India-US Relations : News and Discussion- II

[ramana]

So basically Obama did not keep with the theme of the NSS summit he organized and used it to bash India gratuitously.

What else to expect form someone who insults India in New Delhi after being accorded Chief Guest status for Republic Day parade? Undeserving person.

But one has to accord the status to reveal the pettiness of the person.

[KJo]

Is this really surprising?
America is no one's friend. It is no one's enemy. It only does what is in it's own interest and very selfishly at that. We need to do what we need to do.
The US will have this carrot and stick policy to control other countries. We are in the stick phase. Next will be the carrots. The US will forever link us to Pakistan because they know the leverage that gains them. They are not stupid to think that India is the same as Pakistan.

[Cosmo_R]

>>an amreki offer of this magnitude

What is the offer? Essentially to buy their products faster, and while we are at it, sign here and here to ensure that we don't have to sanction you later.

Nothing wrong with that, in essence. Basically it's the nature of the game in the vastly asymmetric military-industrial complexes that the two countries contain, and the urgency of our needs.

But it is important to recognise what is happening for what it is. They are not doing us a favour. They are doing us a service for which we are paying handsomely, and reducing some aspects of our military autonomy in the process while enhancing it in others; they are only increasing their autonomy. Not a bad deal from their point of view. From ours, it is what we have to do if we want what we want. And we do. Like I said, the urgency of need, because the world in our neighbourhood is changing fast. Delicate balance.

If I'm going to trust any government to play it as per civilisational strategic interest, it is this one. Not that the others have played too badly thus far.

Well said JEM. They are indeed offering to provide us a service that we have to judge on its merits. No country except perhaps India, is in the business of doing favors.

[chetak]

>>an amreki offer of this magnitude

What is the offer? Essentially to buy their products faster, and while we are at it, sign here and here to ensure that we don't have to sanction you later.

Nothing wrong with that, in essence. Basically it's the nature of the game in the vastly asymmetric military-industrial complexes that the two countries contain, and the urgency of our needs.

But it is important to recognise what is happening for what it is. They are not doing us a favour. They are doing us a service for which we are paying handsomely, and reducing some aspects of our military autonomy in the process while enhancing it in others; they are only increasing their autonomy. Not a bad deal from their point of view. From ours, it is what we have to do if we want what we want. And we do. Like I said, the urgency of need, because the world in our neighbourhood is changing fast. Delicate balance.

If I'm going to trust any government to play it as per civilisational strategic interest, it is this one. Not that the others have played too badly thus far.

my statement of the amreki offer and the heathens saying no, was entirely sarcastic onlee.

I am no great amreki fan as would be evident from many of my posts.

This govt or any other makes no difference actually, the amrekis are to be kept far away and when absolutely need be, then sup with a long spoon.

Modi got his majority for the exclusive and sole benefit of India and the Indians. It's a position not to be foolishly squandered away because some stupid goras or pakis think that it gives them carte blanche to make silly demands on India and Modi would very dutifully ram it thru the parliament to lick their backsides and settle his sights on the nobel.

we are in different ends of the world, both literally and figuratively, and national imperatives are extremely dissimilar, especially when seen through each other's eyes.

No amount of amreki lipstick on a pig will matter in the least for India as their deep state has pointedly demonstrated to us, time and time again.

basically, the amreki deep state is trying to sell it's life expired snake oil, hoping to cash in on the cosy little tea ceremony in dilli after which, obama, the ungracious, uncultured and typically the "ugly american" guest took a swipe at his hosts who had heartily and warmly welcomed him into their own home.

The sheer pressure that is being put on us for all these "agreements" somehow gives me a sneaky feeling that the next amreki govt will not be perceived as "friendly" by India and so the deep state is in a bit of a panties in a twist situation.

maybe we should be wary of amrekis bearing gifts, no??

[JE Menon]

^We should be wary of anyone bearing gifts.

[Hari Seldon]

^+1.

Worst case, the "landmark/ foundational /strategeric /whatever" agreements should only be signed on a 1-year basis awaiting annual renewal from both sides - that should prevent mischief + low-blows + packee-appeasement and what not at least for a while.

Send a Goundamani to do assessment + renewal recommendation from our side.

Can always not renew later, citing some expedient or the other, I guess.

[SSridhar]

'Lack of understanding of our defence posture': India on Barack Obama's comments - PTI

India on Monday reacted critically to US President Barack Obama's comments asking it to reduce its nuclear arsenal, saying there seems to be a "lack of understanding" of country's defence posture.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said conventionally, India, which has a no-first use nuclear weapons policy, has never initiated military action against any neighbour.

"Yes, we have seen those remarks. There seems to be a lack of understanding of India's defence posture. Conventionally, India has never initiated military action against any neighbour. We also have a no-first use nuclear weapons policy.

"Since the context was the Nuclear Security Summit, the President's own remark that 'expanding nuclear arsenals in some countries, with more small tactical nuclear weapons which could be at greater risk of theft' sums up the focus of global concern," Swarup said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on Obama's remarks last week at the Nuclear Security Summit press conference on India and Pakistan's military doctrines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to attend the summit, which was attended by over 50 world leaders.

At the end of the two-day meet in Washington, Obama stressed on the need for India and Pakistan to make progress in reducing their nuclear arsenal and ensure they do not "continually move in the wrong direction" while developing military doctrines.

[SSridhar]

^We should be wary of anyone bearing gifts.

Absolutely, especially when the 'gifts' come from the US.

Somehow, the NDA government is getting much closer to the US. Too close for comfort without extracting anything tangibly in return. Are we unwilling to bargain tough with the US because of morality issues or are we undone by the cosmetic personality charm offensive by Obama with Modi?

[chetak]

'Lack of understanding of our defence posture': India on Barack Obama's comments - PTI

India on Monday reacted critically to US President Barack Obama's comments asking it to reduce its nuclear arsenal, saying there seems to be a "lack of understanding" of country's defence posture.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup also said conventionally, India, which has a no-first use nuclear weapons policy, has never initiated military action against any neighbour.

"Yes, we have seen those remarks. There seems to be a lack of understanding of India's defence posture. Conventionally, India has never initiated military action against any neighbour. We also have a no-first use nuclear weapons policy.

"Since the context was the Nuclear Security Summit, the President's own remark that 'expanding nuclear arsenals in some countries, with more small tactical nuclear weapons which could be at greater risk of theft' sums up the focus of global concern," Swarup said.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on Obama's remarks last week at the Nuclear Security Summit press conference on India and Pakistan's military doctrines. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had gone to attend the summit, which was attended by over 50 world leaders.

At the end of the two-day meet in Washington, Obama stressed on the need for India and Pakistan to make progress in reducing their nuclear arsenal and ensure they do not "continually move in the wrong direction" while developing military doctrines.

sheer frustration that the chaiwallah has stymied the great white hope of the amrekis de fanging India and making it a poodle state. weak assed, unjustified WTO referrals make for bad relationships with a gujju like Modi

hopefully they will mind their manners if and when the POTUS visits next time.

hope that the don't elect a pontificating "ugly amreki" type again.

if you are a friend, let's see that "clean" heart, if not, bugger off.

the charm and new relationship smell wore off after obama's insidious comments in India as opposed to his virtual radio silence on the paki easter blasts, after which even the raheels were unable to look anyone in the eye. Both are now slithering around and skulking in the shadows.

[Philip]

Why do our babus and servile MEA and other establishment entities continue to perform diplomatic "fellatio" for Uncle Sam?
If the UIS Pres. cannot undrestand India's defence threats and posture,then why are we taking part in the US Red Flag air exercises?
Bring back our aircraft and pilots.

[Singha]

MMS was atleast kept in check by unknown Hawks among babus and upa cabinet. Seems to be no checks and balances now. If no agni5 test happens for next 6 months we can be 100% certain it has been sold out as a cbm

[chetak]

Why do our babus and servile MEA and other establishment entities continue to perform diplomatic "fellatio" for Uncle Sam?
If the UIS Pres. cannot undrestand India's defence threats and posture,then why are we taking part in the US Red Flag air exercises?
Bring back our aircraft and pilots.

visa and jobs for their kids, family and extended families, hospitality and NGO consultancies, invitations to premium paid junkets, aren't these enough to suborn the vile baboo(n)s??


when the price is so low and economical, why would they not get diplomatic ............performed??

[devesh]

MMS was atleast kept in check by unknown Hawks among babus and upa cabinet. Seems to be no checks and balances now. If no agni5 test happens for next 6 months we can be 100% certain it has been sold out as a cbm

"the empire strikes back".

goes to show that even Namo/BJP are not immune from internal ideological corruption.

perhaps we should really consider which sections of the State go into overdrive to convince the reigning leadership that they have to bend over backwards with these CBM's.

[SSridhar]

More goodies for Pakistan after gratuitously advising India on its strategies & weapons.

After F-16 fighter jets, US to sell nine AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan - PTI

The US is poised to sell nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters worth $170 million to Pakistan, weeks after Obama administration decided to provide eight F-16 fighter jets to the country despite strong opposition from some Congressmen and India.

The Pentagon has awarded Bell Helicopter a contract to manufacture and deliver the choppers to Pakistan under its foreign military sales funds.

As per the State Department notification to the Congress, Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 15 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters, 32 T-700 GE 401C Engines (30 installed and 2 spares), and 1000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II Missiles in containers.

It also included 36 H-1 Technical Refresh Mission computers, 17 AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, 30 629F-23 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency Communication Systems, and 19 H-764 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems. ..

Other military hardware were 32 Helmet Mounted Display/Optimised Top Owl, 17 APX-117A Identification Friend or Foe, 17 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 17 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Sets, 18 AN/APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 15 Joint Mission Planning Systems and 17 M197 20mm Gun Systems.

The total estimated cost is $952 million.

"This proposed sale of helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia," the Defence Security Cooperation Agency had said last year.

Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, that was developed for the US Marine Corps.

The Obama administration earlier this year approved a $700 million sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite strong opposition from some American lawmakers and India.

The India-US relationship appears completely detrimental to Indian interests at this stage. For a quarter of all that has happened in this relationship since 2014, we would have subjected Man Mohan Singh to extreme negative analysis here. Modi seems to have conceded simply too much space. Is he in awe of Barack Obama?

[member_22733]

^We should be wary of anyone bearing gifts.

There is no free lunch. Unless you are a corrupt babu selling down your country to unkil for a few vijjas. Such babus must be punished by the fullest extent of the law and if such a law does not exist then it must be passed ASAP with anyone breaking it getting a one way ticket to Tihad jail.

[member_22733]

The India-US relationship appears completely detrimental to Indian interests at this stage. For a quarter of all that has happened in this relationship since 2014, we would have subjected Man Mohan Singh to extreme negative analysis here. Modi seems to have conceded simply too much space. Is he in awe of Barack Obama?

Certainly seems to be in awe of either massa or "My Friend Boorak".

[habal]

"Obu" or some other sh1t was what he called him.
this "Obu" didn't bat an eyelid when he bombed sleeping children in Libya. Some palace belonging to Gaddafi's children was bombed and his grandchildren sleeping inside were killed and blown apart. I still can't forget that scene even today. There was so much innocence on the kid's face as he was killed sleeping.
"Obu"

[SSridhar]

If any good sense prevails in GoI, it should call off Ash Carter's visit to sign those death-embracing agreements.

[member_22733]

Pardon the Benis (for obvious reasons)
Ombaba is just a figurehead. All massa CEOs are.

The real movers and shakers are the CON-men whose members are heavily networked into the fraggy battam boys and Cover-Your-Ass boys. The CON-men are in the pockets of mil-ind lobby.

Ombabas statement on nucular issues has to be seen with these players in mind. Just like his spitting on our faces about "intolerance" during his visit here was interplay between EJs and Fraggy-Battam.

Think of the machinery behind such instances. They have been consistent and unwavering regardless of the administration. It is unlikely to change even if Trumpet becomes prejident.

[member_22733]

The only way out of this for India is to develop such a machinery, a mirror of what massa has and get into the pockets of every CON-man by hook or by crook.

Also might help to lobby with "non-Atlantisist" CON-men i.e. those who dont owe allegiance to britshit world-view.

[Viv S]

MMS was atleast kept in check by unknown Hawks among babus and upa cabinet. Seems to be no checks and balances now. If no agni5 test happens for next 6 months we can be 100% certain it has been sold out as a cbm

Why would you think this is related to the Agni 5? I mean if the maiden test was upcoming.. maybe. But we've already tested in three times including once during the Modi govt's tenure. I don't see what's changed, notwithstanding an off-the-cuff comment by Obama (one of many since he took office) causing irritation. Especially considering the fact that he has less than an year left in office.


India test launches Agni-V long-range missile - April 2012
Second test flight of 'Agni-V' - Sept 2013
India's Longest Range Ballistic Missile, Successfully Test-Fired - Jan 2015

Only the first of these received significant coverage in the Western press and most of that was about it being a China-centric weapon.


Signs of an Asian Arms Buildup in India’s Missile Test - New York Times

By HEATHER TIMMONS and JIM YARDLEY, APRIL 19, 2012

NEW DELHI — India’s successful test on Thursday of a long-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead is the latest escalation of an arms race in Asia, where the assertiveness and rising military power of China has rattled the region and prompted a forceful response from the Obama administration.

The Obama administration, while still trying to extract itself from Afghanistan, is now cultivating alliances with Asian nations and redirecting its strategic and military focus toward Asia to manage China’s new military clout.

China announced double-digit increases in military spending last month, and some Chinese military leaders have accused the United States of trying to contain China’s rise.

Still, many Asian nations, spooked by aggressive Chinese claims on maritime rights and other issues, have welcomed a vigorous American presence in the region.

The Philippines and the United States began joint military exercises on Monday, including mock beach invasions along coastlines facing China, as part of a strengthening military alliance between the two countries. A contingent of American Marines arrived in northern Australia two weeks ago, the first of 2,500 troops to be deployed there under an agreement signed last year.

Thursday, the day of India's test, the longtime American ally South Korea publicly confirmed the deployment of cruise missiles with a range of up to 930 miles, able to reach any location in North Korea. American and Bangladeshi officials met the dame day in Dhaka on security issues. Closer to home for China, in January, the United States sold $6 billion in weapons to Taiwan, and has made overtures to Myanmar, China's longtime authoritarian ally, as it begins to thaw.

Perhaps no Asian nation has been more unnerved by rising Chinese power than India.

“All of this, from the Chinese perspective, looks like a movement from balancing China to containing China,” said Graeme P. Herd, a security expert at the Geneva Center for Security Policy. He said the timing of the missile launching, as the Chinese government is reeling from a scandal involving a top leader, would heighten Chinese suspicions and also “increases the perception of an arms race, and the reality of an arms race, in East Asia, particularly between China and India.”

The United States, which led the criticism of North Korea’s missile launching last Friday, appeared to warily endorse the Indian missile test. “We urge all nuclear-capable states to exercise restraint regarding nuclear capabilities,” said Mark C. Toner, a State Department spokesman. “That said, India has a solid nonproliferation record,” he added, and noted that India had a “no first use” policy on nuclear weapons.

But the criticism was muted compared with the near-universal condemnation of North Korea after it launched a satellite rocket last week. The West suspects that the rocket, which fell apart moments after takeoff, was a cover for nuclear development, for which North Korea has been condemned by the United Nations Security council. “India’s record stands in stark contrast to that of North Korea,” the White House spokesman, Jay Carney, said.

That contrast served India well on Thursday.

India poses no missile threat: NATO

Brussels: NATO does not consider India as a missile threat despite the country's advanced missile development programme, NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said.

India tested its domestically-developed Agni-5 ballistic missile with a range of 5,000 km this morning. The three-stage solid-fuel missile was launched from a site on Wheelers' Island in the Bay of Bengal and reached its target area in southern Indian Ocean.

A successful test of the Agni-5 missile has put India in the elite club of nations having Inter-Continental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM), which includes the US, Russia, China, Britain and France.

Speaking at a news conference at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rasmussen said Wednesday the Alliance does not consider India as a threat to NATO allies and territory.
IANS

[Mort Walker]

Obama is becoming harsh on India as directed by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) as it paves the way to Hillary's coronation in January. I expect Indo-US relations to deteriorate further to serve Hillary's plus the DNC's global agenda. One of appeasing Sunni Muslim extremists and the PRC. India doesn't fit in their agenda and must be brought in line.

[svinayak]

The India-US relationship appears completely detrimental to Indian interests at this stage. For a quarter of all that has happened in this relationship since 2014, we would have subjected Man Mohan Singh to extreme negative analysis here. Modi seems to have conceded simply too much space. Is he in awe of Barack Obama?

Certainly seems to be in awe of either massa or "My Friend Boorak".

By end of the year Pak with support from China may attack India and near region looking at the US election and position of US economy. There is a real threat by the end of the 4qtr with Pak showing aggression even during bad times.

[johneeG]

More goodies for Pakistan after gratuitously advising India on its strategies & weapons.

After F-16 fighter jets, US to sell nine AH-1Z Viper helicopters to Pakistan - PTI

The US is poised to sell nine AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters worth $170 million to Pakistan, weeks after Obama administration decided to provide eight F-16 fighter jets to the country despite strong opposition from some Congressmen and India.

The Pentagon has awarded Bell Helicopter a contract to manufacture and deliver the choppers to Pakistan under its foreign military sales funds.

As per the State Department notification to the Congress, Pakistan has requested a possible sale of 15 AH-1Z Viper Attack Helicopters, 32 T-700 GE 401C Engines (30 installed and 2 spares), and 1000 AGM-114 R Hellfire II Missiles in containers.

It also included 36 H-1 Technical Refresh Mission computers, 17 AN/AAQ-30 Target Sight Systems, 30 629F-23 Ultra High Frequency/Very High Frequency Communication Systems, and 19 H-764 Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation Systems. ..

Other military hardware were 32 Helmet Mounted Display/Optimised Top Owl, 17 APX-117A Identification Friend or Foe, 17 AN/AAR-47 Missile Warning Systems, 17 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasure Dispenser Sets, 18 AN/APR-39C(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers, 15 Joint Mission Planning Systems and 17 M197 20mm Gun Systems.

The total estimated cost is $952 million.

"This proposed sale of helicopters and weapon systems will provide Pakistan with military capabilities in support of its counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in South Asia," the Defence Security Cooperation Agency had said last year.

Bell AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W SuperCobra, that was developed for the US Marine Corps.

The Obama administration earlier this year approved a $700 million sale of eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan despite strong opposition from some American lawmakers and India.

The India-US relationship appears completely detrimental to Indian interests at this stage. For a quarter of all that has happened in this relationship since 2014, we would have subjected Man Mohan Singh to extreme negative analysis here. Modi seems to have conceded simply too much space. Is he in awe of Barack Obama?

But, if Modi is in awe of US and giving Joint investigation chance to pak, then why give all these weapons to pak? Pak needs these weapons only if there is war with India. If there has to be a war, then either India has to start it or pakistan. No one thinks that pakistan will launch an overt war. So, these weapons are needed only if they expect India to attack pakistan.

[Singha]

Despite India making no effort to get better and more tanks, TSP is being given 1000s of Hellfires and tows as a xbm

[KJo]

The US is very smart about all the pomp and show they do when they invite leaders who they need to do g***nd mein ungli. They do a White House press tamasha, then maybe an address to congress, then a WH dinner etc etc. Make the leader feel indebted and feel that they have done so much, let us give something in return. It's only someone who is immune from such allurements who can withstand this.

[Yagnasri]

Hillary is going to have "get Modi" 2.0 and her Paki girlfriend will be spearheading that effort. I do hope Trump wins it. He may also be very bad towards India and Modi, but no one can beat Clintons in their hatred for India.

[member_23370]

Like I said brahmos to Iran and watch the US state dep squeal. India should not care about MTCR and sell Agni-1 to vietnam and friendly countries.

[RajeshA]

Hillary is going to have "get Modi" 2.0 and her Paki girlfriend will be spearheading that effort. I do hope Trump wins it. He may also be very bad towards India and Modi, but no one can beat Clintons in their hatred for India.

I hope very much that Indian-Americans give maximum support to Trump against Republican establishment and Hillary.

Democrats may be acceptable only if Bernie Sanders is the candidate with Tulsi Gabbard as VP on the ticket.

[KJo]

Hillary is going to have "get Modi" 2.0 and her Paki girlfriend will be spearheading that effort. I do hope Trump wins it. He may also be very bad towards India and Modi, but no one can beat Clintons in their hatred for India.

Huma Abedin is half Paki, the rest of her is Indian. I don't recall, has she made any anti India statements?

It think Trump being a businessman appreciates India's efforts on economy. He's a bania himself. Time will tell.

[UlanBatori]

HA is like a rotten orange: yellow on the outside, green inside.

[Vipul]

I recall seeing a clip of Tarek Fatah where he pointed out how Huma Abedin's family is connected to some very shady elements.

He has detailed the connection on this link.

[arshyam]

Democrats may be acceptable only if Bernie Sanders is the candidate with Tulsi Gabbard as VP on the ticket.

I doubt even this will be useful in the context of India-US relations. We have seen that US foreign policy is directed by the SD+CFR+deep state, so irrespective of who's occupying the WH, the policy will be in a particular direction. There is only so much the elected rep can do. The unflinching support to our western neighbour is a case in point.

If the dems win without HC, I doubt she will be a full outsider. Perhaps another stint at the Foggy bottom or some similar advisory role will be given to her. At the end of the day, the India policy will continue on the same lines. Trump OTOH will not give lectures like Ombaba is wont to do (perhaps to live up to his 'noble' halo?). But that's about it. I doubt he will reverse the adversarial US policy on trade, pharma, solar tech, food security/WTO, NSG, paki-pasandness, etc. leading up to their overall geopolitical embrace on their terms. He probably won't even change them a bit to accommodate our concerns.

IMHO, we should stop worrying about who will get elected and their impact on India - instead focus on how we can counter the underlying US policy with our own consistent policy dictated solely by our interests, irrespective of who's in power in South Block. That means a deep state on our end as well. Currently, we don't seem to have one, or one that is so shallow that it might get swayed by the mere promise of a visa. And so far, the BJP for all its nationalist posturing hasn't come off well in their rah-rah-Amreeka policy. Though nothing concrete has been ceded, my worry has increased with the current dispensation, ironically, compared to Maunmohan's. I mean, not even a whimper of 'mind your fkcing business' in Modi's response to Ombaba. First time, okay, Ombaba was our guest, and athithi devo bhava, etc., but the repeated lectures with our complete silence is nauseating, frankly.

This is on top of accommodations like diluting our own nuke liability laws - which hasn't yielded anything. No movement on NSG, Wassenaar arrangement, Aus group, MTCR, etc. And some people naively believe Italy and Mexico are opposing our entry into clubs like MTCR or the UNSC. Sure .

At this point, signing of *any* of the so-called "foundational" agreements with Carter when he comes is a red line for me now w.r.t. 2019. We better send a message that this open paki-pasandness has costs; so far, we have done nothing of that sort. Let's see what happens.

[NRao]

FYI:

Sikh (US) Army captain allowed to wear beard and turban in uniform

[Yayavar]

Excellent! Looks like he had to be w/o it for the last 10 years but now has it granted officially.

[member_23370]

Now wait for malsis to demand the same...

[Prem]

How come ? It is so unusual. Sharif going Under or Baandar moving Up . There was call for Army Macchar to revisit his retirement plan.


TIMES NOWVerified account
‏@TimesNow
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson to visit India today, to meet top officials and hold discussions on a range of key issues

[NRao]

How come ? It is so unusual. Sharif going Under or Baandar moving Up . There was call for Army Macchar to revisit his retirement plan.


TIMES NOWVerified account
‏@TimesNow
US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson to visit India today, to meet top officials and hold discussions on a range of key issues

US Ambassador to Pakistan Richard Olson to visit India

During his two-day staying in New Delhi, the Special US Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, will discuss on promotion of an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process

David Hale is the US Amby to Pakistan.

[NRao]

FYI:

USA for a closer, stronger defense ties with India: Ashton Carter

The US wants to develop a “closer and stronger” military ties with India, Defense Secretary Ashton Carter has said asserting that his proposed visit to the latter is expected to set “new milestone” in the bilateral relationship between the two countries. “What we are looking for is a closer relationship and a stronger relationship as we can, because it is geo-politically grounded,” Carter said on Tuesday indicating that he will soon be heading towards India.

“The specific things we are doing with them is twofold. One, is we have the rebalance so to speak, westward from the United States. They have Act East, which is their strategic approach eastward,” he said at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank. These are like two hands grasping one another and that’s a good thing, he added. “Second, our defense technology and trade initiative, which is an effort to work with India and to do something they want to do. Which is, they want to improve their technical capabilities of their own defense industry and their own defense capabilities. But they don’t just want to be a buyer. They want to be a co-developer and co-producers. So, they want that kind of relationship,” Carter said.

“That’s what we are working with them on. And that matches very much up with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Make in India Initiative. And so, we are very much aligned in terms of what the government there is try to do strategically and economically and what we want to do with them defense wise,” he said. “When I go over there, we got a whole bunch of things that we will be announcing at that time. And I want to announce beforehand, but better, new milestones in this relationship,” Carter said without indicating when will the visit take place. In response to a question, Carter acknowledged that he does spend “a lot of time” on Indo-US defense ties

[NRao]

Ashton Carter looking forward to his visit to India: Pentagon