citizens are advised to "exercise increased caution" while travelling to the said country.

The advisory comes in the wake of rising tension between India-Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group led by Masood Azhar.

In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale.

Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory. 
&nbsp;

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country. The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict".

The United States on Saturday issued a travel advisory for its citizens visiting India due to the prevailing tension in the country. The advisory issued by the US embassy asked Americans not to go within 10 kilometres of the border with Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict". "US issues Level 2 travel alert for India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict," White House bureau chief Steve Herman wrote on Twitter along with the advisory. US issues Level 2 travel alert for #India -- "exercise increased caution," warning Americans to not visit most of Jammu and Kashmir due to "terrorism and civil unrest" and not go within 10 km of the border with #Pakistan "due to the potential for armed conflict." pic.twitter.com/HdC29kYTDk — Steve Herman (@W7VOA) March 8, 2019 × However, it allowed American traveller to visit Ladakh region and its capital Leh. The United States has various levels of the travel advisory. The level 2 advisory means citizens are advised to "exercise increased caution" while travelling to the said country. The advisory comes in the wake of rising tension between India-Pakistan after around 40 CRPF personnel were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. The responsibility of the attack was claimed by the Jaish-e-Mohammed group led by Masood Azhar. In retaliation, the Indian Air Force carried out anti-terror strikes at a JeM terror training camp in Pakistan's Balakot last week, in which a large number of terrorists were killed, according to Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale. Since the Pulwama terror attack, pressure has been growing on Pakistan on the issue of its support to terror. US, France, UK, Australia publically have called on Islamabad to rein in the terror groups on its territory.

US issues travel warning to Americans: Don’t go near Pakistan border, don’t visit J&K due to terrorism

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed with British NSA Mark Sedwill the current situation between India and Pakistan and the efforts to reduce tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, the State Department has said.

Pompeo and Sedwill reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-UK special relationship and cooperation in the face of major global challenges, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said Friday.

According to the State Department, the talk was reflective of the fact that the United States continues to engage its resources to reduce the tensions between the two nuclear countries. 
"Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo met with UK National Security Advisor Mark Sedwill today to discuss key global priorities, including support for reducing tension between India and

Pakistan, securing progress in Syria, and countering Iran's malign influence," Palladino said in a statement. 
Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

The US, the UK and France, the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation United Nations Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC to designate JeM's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed with British NSA Mark Sedwill the current situation between India and Pakistan and the efforts to reduce tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, the State Department has said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed with British NSA Mark Sedwill the current situation between India and Pakistan and the efforts to reduce tensions between the two South Asian neighbours, the State Department has said. Pompeo and Sedwill reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the US-UK special relationship and cooperation in the face of major global challenges, State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said Friday. According to the State Department, the talk was reflective of the fact that the United States continues to engage its resources to reduce the tensions between the two nuclear countries. "Secretary of State Michael R Pompeo met with UK National Security Advisor Mark Sedwill today to discuss key global priorities, including support for reducing tension between India and Pakistan, securing progress in Syria, and countering Iran's malign influence," Palladino said in a statement. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. The US, the UK and France, the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation United Nations Security Council, last month moved a fresh proposal in the UNSC to designate JeM's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Mike Pompeo discusses Indo-Pak situation with British National Security Advisor

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia.&nbsp;

One slightly galling reminder of ground reality is the manner in which President Trump mocked Modi’s attempt to help Afghanistan by building libraries in that unfortunate war-torn, landlocked country.

To begin with, it was the cold war compulsions that rendered Pakistan particularly attractive to American establishment. This is not the place to go into details of how the military alliance that was forged to contain communism in Asia derailed Pakistan’s democracy and paved the way for the ruthless and corrupt military dictatorship in that land.&nbsp;

Ironically, when the chips were down the USA failed to come to Pakistan’s rescue. Despite all the bluster and bullying Nixon and Kissinger failed to browbeat Mrs. Indira Gandhi - who oversaw the break up of Pakistan and assisted in the birth of Bangladesh. Much water has flown under many bridges since then but the US has chosen not to remove its blinkers regarding Pakistan. It continues to equate Pakistan with India and provides generous, ill-deserved economic assistance to keep afloat the ‘failed state’.&nbsp;

Pakistan exploited to the hilt the presence of Soviet Armed Forces in Afghanistan in the 1970s to ingratiate itself with the USA. To cut a long and convoluted story very short the CIA colluded with ISI to raise a crop of Taliban to oust the Russians from Afghanistan. The strategy bore the desired result and the regime change was accomplished. But very soon the US found out that they had created a Frankenstein’s monster. They were riding a Tiger they dared not dismount. The meltdown of Afghanistan impacted adversely on Pakistan. The influx of refugees, smugglers and assorted outlaws in the provinces adjacent to strife-torn Afghanistan made Pakistan unstable and more difficult than ever before to govern.&nbsp;

The reign of Gen Zia aggravated the crisis by initiating Islamisation of the polity and the army. As a matter of fact, despite all his suave exterior, it was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who had set Pakistan on an irreversible course of identifying with the aggressive interpretation of Islam. To match India’s nuclear power he swore to make an Islamic Bomb aligning himself with Saudi Arabs and the Libyans. Amazingly, he succeeded in performing brilliantly on the tightrope for quite some time. He persuaded the US that he could be useful in building bridges with the Chinese. Hubris led mercurial Bhutto to his doom but Pakistan’s close ties with the USA survived a period of unprecedented volatility.&nbsp;

More recently, even after the US blew to smithereens the concept of Pakistan’s national sovereignty by exterminating Osama Bin Laden in a safe house next to the Military Cantonment in Abbottabad, it did not take long to regain equilibrium of sorts. What needs to be underlined here is the fact that the stresses and strains in US-Pak relations have never benefitted India. On the contrary, more than one POTUS, be he a Democrat or a Republican, has in his wisdom advised India to be patient with Pakistan- itself a dubious victim of terrorism!

Our economic and strategic ties with the USA have grown in steadily in the past decade and a half and it is difficult to imagine that they will not critically influence our bilateral and multilateral relations with all of our neighbours. America may not be as proximate as China and Russia but we better start looking at it as a 'Big Brotherly Neighbour'.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia.

No one has ever suggested that the USA is one of India’s neighbours but events ever since our independence and partition of India have conspired in a strange manner to make that superpower the dominating presence in South Asia. One slightly galling reminder of ground reality is the manner in which President Trump mocked Modi’s attempt to help Afghanistan by building libraries in that unfortunate war-torn, landlocked country. To begin with, it was the cold war compulsions that rendered Pakistan particularly attractive to American establishment. This is not the place to go into details of how the military alliance that was forged to contain communism in Asia derailed Pakistan’s democracy and paved the way for the ruthless and corrupt military dictatorship in that land. Ironically, when the chips were down the USA failed to come to Pakistan’s rescue. Despite all the bluster and bullying Nixon and Kissinger failed to browbeat Mrs. Indira Gandhi - who oversaw the break up of Pakistan and assisted in the birth of Bangladesh. Much water has flown under many bridges since then but the US has chosen not to remove its blinkers regarding Pakistan. It continues to equate Pakistan with India and provides generous, ill-deserved economic assistance to keep afloat the ‘failed state’. Pakistan exploited to the hilt the presence of Soviet Armed Forces in Afghanistan in the 1970s to ingratiate itself with the USA. To cut a long and convoluted story very short the CIA colluded with ISI to raise a crop of Taliban to oust the Russians from Afghanistan. The strategy bore the desired result and the regime change was accomplished. But very soon the US found out that they had created a Frankenstein’s monster. They were riding a Tiger they dared not dismount. The meltdown of Afghanistan impacted adversely on Pakistan. The influx of refugees, smugglers and assorted outlaws in the provinces adjacent to strife-torn Afghanistan made Pakistan unstable and more difficult than ever before to govern. The reign of Gen Zia aggravated the crisis by initiating Islamisation of the polity and the army. As a matter of fact, despite all his suave exterior, it was Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto who had set Pakistan on an irreversible course of identifying with the aggressive interpretation of Islam. To match India’s nuclear power he swore to make an Islamic Bomb aligning himself with Saudi Arabs and the Libyans. Amazingly, he succeeded in performing brilliantly on the tightrope for quite some time. He persuaded the US that he could be useful in building bridges with the Chinese. Hubris led mercurial Bhutto to his doom but Pakistan’s close ties with the USA survived a period of unprecedented volatility. More recently, even after the US blew to smithereens the concept of Pakistan’s national sovereignty by exterminating Osama Bin Laden in a safe house next to the Military Cantonment in Abbottabad, it did not take long to regain equilibrium of sorts. What needs to be underlined here is the fact that the stresses and strains in US-Pak relations have never benefitted India. On the contrary, more than one POTUS, be he a Democrat or a Republican, has in his wisdom advised India to be patient with Pakistan- itself a dubious victim of terrorism! Our economic and strategic ties with the USA have grown in steadily in the past decade and a half and it is difficult to imagine that they will not critically influence our bilateral and multilateral relations with all of our neighbours. America may not be as proximate as China and Russia but we better start looking at it as a 'Big Brotherly Neighbour'. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Ups and downs in US-Pakistan relations: What does it mean for India?

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report.

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago.

In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017.

China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US.

Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies.

Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'.

The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions.

US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data.

It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns.

"Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods.

"India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS.

Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress.

In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019.

"US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI.

India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports.

"The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively.

The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package.

Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts.

India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India. 
&nbsp;

India last year announced higher import duties on many US products in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war.

India's proposed retaliatory tariffs against US agricultural products including apples, almonds and lentils will have an adverse impact on American exports worth nearly $900 million, according to the latest Congressional report. India last year announced higher import duties on many US products like apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils in retaliation to President Donald Trump's decision to impose heavy tariffs on imported steel and aluminium items, a move that sparked fears of a global trade war. However, India is the only major country which has been continuously postponing the implementation of the retaliatory tariffs despite announcing it more than six months ago. In October last year, Trump described India as a "tariff king" as he reiterated his allegations that New Delhi has a high tariff rate on various American products. India's proposed retaliatory tariffs is far less than that by China on more than 800 American agricultural products which accounted for approximately $20.6 billion in exports to the US in 2017. China is followed by Canada ($2.6 billion), Mexico ($ 2.5 billion), the European Union (EU) ($1 billion) and Turkey ($250 million) in slapping retaliatory tariffs on the agricultural products from the US. Countries have imposed tariffs on American agricultural products to retaliate against actions the Trump administration took in March, 2018 to protect US steel and aluminum producers and in response to Chinese intellectual property rights and technology policies. Since then, over 800 US food and agricultural products have been subject to retaliatory tariffs from China, the EU, Turkey, Canada and Mexico, the bipartisan Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its report 'Profiles and Effects of Retaliatory Tariffs on US Agricultural Exports'. The CRS, an independent research wing of Congress, regularly prepares reports on various issues for the lawmakers to take informed decisions. US exports of those products to the retaliating countries totalled $26.9 billion in 2017, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) export data. It all started on March 23, 2018, when the Trump administration applied a 25 per cent tariff to all US steel imports and a 10 per cent tariff to all US aluminum imports, citing an investigation that showed national security concerns. "Canada, China, Mexico, the EU and Turkey retaliated with tariffs on imports of US agricultural and food products and other goods. "India has proposed retaliatory tariffs on US apples, almonds, walnuts, chickpeas and lentils, but it has delayed implementation pending ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration," said the CRS. Reports of CRS are prepared by independent experts for the lawmakers to make informed decisions and are not an official position of the US Congress. In its report dated December 31, the CRS said in response to the tariffs the Trump administration levied on US imports of steel and aluminum from India earlier this year, India has threatened to impose retaliatory tariffs on a handful of US agricultural and food products. The date for imposing these tariffs has been pushed back several times, and they are currently set to become effective on January 31, 2019. "US exports of the targeted products were valued at $857 million in 2017, comprising 54 per cent of the $1.8 billion of total US agricultural exports to India. US almond growers, in particular, could feel the effects of India's threatened tariffs should they enter into force," said the CRS, a copy of which was obtained by PTI. India ranked third as a destination for US apple exports in 2017, purchasing $97 million of US apples, or 10 per cent of the total exports. "The Indian government proposes to apply a 30 per cent retaliatory tariff on imports of US apples on January 31, 2019," the CRS said. Comparatively, US apple exports to Mexico and China are now subject to additional retaliatory tariffs of 20 per cent and 40 per cent respectively, raising the total tariff rates to 20 per cent and 50 per cent respectively. The Trump administration has taken measures to ease the downside effects of the retaliatory tariffs on farmers and ranchers through a $12 billion trade aid package. Under the initiative, USDA has committed to making direct payments to farmers of selected commodities subject to the tariffs, as well as buying up surplus quantities of some commodities and providing funding for additional trade promotion efforts. India's exports to the US in 2017-18 stood at $47.9 billion, while imports were $26.7 billion. The trade balance is in favour of India.

India's retaliatory tariffs to hit US exports worth $900 million: Report

In a move to boost India and United States defence cooperation, the US today renamed the Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command.

Expanding on the symbolic move, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said: "Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability."

The US Pacific Command forces(USPACOM) is responsible for security in the Asia Pacific region. The Command encompasses nearly half of the earth's surface including China, Korea, western India to Australia,&nbsp;New Zealand including the&nbsp;Arctic and the Antarctic.

"In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the US&nbsp;Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command," Mattis said.

The US Indo-Pacific command has been in the works for a while. In 2016, the US and India had signed an agreement governing the use of each other's land, air and naval bases for repair and resupply which was seen as a counterweight against the Chinese Navy.&nbsp;

India is already the United States' second largest arms buyer with the relationship set to grow manifolds as it modernises its armed forces in line with new demands in an increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific region.

Although there have been sticking points in defence ties namely the row over the recent acquisition&nbsp;of the Russian-made S-400 defence missile system, Mattis has been pushing for exemption for India with the Trump administration.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The US Indo-Pacific command has been in the works for a while.

In a move to boost India and United States defence cooperation, the US today renamed the Pacific Command as US Indo-Pacific Command. Expanding on the symbolic move, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said: "Relationships with our Pacific and Indian Ocean allies and partners have proven critical to maintaining regional stability." The US Pacific Command forces(USPACOM) is responsible for security in the Asia Pacific region. The Command encompasses nearly half of the earth's surface including China, Korea, western India to Australia, New Zealand including the Arctic and the Antarctic. "In recognition of the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, today we rename the US Pacific Command to US Indo-Pacific Command," Mattis said. The US Indo-Pacific command has been in the works for a while. In 2016, the US and India had signed an agreement governing the use of each other's land, air and naval bases for repair and resupply which was seen as a counterweight against the Chinese Navy. India is already the United States' second largest arms buyer with the relationship set to grow manifolds as it modernises its armed forces in line with new demands in an increasingly competitive Asia-Pacific region. Although there have been sticking points in defence ties namely the row over the recent acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 defence missile system, Mattis has been pushing for exemption for India with the Trump administration.

Trump's India initiative: US Pacific Command renamed US Indo-Pacific Command

An American business advocacy group has asked US Trade Representative to continue to place India on its priority watch list, alleging that there is strong evidence that New Delhi has not made sufficient efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights holders&#39; interests.

 
While the Government of India made some noteworthy improvements to the overall IP environment in 2017, the Alliance for Fair Trade with India (AFTI) said New Delhi did not address numerous critical and longstanding shortcomings to its IPR regime.

 
These critical shortcomings include costly and time-consuming patent opposition hurdles for patent applicants, and long timelines for receiving patents; and lack an effective system for protecting data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products, it said.

 
&quot;There is strong evidence that India has not made sufficient efforts to emerge from its current status under the Priority Watch List, or to protect adequately IPR holders&#39; interests with respect to patents, copyright, and trade secrets,&quot; it said in its submission to the USTR on the latter&rsquo;s Special 301 review.

 
The Special 301 Report is prepared annually by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) which identifies trade barriers to US companies and products due to the intellectual property laws, such as copyright, patents and trademarks, in other countries.

 
&quot;AFTI requests that USTR once again place India on its Priority Watch List, where it has been placed &ndash; except for the few years it was listed as a Priority Foreign Country &ndash; since the first Special 301 Report in 1989,&quot;it said. 
AFTI members saw several new actions over the past year that created significant new IP challenges, it said.

 
These include troublesome steps related to Section 8 of the Patent Law, new court rulings related to &quot;patent working&quot;, and a stronger push by India in international forums to weaken strong international rules for IPR protection, AFTI said.

 
The AFTI alleged that forced localisation continues to be a chronic issue facing US IPR holders in India.

 
&quot;The Modi administration has not taken meaningful action to revise protectionist forced localisation policies clearly aimed at favouring domestic IP holders at the expense of goods, services, and IP from other countries,&quot; it said. 
&quot;In addition, his &#39;Make in India&#39; campaign has given some additional fodder to those who wish to promote local IPR and local manufacturing at the expense of US companies and products,&quot; the AFTI said.

Alliance for Fair Trade with India said New Delhi did not address numerous critical and longstanding shortcomings to its IPR regime

An American business advocacy group has asked US Trade Representative to continue to place India on its priority watch list, alleging that there is strong evidence that New Delhi has not made sufficient efforts to protect Intellectual Property Rights holders' interests. While the Government of India made some noteworthy improvements to the overall IP environment in 2017, the Alliance for Fair Trade with India (AFTI) said New Delhi did not address numerous critical and longstanding shortcomings to its IPR regime. These critical shortcomings include costly and time-consuming patent opposition hurdles for patent applicants, and long timelines for receiving patents; and lack an effective system for protecting data generated to obtain marketing approval for pharmaceutical and agricultural chemical products, it said. "There is strong evidence that India has not made sufficient efforts to emerge from its current status under the Priority Watch List, or to protect adequately IPR holders' interests with respect to patents, copyright, and trade secrets," it said in its submission to the USTR on the latter’s Special 301 review. The Special 301 Report is prepared annually by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) which identifies trade barriers to US companies and products due to the intellectual property laws, such as copyright, patents and trademarks, in other countries. "AFTI requests that USTR once again place India on its Priority Watch List, where it has been placed – except for the few years it was listed as a Priority Foreign Country – since the first Special 301 Report in 1989,"it said. AFTI members saw several new actions over the past year that created significant new IP challenges, it said. These include troublesome steps related to Section 8 of the Patent Law, new court rulings related to "patent working", and a stronger push by India in international forums to weaken strong international rules for IPR protection, AFTI said. The AFTI alleged that forced localisation continues to be a chronic issue facing US IPR holders in India. "The Modi administration has not taken meaningful action to revise protectionist forced localisation policies clearly aimed at favouring domestic IP holders at the expense of goods, services, and IP from other countries," it said. "In addition, his 'Make in India' campaign has given some additional fodder to those who wish to promote local IPR and local manufacturing at the expense of US companies and products," the AFTI said.

India hasn't made enough efforts to protect IPR holders' interests: US trade body

Afghanistan has sought more military supplies from India including attack helicopters as it stepped up its offensive last week against terror groups killing 300 Islamic State terrorists, the top US and NATO commander in the war-ravaged country said today. 
 
General John Nicholson said India has been making &quot;enormouslyy valuable&quot; contribution in strengthening Afghan security forces and the US favours the military support. 
 
India has already provided four Mi-25 helicopters to Afghanistan and US Commander said the country needs more military aircraft to deal with Taliban and various other terror outfits. 
 
Welcoming India&#39;s contribution to restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan, Nicholson said terror outfits like the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are not only a threat to Afghanistan but to the region, including India, and the US was putting pressure on Pakistan to contain these groups. 
 
He said the Taliban also &quot;enjoys sanctuaries&quot; in Pakistan. &quot;We consistently encourage Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups that operate from its territory and close down their safe havens,&quot; he told journalists. 
 
Nicholson, who heads the US operations in Afghanistan, met India&#39;s national security adviser Ajit Doval, foreign secretary S Jaishankar and defence secretary G Mohan Kumar and discussed a range of issues including situation in Afghanistan and terror threat to the region. 
 
The US commander said Afghan forces, supported by the US, had launched a major offensive against Islamic State terror outfit two weeks back in which around 300 IS fighters were killed. 
 
&quot;In the course of the operation they killed a number of top leaders of the organisation and upto 300 of their fighters. Obviously it&#39;s difficult to get an exact count, but what this amounts to is about 25 per cent of the organisation at least, and so this represents a severe setback for them. It reduced their territory,&quot; he said. 
 
The US Commander said military training by India to thousands of Afghan security personnel has helped that country in significantly enhancing its military capability which is in tune with the objective of the NATO and the US. 
 
(PTI) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Welcoming India's contribution to Afghanistan, Nicholson said terror outfits like Lashkar-e-Toiba are a threat to the entire region

Afghanistan has sought more military supplies from India including attack helicopters as it stepped up its offensive last week against terror groups killing 300 Islamic State terrorists, the top US and NATO commander in the war-ravaged country said today. General John Nicholson said India has been making "enormouslyy valuable" contribution in strengthening Afghan security forces and the US favours the military support. India has already provided four Mi-25 helicopters to Afghanistan and US Commander said the country needs more military aircraft to deal with Taliban and various other terror outfits. Welcoming India's contribution to restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan, Nicholson said terror outfits like the Haqqani network, Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad are not only a threat to Afghanistan but to the region, including India, and the US was putting pressure on Pakistan to contain these groups. He said the Taliban also "enjoys sanctuaries" in Pakistan. "We consistently encourage Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups that operate from its territory and close down their safe havens," he told journalists. Nicholson, who heads the US operations in Afghanistan, met India's national security adviser Ajit Doval, foreign secretary S Jaishankar and defence secretary G Mohan Kumar and discussed a range of issues including situation in Afghanistan and terror threat to the region. The US commander said Afghan forces, supported by the US, had launched a major offensive against Islamic State terror outfit two weeks back in which around 300 IS fighters were killed. "In the course of the operation they killed a number of top leaders of the organisation and upto 300 of their fighters. Obviously it's difficult to get an exact count, but what this amounts to is about 25 per cent of the organisation at least, and so this represents a severe setback for them. It reduced their territory," he said. The US Commander said military training by India to thousands of Afghan security personnel has helped that country in significantly enhancing its military capability which is in tune with the objective of the NATO and the US. (PTI)

US favours India's military support to Afghanistan: General John Nicholson

us-india

Us India, News on Us India, stories on Us India, articles on Us India, Us India stories at Wion, Us India news, Us India latest news

us india