India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

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saip
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by saip »

Yea things have changed a lot. In '60s My sister and brother in law could not get a hotel room in the South. All rooms were 'booked'. And so they slept in the car.
CRamS
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by CRamS »

AmberJi,
Amber G. wrote:
Virtually no one among aam abdul in US then knew anything about India. (and similarly very few people in India knew much about USA).
On this count, has anything changed even today?
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Neshant »

g.sarkar wrote: India-US 2+2 talks: If Washington wants to be New Delhi’s most ‘reliable strategic partner’, it must shun coercive approach
Under the current administration, US treats even it's close allies like Canada very poorly on trade and by using other coercive policies against it.

So don't expect any different.

Also be wary of any deal because the current administration tends to unilaterally break the terms of the agreement when it wishes.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Kashi »

Neshant wrote:Under the current administration, US treats even it's close allies like Canada very poorly on trade and by using other coercive policies against it.

So don't expect any different.

Also be wary of any deal because the current administration tends to unilaterally break the terms of the agreement when it wishes.
In my opinion, this US administration is no different from the previous ones when it comes to using coercive policies and reneging on terms- this one is just less sneaky and more in your face than the previous ones.

Previously they would smile warmly while cheerfully sticking a dagger in your back, this one with froth and fume while waving a dagger and spraying your face with spit, before the inevitable stabbing.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Philip »

A piece of advice to our Yanqui chums.If you want to hold water in your hand you cup it, not squeeze it.Friendship with nations works the same way.You hold youf friends loosely, not impinging them on their own interests and decision-making, be gentle with them.But if you squeeze them with sanctions and expect them to become your prisoner, friends become enemies.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by SaiK »

either mil forum
posting.php?mode=edit&f=3&p=2292647
or here ?
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Prem »

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... 678934.cms
US’ Comcasa assurance: Won’t share India data without consent
The United States has agreed to address key Indian concerns on reliability and sharing of secure data through India-specific legally binding assurances in the just-negotiated Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (Comcasa), with the rider that they will be valid as long as the agreement is not terminated. ET has reliably gathered that both sides have agreed to an arrangement by which either side can terminate the agreement by giving each other an advance notice of six months.The Dokalam face off was the turning point for the Indian position on the Comcasa when it realised the benefit of US intelligence on Chinese troop deployments in calibrating its approach. This sort of intelligence was not available with India. The first important assurance the US has given is that, as long as the Comcasa is in play, it will ensure any equipment provided under the agreement will remain operational at all times. This was an important issue for India because it wanted a safeguard against the US using the Comcasa tool to limit or influence Indian decision-making in deployment and use of the US-origin equipment.
One of most significant outcomes of the Comcasa is likely to be the creation of a military communications hub that will house the Comcasa-compliant equipment to enable real-time data link with a similar facility in the US. During the Dokalam face-off, informed sources told ET that India did encounter difficulties in obtaining latest information on troop reinforcements and deployments deep inside Chinese territory. While the US did help with some information, it came with a certain time lag
Given the way China has revamped its battle communication systems and strengthened its electronic warfare capabilities, sources said, access to US data will make qualitatively significant impact on Indian military planning against China. The text of the Comcasa has been firmed up and is slated to be taken up by the Cabinet Committee on Security on Wednesday just ahead of the crucial Indo-US 2+2 meeting here on Thursday.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by putnanja »

A new book on the going-ons in White House, and it doesn't look good on Trump.

New book reveals a ‘nervous breakdown’ of Trump’s presidency
Aides routinely stole documents off President Trump’s desk. Military leaders ignored the president’s orders. And the backstabbing went both ways. A forthcoming book by Bob Woodward paints a harrowing portrait of the Trump presidency.
...
A central theme of the book is the stealthy machinations used by those in Trump’s inner sanctum to try to control his impulses and prevent disasters, both for the president personally and for the nation he was elected to lead.

Woodward describes “an administrative coup d’etat” and a “nervous breakdown” of the executive branch, with senior aides conspiring to pluck official papers from the president’s desk so he couldn’t see or sign them.
...
...
Inside the White House, Woodward portrays an unsteady executive detached from the conventions of governing and prone to snapping at high-ranking staff members, whom he unsettled and belittled on a daily basis.

– – –


White House Chief of Staff John F. Kelly frequently lost his temper and told colleagues that he thought the president was “unhinged,” Woodward writes. In one small group meeting, Kelly said of Trump: “He’s an idiot. It’s pointless to try to convince him of anything. He’s gone off the rails. We’re in Crazytown. I don’t even know why any of us are here. This is the worst job I’ve ever had.”

Reince Priebus, Kelly’s predecessor, fretted that he could do little to constrain Trump from sparking chaos. Woodward writes that Priebus dubbed the presidential bedroom, where Trump obsessively watched cable news and tweeted, “the devil’s workshop,” and said early mornings and Sunday evenings, when the president often set off tweetstorms, were “the witching hour.”
...
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by SaiK »

2+2=2
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by nvishal »

So no one in the media actually knows what the topic is going to be at the 2+2. All networks are quoting whatever random topic they could think of in their minds. I think neither india or the US has prepared a list of agendas. It's a free-style meeting :)

btw, the mh60 helicopters primary role is troop transport, search and rescue, and other standard roles. The indian networks are billing it as an anti-submarine helicopter.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Chinmay »

COMCASA signed
BREAKING: India & U.S. sign landmark Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA), one of 3 foundational agreements. This one facilitates Indian operation of high-end secured/encrypted communication equipment on American platforms
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Jaeger »

nvishal wrote:btw, the mh60 helicopters primary role is troop transport, search and rescue, and other standard roles. The indian networks are billing it as an anti-submarine helicopter.
I think you may be confusing the MH-60R with the MH-60S. We're getting the R, which has Active Sonar, Sonobuoy launcher, Mk54 torps as well as ISAR+FLIR and Hellfire for surface targets. It doesn't however have the MAD from the SH-60.

The S is more of a utility/CASEVAC and SAR beast with mine hunting capabilities optional.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Chinmay »

nvishal wrote: btw, the mh60 helicopters primary role is troop transport, search and rescue, and other standard roles. The indian networks are billing it as an anti-submarine helicopter.
The MH60 Romeo's primary role is ASW
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Manish_P »

India and US ink pact - COMCASA - to enable Indian military to get critical and encrypted defence technologies from America, PTI quotes officials as saying.

Added

Economic Times link

India, US sign key military communication pact COMCASA
Terming the 2+2 dialogue between Indian and the United States as a historic dialogue, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, today announced the signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) between the two nations.

The COMCASA will facilitate India to obtain critical defence technologies from the US, and access critical communication network to ensure interoperability among the US and the Indian armed forces.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by uskumar »

I seriously dont understand why we are signing COMCASA and what we are getting in return. We are signing a communication agreement which is not in our interest for over-priced equipment that we cant afford.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by arshyam »

A sad day... waiting for the fine print to see how much we have sold out our interests.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Kashi »

Felling let down on this.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by V_Raman »

There is broad Indian political consensus around relations with USA regardless of the party in power - starting overtly with IUCNA in 2005. Why?

Is India that naive to not see that all of this is for CRE of Indian nuclear capabilities or are we missing something?
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Philip »

Indo-US relations can blossom without these intrusive agreements which steadily turn us into servile vassals of Uncle Sam.Our relationship should focus more on economic, culutural, educational and scientific cooperation instead of this agreement which is clearly aimed at turninv us into a subservient military ally of Uncle Sam aimed against China.Just wait for the reaction overt and covert from the Chins.

PS: Vivek Katju former Sec.MEA is disappointed with the absence of meaningful action against Paki terror and delivery of terrorists in Pak.This Janus- faced attitude of the US has never deviated since independrnce and nevec will.Therefore we have to tread very, very, carefully in our relations.Why should not Russia also ask us to go slow with buying US arms? It has never threatened sanctions against India whatsoever, so we must remember who are truly reliable friends based upon our past record.
Last edited by Philip on 06 Sep 2018 20:52, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by uskumar »

V_Raman wrote:There is broad Indian political consensus around relations with USA regardless of the party in power - starting overtly with IUCNA in 2005. Why?

Is India that naive to not see that all of this is for CRE of Indian nuclear capabilities or are we missing something?
Well put. I have no clue why this has happened. I cant see any visible change in US possible towards India in Military or economic space. yet We see NAMO and MMS sticking their necks out for things which from layman's perspective is not in India's interest.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Philip »

Katju is also saying that Trump is so irrational in behaviour we cannot establish a proper stable platform for building upon our relations.

Panellists take:
1.Indo- Russian defence cooperation is sacrosant.

2.Indo-Iranian oil supplies vital for India and Chahbahar Port too for our energy and strategic security.

3.This agreement is silent on meaningful action to be taken against Pak for its terrorist activities against India.It is now nearing the 10th anniv. of ghe 26/11 terror attacks.No action has been taken against Pak.

My take is that the GOI wants some quick "successes" on key fronts with which to go to the electorate in 2019 as well as wrap up some deals which benefit US industry.

My deep regret is not so much this signing impinging upon our sovereignty in some measure, but the complete inaction and impotency of the GOI regarding the massive $60 B trade deficit with China which is decimating small and med. industries in India.Where is the mantra of " make in India"? We cannot hide behind Trump's backside and like the Saudi's expect Uncle Sam to bail us out against China and Pak.The Indian elephant is behaving like a mouse.
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India-US relations: News and Discussions

Post by Peregrine »

2+2 talks: India, US ink critical defence pact; discuss cross-border terror, H-1B visa issue

PTI | Updated: Sep 6, 2018, 20:55 IST

NEW DELHI: A long-negotiated defence pact under which critical and encrypted defence technologies will be provided to the Indian military by the US was inked here on Thursday after the two countries held their first 2+2 dialogue. The two sides also discussed key issues, including cross-border terrorism, India's NSG bid and the contentious H-1B visa issue.

During the talks external affairs minister and defence minister had with US secretary of state Michael R Pompeo and defence secretary James Mattis, the two countries also decided to set up hotlines between them.

Addressing a joint press conference, Sushma Swaraj expressed satisfaction over the agenda of the inaugural dialogue while giving the details of the deliberations.

While Pompeo termed the 'Communications, Compatibility, Security Agreement (COMCASA)' India's defence capability and preparedness.

The COMCASA will facilitate India to obtain critical defence technologies from the US, and access critical communication network to ensure interoperability among the US and the Indian
armed forces.

It will also allow the installation of high-security US communication equipment on defence platforms being sourced from the US.

Swaraj also asserted that the dialogue reflected the desire of leadership of the two countries to further elevate the bilateral strategic communication on cross-cutting defence and security
issues.

She said, "The recent decision by the US to put India in the list of countries eligible for Strategic Trade Authorization Tier-I License Exemption reflects India's robust and responsible export control policies. In our meeting today, we also agreed to work together to secure India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group at the earliest."

Talking about her bilateral meeting with Pompeo before the 2+2 dialogue, the external affairs minister said they reviewed the direction of the Indo-US relations in recent months and
exchanged views on a number of regional issues of shared concern.

Terming the rapidly growing trade and investment ties as an important element of bilateral relationship, Swaraj said this growth is giving rise to new opportunities and a basis for more intense economic engagement which supports development of manufacturing, promotes knowledge and innovation, creates jobs and provides critical resources for growth.

"I sought secretary Pompeo's support to nurture our people-to-people links. Specifically, I conveyed our expectation for a non-discriminatory and predictable approach to the H-1B visa regime, given its high impact on innovation, competitiveness and people-to-people partnership, all of which are a vital source of strength for our relationship," Swaraj said.

She also noted that there was a growing convergence of views, including on the Indo-Pacific, during the discussion among the four ministers.

"We see the Indo-Pacific as a free, open and inclusive concept, with ASEAN centrality at the core and defined by a common rules-based order that both our countries are pursuing," the minister said, adding India welcomed the US' interest in expanding its economic footprint in the region as they "complement our own efforts".

Asserting that counterterrorism cooperation between India and the US has acquired a new qualitative edge and purpose, Swaraj said they have agreed to deepen ties in international forums like the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force.

"We welcomed the recent designations of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists by the US. They underscore the international community's scrutiny over the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which has affected India and the US alike.
On the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, we recognized the importance of justice and retribution for the masterminds behind this terrorist attack," Swaraj said.

She also said, "India supports President Trump's South Asia Policy. His call for Pakistan to stop its policy of supporting cross-border terrorism finds resonance with us".

The two sides also discussed the ongoing efforts by India and the US in promoting an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan government-controlled reconciliation process, that brings together all ethnic groups and political formation in that country, the minister added.

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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Viv S »

First India-US Tri Services Military Wargame Next Year
As two countries that conduct more bilateral military exercises with each other than they do with any other country, India and the United States today committed to taking things further. Alongside well-structured exercises that have taken place for years separately between the armies, navies and air forces of both countries, India and the U.S. have formally decided today to create a new tri-services exercise.

The decision was taken today at the first ever 2+2 dialogue, involving the US Secretaries of State and Defense and their two Indian counterparts, the ministers for External Affairs and Defence.

The decision is a major one, and reflective of highly complex bilateral exchanges that have taken place between the armed forces on both sides. Livefist learns the new exercise, yet unnamed, will be detailed in discussions to be held over the next few months. The scale and size of the exercise is not known at this time, though it is likely to be based in the Bay of Bengal.

Military exercises between India and the US date back to 1992 when the first Malabar naval exercises were held. Three sets of exercises took place before the U.S. withdrew diplomatically and imposed sanctions on India following the latter’s Pokhran nuclear tests of 1998. The exercise series resumed in 2002 following 9/11, with Japan joining the proceedings in 2015, making it effectively a tri-lateral exercise. Armies of both countries began the Yudh Abhyas series of infantry-specific exercises in 2004 with platoon level exchanges maturing over the years into highly complex anti-terror drills. The air forces of both countries began bilateral exercises codenamed Cope India in 2004, with a total of four iterations over the next few years. While no bilateral air exercises have taken place since 2009, the Indian Air Force has plugged periodically into complex multilateral exercises led by the United States, particularly Red Flag Nellis. Last month, the Indian Air Force flew closely with USAF crews at Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black. The other major multilateral exercise that India is now a regular part of is Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC), with India joining up in 2016. Special Forces troops from both sides also began engaging in bilateral drills under the aegis of the Vajra Prahas exercise series in 2010, with the latest taking place earlier this year in the United States.

As part of today’s decisions, the Modi and Trump administrations have also decided to ramp up maritime security cooperation, with commitments made today to start exchanges between the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) and the Indian Navy, underscoring, according to the joint statement, ‘the importance of deepening their maritime cooperation in the western Indian Ocean.’
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by krishna_krishna »

Few rumblings on Sunday :

1) One of the members of delegation with secretary Pompeo on the plane to terroristan was a gentelman named Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad and he is appointed to look into afghan reconciliation. Look at his credentials and you will find that he has served over 4 decades starting under Bush Sr. and very much part of soviet-afghan war.
2) What massa seeks is permanent presence in a'stan with dignified exit ( bring troops back what DT had promised with ceasing in losses). They very much want terroristan to facilitate the dialogue with Taliban and bring them to the reconciliation table and stop sponsoring haqqan' is. They see Taliban as big part of next rule in that country and they want to have leverage there to what happens in future.
3) Given Indian experience with talibunnies in the past we see them the trouble makers (south block and true to extent the fact is that they are the true reason why everything that is wrong with a'stan) and we do not want anything to do with them. We want (South block/EA ministry) to have legitimate government of a'stan lead and manage that reconciliation and not the other way around.
4) Now add to this all the bon hommie over "com-casa " , here lies in the catch our interest in a'stan run perpendicular to the massa's so I do not see these agreement influencing anything in this sector.

So that brings to the next question what does it help /needed for. The only thing that this will have influence is over is "India - Pacific theater", here we will have massa supplied armed/unarmed tech to support us if need be where our interests coincide viz a viz chin. We will have selective multiplier imported at the same time keeping separation between bug infested tech vs. desi juggads. Evil Yindoos.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by souravB »

Hudson Institute Thinktank discussion on 2+2 dialouge
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India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Peregrine »

India wants trade deal with US, claims

WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has said India wants a trade deal with the US despite the tough stance taken by his administration on the issue.

Trump wants to stop the subsidies that growing economies like India and China have been receiving as he wants the US, which he considers as a developing nation, to grow faster than any other nation.

He often accuses India of imposing 100 per cent tariffs on American products.

"Frankly, I'll tell you, India called us the other day. They said they would like to start doing a trade deal, first time," Trump said without mentioning who called up whom.

"They wouldn't talk about it with previous administrations. They were very happy with the way it was," Trump told his supporters on Friday at a Joint Fund raising Committee Reception, in Sioux Falls in South Dakota.

Trump said his trade representatives headed by Bob Lighthizer (the US Trade Representative) are very tough, smart and very good.

"We have very talented people. They said, 'Why are you calling?' Because of President Trump. I was going to wait a little while. We're going to -- like they want to do it," Trump said, without giving details.

The United States and Japan have also started discussions over trade, he said.

Trump said that he has become friends with foreign leaders including Prime Minister and the Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"Practically, every time a foreign leader comes in to see me, whether it's Abe of Japan, whether it's Modi of India, I've become friends with all of them," he said.

"You know, some of them are tough relationships because they've really been taken advantage of our country for many, many decades. But I'm friendly. They respect me. I respect them. They're respecting our country again," he said.

Referring to the latest GDP numbers, Trump said, "Think of this. One point in GDP, now when I started, it was down into low ones. President Obama had the lowest recovery since the Great Depression, so lowest. the worst recovery. It was like this. It was just terrible. And I'm not even knocking it. It was terrible."

"We have such incredible growth. What's happened has been very much of a miracle, but they haven't seen the miracle yet. The miracle is going to start because now we're getting things ready," Trump said.

If countries like India and China can grow at a fast pace, why not the US? He asked.

"I've said, 'You fixed a trade deal. When India has six, seven, eight per cent, when China used to have 11, 12 per cent, they're still at six or seven, when they're at seven per cent they're feeling badly. And I'd say, 'How come we have to be at one per cent?" Well, it's the size. I said, 'Really? Well, China is bigger than we are and India has 1.5 billion people. How come they're at 10 per cent and 11 per cent?' Well, they can't answer it," Trump said.

"They can be at 11 per cent and we're at 1 per cent, and they're saying, oh, that's great. No, no, we have more potential than any other country," Trump said.

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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by SSridhar »

Pompeo and Mattis should add space cooperation to the US-India strategic partnership - Frank Rose and Jonathan Ward, The Space Review
Last week marked the first “2+2” dialogue between the US Secretaries of State and Defense and their Indian counterparts.
The US and India should focus on three avenues in space cooperation: industry, security, and diplomacy.

As the world’s two largest democracies, the United States and India have long-term interests that will guide the relationship over the coming decades. Some of these interests include shared values, Indo-Pacific security and commerce, the US-India economic relationship, and an expansionist China that threatens both Indian interests in the Indian Ocean region and US interests in the Pacific.

The US and India should also discuss the next frontier: outer space.

The United States will need major power space partners in an era of strategic competition with Russia and China, and India could find no better partner for its objectives in space than the United States.

The United States and India have a strong record of space collaboration already, from a NASA-ISRO Mars Working Group to a successful Indian launch last year that brought 96 US satellites into orbit. India is already a significant space power: one of only four nations to have reached Mars’ orbit. Additionally, it is currently planning its first huamn spaceflight by 2022, making India part of an exclusive club, along with the United States, Russia, and China, to reach have reached this milestone. But much can still be done to integrate space into the broader US-India strategic partnership.

The US and India should focus on three avenues in space cooperation: industry, security, and diplomacy.

Industry cooperation presents many opportunities. The American private sector space industry is revolutionizing access to space. Advantages in private space industry give America an edge over India’s traditional space partner, Russia, which has little to no private space industry. As India works to build its own private sector space industry, with Bangalore-based startups leading the way, American firms may find serious benefits in working with this nation, with whom America’s long-term interests are aligned. Collaboration between US and Indian private space companies as part of a broader nation-to-nation strategic concept can complement cooperation between the US and Indian civilian space agencies.
The United States and India can provide a unique alternative to China’s initiatives by working together, a move which would amplify the diplomatic power of both nations in critical regions across the globe.

The US and India are already cooperating on a wide range of military projects, and began a formal dialogue on space security issues late in the Obama administration. The US and India should expand on those initial discussions. This is of particular importance given both India and the United States share concerns about China’s military buildup. Indeed, in testimony before Congress earlier this year, US Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats stated that China is continuing to pursue anti-satellite weapons as a means to reduce US and allied military effectiveness. An ever-more-modern Indian military would likely be subject to the same space-based vulnerabilities as the United States. Furthermore, Chinese advances in space-based surveillance and reconnaissance could provide China an edge in a potential conflict. Given this shared strategic concern, US-India cooperation should address space security in order respond to China’s growing capabilities.

Space diplomacy is an ever more important piece of the international security picture. Scores of countries now have their own space programs. The United States must work to shape new norms in space, particularly as Russia and China advance their own brands of space diplomacy. India would be an outstanding partner, especially given its long-standing relationships and appeal to many emerging nations. China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” an intercontinental infrastructure project which has raised concerns in both India and the United States, now includes a “Belt and Road” in space. China plans to build extensive space infrastructure and is busy appealing to developing countries as a partner for access to space. The United States and India can provide a unique alternative by working together, a move which would amplify the diplomatic power of both nations in critical regions across the globe.

This presents an excellent opportunity to set long-term goals for the US-India strategic partnership. In an era of great power competition, cooperation between the world’s two largest democracies must be a strategic imperative. And cooperation in outer space should be a key element of that partnership.

Frank Rose is Senior Fellow for security and strategy at the Brookings Institution, and who led multiple US-India space dialogues while in government. Jonathan Ward (D.Phil., China-India relations, University of Oxford) is founder of Atlas Organization, a consultancy focused on the rise of India and China.
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India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Peregrine »

US reviewing India's Chabahar port development, says US official

Image

WASHINGTON: The Trump administration, which is determined to impose fresh set of sanctions on Iran and countries and entities engaged in business with Tehran, is currently reviewing India's development of the strategically important Chabahar port in the Islamic Republic, a senior government official has said.

The Chabahar port is being considered a gateway to golden opportunities for trade by India, Iran and Afghanistan with central Asian countries besides ramping up trade among the three countries in the wake of Pakistan denying transit access to New Delhi.

"We are reviewing (Chabahar project) in the context, in particular of Afghanistan, and in the spirit that the idea of our sanctions are not to punish partners or to imperil partners, but to bring a price tag for Iran's malign behaviour," Alice Wells, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, told a Washington audience.

"As we review the issue of Chabahar, it'll be in the context of what it provides for the stabilisation of Afghanistan or for the kind of regional connectivity that serves other interests as well. But it's an ongoing process of review," Wells said in response to a question at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a top American think-tank.

Last month, President Donald Trump issued a strong warning to anyone trading with Iran, following his re-imposition of sanctions on the country.

During the recently held 2+2 Dialogue, Wells said the US emphasised the administration's resolve to impose sanctions on Iran and voiced its expectation that its partners will work to reduce oil imports from the oil-rich Islamic Republic to zero.

Wells said the Trump administration is very focused on bringing Iranian oil exports down to zero by November. As such, the US officials have had a detailed conversation both with the Indian private sector and the Indian counterparts to discuss what this means and what steps the US is taking to ensure the adequate supply.

"Obviously, India is quite sensitive to price fluctuations," she said, acknowledging that particularly in an election year, this is a very important issue.

"We've already seen a reduction underway over the last month. There's been a substantial reduction (in India's purchase of oil from Iran). I think the private sector responds to a risk and concern over consequences. So I think that's going to be there. You're going to see a clear response from the private sector in that regard and will continue our conversations with the government of India," she said.

David F Helvey, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs, said that the Trump administration is committed to implementing all provisions of Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which imposes sanctions on countries and entities making major arms deal with Russia. A recent amendment has the provision of a presidential waiver in some cases.

"We are working with our partners, including India, and talking to them about ways to encourage them to avoid potentially, sanctionable acquisitions or activities. So those conversations are ongoing," he said, noting that he can't really get into details or the specifics of what those conversations are.

"With respect to the waiver provision in National Defence Authorisation Act (NDAA)…fundamentally though this is a provision that allows the president to make these determinations. I'm not going to get ahead of the president how he may or may not exercise that authority," he said.

"But I do think it's just important to know that the purpose of the sanctions is not to punish our allies or our partners or damage their military capabilities. (The purpose) is to impose costs and consequences on Russia for its behaviour. This is a complicated issue. We are having the conversation with India and all our partners. But I'm not gonna speculate on how, when, or
where, or if, that waiver provision would be employed," Helvey said.

Responding to a question, Helvey said the Trump administration recognises that there's a considerable amount of India's legacy force structures of Russian origin or other defense partners of India.

"I'm part of the process of working with the Indians to make sure that we've got the right assurance and mechanisms in place to ensure that our defence technology, which is hard to come by and based on investment of considerable resources to develop the type of technology that we have, that we want to put in the field with our forces, our soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, to make sure that they have the best equipment," he said.

"We're willing to share that with our partners and we just have to make sure that we have the right types of assurances with that. So when you have agreements, whether it's COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) or others, that allow us to have that confidence that gives us the space to be able to move forward and look at where we can do," he said.

The two countries are looking at co-development and co-production in the defence technology and trade initiative or even just looking at ways to have the right type of interoperability and that's what the COMCASA agreement allows.

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vijayk
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by vijayk »

This mad man's war on Iran is resulting in global oil price spike in addition to Venezuela's system failure. Is there any iota of rational thinking on Iranian issue? Ot is it the pressure from Saudis and Israel that is driving this?
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Mort Walker »

Oil prices have been moderated the last few months by US oil production. WTI is < $70/barrel.
Peregrine
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India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Peregrine »

Indian-American Congressman introduces bill giving flexibility to H-1B workers to switch jobs - PTI

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has introduced a legislation in the House of Representatives which gives flexibility to H-1B workers to switch jobs and reduces the Green Card backlog by expanding education-based exemptions from per-country caps for H-1B holders.

Krishnamoorthi was joined by Republican lawmaker Mike Coffman in introducing H R 6794, the 'Immigration Innovation Act of 2018' in the House of Representatives Thursday.

If passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President, it would "reform and streamline the H-1B high-skilled worker visa programme while increasing investment in American Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education for students in K-12, post-secondary, or college programmes."

"To develop the skills of our domestic workforce, our bill increases investments in our education system to guarantee that American workers are trained for high-tech jobs. It also reforms the visa system for highly-skilled workers which allows American businesses to compete in the global economy," said Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat Congressman.

"Our immigration policies must fit with the economic needs of our country," Coffman said. "One critical part of Congress' job is ensuring that immigration laws match our country's high-tech workforce requirements as well as meet the needs of H-1B visa applicants and their families."

The legislation also proposes to ban employers from hiring H-1B holders to replace American workers while increasing funding for STEM education at the K-12, post-secondary, and university levels.

Under the bill, fees collected for H-1B visas and conditional Green Cards will go to state-administered funds to promote domestic STEM education and worker training, including financial aid and research initiatives.

These expanded investments in advanced training for the domestic workforce would ultimately reduce demand for foreign workers while helping the American economy grow, the two lawmakers said.

The bill among other things removes existing annual exemption cap on H-1B visas for holders of US master's degrees or higher, which is currently exempting 20,000 per year, for individuals who are sponsored for a Green Card; narrows education based cap exemption to those with US PhDs.

It creates lottery prioritisation for cap-subject petitions in the order of: US masters or higher, foreign PhDs, and US STEM bachelor's degrees and establishes a grace period to allow H-1B visa holders to change jobs without losing their legal status to permit mobility under qualifying circumstances.

The bill subjects employers who have more than five H-1B employees to a penalty for each employee who worked less than 25 per cent of the first work-authorisation year and prohibits employers from hiring an H-1B visa worker to replace a US worker. It also provides work authorisation for spouses and dependent children of H-1B visa workers at the prevailing wage.

It proposes to eliminate per-country limit for employment based green cards and adjusts per-country caps for family-based green cards; and enables reassignment of unused visas from previous years. The bill exempts spouses and children of employment-based green card holders, holders of US STEM master's degrees or higher, and individuals with extraordinary skill in arts and sciences from caps.

It creates new conditional Green Card category to allow US employers to sponsor university-educated foreign professionals through a separate path from H–1B. It also requires e mployers to attest that no US worker has been displaced for the Green Card holder, undertake recruitment efforts to fill the position with a US worker and offer prevailing wage not less than $100,000 per year.

Referred to the House Judiciary Committee, the bill enables F-1 student visa holds to seek permanent resident status while a student or during Operational Practical Training

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.

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Amber G.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Amber G. »

Amber G. wrote:I am happy that Pak supporter Paul Manafort is in now in Jail..

I made a post about this guy.. a few years ago..It is still worth reading..<see link below>
viewtopic.php?p=2056199#p2056199
(Of course, at that time some of he die-hard Trump supporters pooh-poohed -- It is interesting to read posts after the above post..)

Specially read the next silly post where some one does a = = and and throws some insults at me along the way.
Big news/update: Finally! Nice job done. Paul Manafort Pleads Guilty, Will Cooperate With Mueller Probe
Prem
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Prem »

Amber G. wrote:
Amber G. wrote:I am happy that Pak supporter Paul Manafort is in now in Jail..>
[url]https://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewtopic.php?p=2056199#p2056199

(Of course, at that time some of he die-hard Trump supporters pooh-poohed -- It is interesting to read posts after the above post..)Specially read the next silly post where some one does a = = and and throws some insults at me along the way.[]
Big news/update: Finally! Nice job done. Paul Manafort Pleads Guilty, Will Cooperate With Mueller Probe
His 4 houses are confiscated as ill gotten wealth (from paki).
Supratik
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Supratik »

Good immigration bill for Indians but will it pass?
Singha
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Singha »

Not a chance
Mort Walker
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Mort Walker »

This is the last chance Trump has to get his border wall before Jan. 2019 when the US House will switch control to the opposition party. US appropriations start in the US House, the president and senate change it from there.

More than likely there will be some attempt at immigration “reform” but IMO is unlikely as there will be negotioiations on the wall and overall budget.
chola
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by chola »

We might need to plan for what we do if the USA wins the trade war and forces chini capitulation across the board — trade, technology, military and geo-politically. LOL. Basically ensuring that Unkil stays at number 1 and Cheen at 2.

If Cheen becomes like another 1980s Japan that’s dependent on the US’ good graces then that might be the prefered NWO as seen from Washington, London and Brussels. We’ll need to plan for our space in this order.

Right now we plan only for a powerful Cheen challenging Unkil that we need to balance against. If the PRC capitulates and is satisfy at number two then the US might allow it to grow in areas less important to the West.

https://www.bloomberg.com/amp/news/arti ... pite-talks
Trump Wants $200 Billion in China Tariffs Despite Talks, Sources Say

President Donald Trump instructed aides on Thursday to proceed with tariffs on about $200 billion more in Chinese products despite his Treasury secretary’s attempt to restart talks with Beijing to resolve the trade war, according to four people familiar with the matter.

...

Trump threatened a third tranche of tariffs on another $267 billion of Chinese imports last week, which would mean levying duties on nearly everything China exports to the U.S. Trump said at the time those tariffs were “ready to go on short notice,” but the administration hasn’t yet published a list for public comment.
The axe is about to fall on $467B worth of chini goods.

Think about this. Our entire two-way trade with Cheen is $70B. Our total international (including oil) is $750B.

Trump is no joke.
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Viv S »

:sigh:

Every time Trump roils the world markets with his tweets and tariffs, investors seek out safe harbours i.e. the US dollar and US-backed securities. Thus driving up the value of the dollar and widening the US trade deficit even further.

China's trade surplus with US hits record $31 billion
Gyan
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Re: India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Post by Gyan »

US biz may be stocking up on some Chinese goods
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