India-US relations: News and Discussions III

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 06 Jan 2017 23:48

^^^Foreign interference in India's elections. It must not be tolerated and the Harvard professor should be arrested and deported.

IndraD · Post by **IndraD** » 06 Jan 2017 23:49

#BREAKING: Multiple reports of #shooting at Fort #Lauderdale Airport, #Florida

g.sarkar · Post by **g.sarkar** » 06 Jan 2017 23:52

This could be posted anywhere!

http://www.firstpost.com/fwire/general- ... 92172.html
General Motors moving forward on sale of Gujarat car plant to China's SAIC | Reuters
By Sudarshan Varadhan and Aditi Shah
| NEW DELHI
NEW DELHI A subsidiary of China's top car maker SAIC Motor Corp plans to acquire certain General Motors manufacturing assets in India, a filing with the country's competition watchdog showed on Friday.The assets, which could give the Chinese automaker a toehold in the Indian car market, will be acquired via an Indian subsidiary of SAIC that is yet to be incorporated, according to the filing with the Competition Commission of India.As part of a side deal, General Motors also plans to buy out SAIC's 9.2 percent stake in SAIC General Motors Investment - a joint venture it formed with the Chinese automaker in 2009 to expand its presence in emerging markets like India, a separate filing showed.GM, in an emailed response to a Reuters query following the filing, said discussions with SAIC on the sale of Halol - its plant in Gujarat - were progressing well and that the two parties were working to secure necessary approvals. "We'll share any progress at the appropriate time," GM said.
It was not immediately clear whether the two deals are being structured as some sort of asset swap, or whether there would be payments made by both parties for the assets. A spokeswoman for SAIC declined to comment. Sources familiar with the matter had told Reuters last April that the Chinese carmaker was in discussions to buy GM's Gujarat plant and had been evaluating car models to launch in India.
GM said in 2015 that it planned to stop production at one of its two plants in India by mid-2016 and consolidate operations at one location. The Detroit carmaker's Halol plant can manufacture up to 110,000 vehicles a year. GM also runs a plant in Talegaon in Maharashtra that has a capacity of about 170,000 vehicles a year. Several foreign car makers like GM, Volkswagen AG and Ford Motor have struggled to ramp up sales in India, expected to be the world's third-largest car market by 2020, and are now pushing exports from the country to utilize idle manufacturing capacity.Sagging sales and a regulatory crackdown on diesel-powered vehicles had forced GM to redraw its plans in India.
....

Does India have any say in this? After seeking Chinese investments can the PM block it?
Gautam

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 07 Jan 2017 07:12

http://time.com/4625664/donald-trump-ba ... bassadors/

R.Varma is also political appointee - right?

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 07 Jan 2017 07:22

Yes, Dick Varma is a political appointee. What we have to look for is if the DT admin values relations with India, it will have a nominee in place by 20 JAN 2017 as was the case with Israel where Trump appointed a pro-Jewish attorney David M. Friedman. Will DT appoint a pro-Hindu US ambassador to India? We certainly hope so.

VinodTK · Post by **VinodTK** » 07 Jan 2017 07:22

Yagnasri wrote:http://time.com/4625664/donald-trump-ba ... bassadors/

R.Varma is also political appointee - right?

Yes he is.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 07 Jan 2017 09:23

So he is gone now.

The new one is going to give an indication about the course in which the relations may go overtly. An EJ with the EJ wing of a GOP will be an indication of the agenda of EJ, and an Indian origin person is a symbolic thing meaning nothing in real terms. An Indic will be great, but I seriously doubt that will happen. Behind public gaze, things will be as usual with US deep state doings what it normally does unless DT makes a major policy change (towards India). I am not sure he will make one. His term/s will be more towards trade etc.

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 07 Jan 2017 10:21

Don't discount the possibility of a economic hand or military veteran to be appointed as ambassador to India. Economic and military / strategic affairs seem dear to Trump's worldview than social / religious aspects.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 07 Jan 2017 15:41

I am not sure we know what trump's world views actually are!

panduranghari · Post by **panduranghari** » 07 Jan 2017 16:15

g.sarkar wrote:This could be posted anywhere!

Does India have any say in this? After seeking Chinese investments can the PM block it?
Gautam

I got a press release dated 1996 about WTO's opinion on the national economic policy and sovereignty with relation to FDI from https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/pres96_e/pr057_e.htm

National economic policy and sovereignty. Critics have also raised concerns about the effects of FDI on public policy, vulnerability to foreign government pressure, and host country national interests. They argue that, because of its international connections, the subsidiary of a MNC enjoys alternatives not open to domestically-owned firms, and that this makes possible, among other things, the evasion of compliance with public policies. For instance, confronted with new social or environmental legislation in the host country that raises production costs, the MNC can more easily shift its activities to another country. Its ease of borrowing internationally may frustrate the use of direct macroeconomic controls for internal or external balance. The concern for vulnerability to foreign government pressure and its impact on the host countries' national interests stems the fact that the subsidiary of an MNC is answerable to two political masters - the host country government and the government of the home country where the parent is incorporated.

These are understandable concerns. But, again, it is important to keep them in perspective. The costs associated with these concerns (admittedly a very subjective calculation) have to be compared with the costs of foregoing the benefits that would come with FDI. Moreover, many of the concerns could be addressed in the course of negotiating a multilateral agreement on FDI. For example, multilateral disciplines are an option for dealing with regime “shopping” by multinationals seeking to avoid national regulations. Similarly, a multilateral agreement would provide a forum for the settlement of disputes over MNC behaviour involving home and host governments. In addition, judging from existing bilateral, regional and plurilateral investment agreements, it is likely that a multilateral agreement would allow signatories to claim exceptions for “sensitive” sectors.

Among the reasons which explain the change of attitude towards FDI on the part of many developing and transition countries is the belief that it can be an important channel for technology transfers, with technology being broadly defined to include not only scientific processes, but also organizational, managerial and marketing skills. This section first considers the ways in which FDI can enhance the efficient use of local resources through technology transfers, and then the empirical evidence on such efficiency-enhancing effects of FDI. While the focus is on FDI's impact on the efficiency of locally owned firms, it should be noted that the host country will also benefit from the fact that the subsidiary of an MNC is itself likely to use host country resources more efficiently because of its superior technology.

All the highlighted points, suggest US-China deep state has reached a modus vivendi.

Chinese firm gets to escape the emission standards that they would like to escape from.
American firm gets to remain afloat.
Access to funds easier for firms investing in India as there is a sizable shortage of funds in China as investments into China are usually routed via HK to evade state controls.

More the reason to withdraw from WTO. US is trying to expand the TPP, while China wants its RCEP to dominate the Asia-Pacific region.

Both need India to succeed. Modi should consider putting a brake on this.

chanakyaa · Post by **chanakyaa** » 07 Jan 2017 21:29

panduranghari wrote:
g.sarkar wrote:This could be posted anywhere!

Does India have any say in this? After seeking Chinese investments can the PM block it?
Gautam
....

All the highlighted points, suggest US-China deep state has reached a modus vivendi.

Chinese firm gets to escape the emission standards that they would like to escape from.
American firm gets to remain afloat.
Access to funds easier for firms investing in India as there is a sizable shortage of funds in China as investments into China are usually routed via HK to evade state controls.

More the reason to withdraw from WTO. US is trying to expand the TPP, while China wants its RCEP to dominate the Asia-Pacific region.

Both need India to succeed. Modi should consider putting a brake on this.

+1, modus vivendi indeed

1. YooS market is already saturated with European, SoKo and Japanese auto makers. Last thing their unions want is Chinese auto makers in their backyard, underselling Ford. Government Motors (GM) etc. However, it is difficult for them to keep Chinese off the market, so this may be one way of bribing by letting go of part of the market in India to Chinese, and maintain goodwill with Chinese to continue to expand in their market for other commerce. All this happening at the expense of India.

2. This could very well become a "backdoor" by which Chinese start acquiring companies/assets in India from YooS/YeeU companies, as direct acquisition becomes a hurdle.

Liberty Mutual to Acquire Ironshore from China’s Fosun for $3 Billion

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 08 Jan 2017 08:33

Richard Verma To Quit As US Envoy Before Donald Trump Takes Charge

GShankar · Post by **GShankar** » 08 Jan 2017 09:33

NRao wrote:Richard Verma To Quit As US Envoy Before Donald Trump Takes Charge

Do we have a top 3 choice to replace him as our wishlist?

vijayk · Post by **vijayk** » 08 Jan 2017 09:53

NRao wrote:Richard Verma To Quit As US Envoy Before Donald Trump Takes Charge

Good riddance

Hari Seldon · Post by **Hari Seldon** » 08 Jan 2017 16:05

^^I root for shalabh kumar as his replacement. Or even better Aaron Schock.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... m-illinois

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 08 Jan 2017 16:42

Car plant acquisition by a Chinese firm is not risky in the normal sense of the world.

1. It does not give them access to any strategic asset or assets that can be leveraged against India to wage a war. More critical is phone / router / connectivity infrastructure.
2. What is the GM's position in the Indian market? OTOH, Acquisition of Maruti might raise concerns.

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 08 Jan 2017 16:44

vijayk wrote:
NRao wrote:Richard Verma To Quit As US Envoy Before Donald Trump Takes Charge
Good riddance

Why? There is no evidence to suggest that Richard Verma was particularly harmful or helpful to Indian interests. If there is, would appreciate if you post it here.

India-US partnership strengthened during his time. In the old boys network world of DC, we need to cultivate several good friends and champions of India cutting across party lines.

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 08 Jan 2017 16:54

Hari Seldon wrote:^^I root for shalabh kumar as his replacement. Or even better Aaron Schock.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... m-illinois

Looks like Aaron Schock has an ability to organise things at scale and has some good deal of networking and persuasion skills. Very impressive for a leader in his 30s. He is a friend India needs to cultivate. Whether Trump leverages him or not is anybody's guess. However a stint as an effective ambassador to a major nation could be a stepping stone on the path to becoming a federal Senator eventually.

He would be somebody very important in US administration in about 12 to 20 years.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 08 Jan 2017 16:56

Schock was indicted for whatever. Will trump appoint such a person?

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 08 Jan 2017 17:03

He was indicted for questionable accounting practices and using public money for personal expenses and lavish decoration of office. Little immature for an early stage politician. May be our desi netas can teach him a thing or two in doing these skill fully.

Trump administration will likely have even more controversial figures. A political ambassadorship is less risky option than a seat in his cabinet. Trump even considered Gen Petreaus, who was indicted for the far more critical SoS post.

Such a post would also help rehabilitate Schock in US politics and he can return to electoral politics after a few years.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 08 Jan 2017 18:57

Check out Steven T. Mnuchin,. Nearly brought the nation to its knees - still paying for his sins.

Schock is a minnow (from Minnesota).

shyam · Post by **shyam** » 09 Jan 2017 05:48

pankajs wrote:Car plant acquisition by a Chinese firm is not risky in the normal sense of the world.

1. It does not give them access to any strategic asset or assets that can be leveraged against India to wage a war. More critical is phone / router / connectivity infrastructure.
2. What is the GM's position in the Indian market? OTOH, Acquisition of Maruti might raise concerns.

What ever is the transaction, they should pay the Indian tax for a company sale.

Cosmo_R · Post by **Cosmo_R** » 09 Jan 2017 05:56

schinnas wrote:
vijayk wrote:
Good riddance
Why? There is no evidence to suggest that Richard Verma was particularly harmful or helpful to Indian interests. If there is, would appreciate if you post it here.

India-US partnership strengthened during his time. In the old boys network world of DC, we need to cultivate several good friends and champions of India cutting across party lines.

+1 and also by not cra@&ping on Indian-Americans as MUTUs—forgetting the alternatives who are the Robin Raphels.

RV put a damper on the racist USEMB types who where like that idiot couple writing in FB about the dog being better fed than his Indian caretaker.

The would be Maharajas and Ranees were put in their place

GShankar · Post by **GShankar** » 09 Jan 2017 07:31

Hari Seldon wrote:^^I root for shalabh kumar as his replacement. Or even better Aaron Schock.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... m-illinois

Very interesting. And Schock says - "condelizza rice had no problems".

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 09 Jan 2017 11:14

NRao wrote:Richard Verma To Quit As US Envoy Before Donald Trump Takes Charge

He is a political appointee. Was aide to Harry Reid. Despite that he has very good credentials. Former Air Force officer. Judge Advocate general branch and was in SD during Bush Administration. And was Senate Foreign Policy Board.

Good luck to Richard Verma.

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 09 Jan 2017 11:30

link

Transition sources said Trump is close to selecting Ashley Tellis, a former White House official and renowned India expert, to be the next U.S. ambassador to India

shyam · Post by **shyam** » 09 Jan 2017 11:45

Washington Post's credibility about Trump news is -100%

Rajdeep · Post by **Rajdeep** » 09 Jan 2017 12:04

LokeshC wrote:That Bill was introduced by Darrel Issa. I know him indirectly through some contacts. All I can say is Trumps narcissism and "sociopathic" behavior looks saintly compared to this guy

A true capitalist. Only.

He is in one of the big house committee (judiciary I believe) and barely won this election in a dark red area in the otherwise bluish California.

Wasnt he accused / convicted in car dealer / stolen car fraud ?

Paul · Post by **Paul** » 09 Jan 2017 13:18

Per twitter Ashley Tellis may be US Ambassador to India.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 09 Jan 2017 13:23

Oh dear! Not Ashley "Tell-us"? Remember his piece after the US birds were shot down in the MMRCA contest? He will probably come and lobby yet again for the two dumped birds 5 years later too,for the second "light fighter" req.!

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 09 Jan 2017 14:00

overall tellis' work has been sympathetic to india...

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 09 Jan 2017 14:16

Trump picking a subject matter expert with credibility in Washington tells us that Trump gives enough importance to the post for India.

Alternatively, this also means that Trump and his SoS will lean heavily on Tellis' opinions for all tactical stuff and even for some policy decisions regarding India.

Tellis' opinion of Pakistan and China is something I am curious about. Would look into it once he is confirmed.

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 09 Jan 2017 15:08

Cannot think of anyone better than Tellis.

Should mean better def ties. Bigger push for NSG I would imagine. He should temper Trump's trade views I would think.

Parrikar and he are from the same 'hood. Would be interesting.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 09 Jan 2017 16:27

tellis is a reasonable choice, depends on who is setting his agenda

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 09 Jan 2017 16:54

Why should the US Amb to India be source of such a scrutiny. Amb do not make policies or even dictate policies for a big country like Bharat. They are merely post offices unless you are talking about a country about which no one in foggy bottoms know.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 09 Jan 2017 17:00

The "Legally Blonde" mohterma Reese Witherspoon is the only candidate I would support. At least she is a good actress, which is the real job requirement. Besides other bonus attributes

And a basic sense of fair play at least in her characters.

abhishek_sharma · Post by **abhishek_sharma** » 09 Jan 2017 17:42

>> Amb do not make policies or even dictate policies for a big country like Bharat

They certainly contribute to the policy-making discussion.

Lalmohan · Post by **Lalmohan** » 09 Jan 2017 19:00

if the Pakistan ever hits the fan then the ambassador becomes the pivotal information/opinion source that el presidente turns to

NRao · Post by **NRao** » 09 Jan 2017 19:30

VikasRaina wrote:Why should the US Amb to India be source of such a scrutiny. Amb do not make policies or even dictate policies for a big country like Bharat. They are merely post offices unless you are talking about a country about which no one in foggy bottoms know.

They are supposed to be NGOs (local G) with an official chappa (of a foreign G). Their job description.

TSJones · Post by **TSJones** » 09 Jan 2017 20:13

the US ambassador to a lot of countries is most highly prized as a PR agent very similar to hollywood style. "luv your act, let's do lunch sweetheart".

barf.

this assessment does not include the professional corps that to have to serve in hell holes, administer gigantic aid programs and otherwise get shot at.