India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 01:46

Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 01:57

Sumeet wrote:I think one must note that world is taking a note of Indian civilization our past and present, our progress since we have started to taking it seriously ourselves and take pride in it. Credit for this definitely goes to Modi Shah NDA govt.

Same respect for our civilization was repeated in Obama's speech to Parliament in 2010. In fact, Obama was far more specific in his praise.
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/th ... elhi-india

My confidence in our shared future is grounded in my respect for India’s treasured past -— a civilization that’s been shaping the world for thousands of years. Indians unlocked the intricacies of the human body and the vastness of our universe. It’s no exaggeration to say that our Information Age is rooted in Indian innovations —- including the number zero. (Applause.)

Of course, India not only opened our minds, she expanded our moral imaginations -- with religious texts that still summon the faithful to lives of dignity and discipline, with poets who imagined a future “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high” -- (applause) -- and with a man whose message of love and justice endures -— the father of your nation, Mahatma Gandhi. (Applause.)

An ancient civilization of science and innovation; a fundamental faith in human progress -- this is the sturdy foundation upon which you have built ever since that stroke of midnight when the tricolor was raised over a free and independent India.

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 25 Feb 2020 02:52

The only US news outlet that is carrying this in little detail is Breitbart. Even then, those people there want the white Namaste Trump baseball hats.

https://www.breitbart.com/tag/india/

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 03:02

Nikhil T wrote:Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.

From what I read: MMS and congress leaders from both Rajyashbah and Loksabha were invited (and after accepting now decided not to go to protest against snub to SG).
Also in prior 10 years and multiple Presidential visits when UPA was in power the BJP (the opposition party) party head was not invited.

nam · Post by **nam** » 25 Feb 2020 03:03

Nikhil T wrote:Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.

State dinners are based on protocols. Sonia Gandhi is not president of congress, nor leader of opposition. Leader of opposition was invited, he declined to attend.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 25 Feb 2020 05:00

^^Probably used to being given a high chair and bib

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 25 Feb 2020 05:30

UB-ji, that is hilarious. Good one!!!

KJo · Post by **KJo** » 25 Feb 2020 05:53

nam wrote:
Nikhil T wrote:Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.
State dinners are based on protocols. Sonia Gandhi is not president of congress, nor leader of opposition. Leader of opposition was invited, he declined to attend.

Sonia is President of INC right now. Interim, but still President.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 08:16

Amber G. wrote:
Nikhil T wrote:Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.
From what I read: MMS and congress leaders from both Rajyashbah and Loksabha were invited (and after accepting now decided not to go to protest against snub to SG).
Also in prior 10 years and multiple Presidential visits when UPA was in power the BJP (the opposition party) party head was not invited.

Arey yaar, can you fact check before spewing such assertions?

Even when Obama visited in 2015, the President had invited Sonia Gandhi (then President of INC). Even Advani was present - was he in any official position or a party president then?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUSyd8gyn5M

In 2006, when George Bush was hosted by Kalam, then, Advani was in the banquet again. Even though, he had no official position or party position then (Rajnath was BJP President).
https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/s ... ies/367643

As you can see from the video, the guest list is not exactly small for such presidential banquets. So to leave out the leader of the opposition party - even when it is the established practice - is just plain pettiness. But sure, let's just spin it and create a narrative.

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 08:21

Nikhil T wrote:
Amber G. wrote: From what I read: MMS and congress leaders from both Rajyashbah and Loksabha were invited (and after accepting now decided not to go to protest against snub to SG).
Also in prior 10 years and multiple Presidential visits when UPA was in power the BJP (the opposition party) party head was not invited.
Arey yaar. Can you fact check before such assertions? Even when Obama visited in 2015, the President had invited Sonia Gandhi (then President of INC). Even Advani was present - was he in any official position or a party president then?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUSyd8gyn5M

In 2006, when George Bush was hosted by Kalam, then, Advani was in the banquet again. Even though, he had no official position or party position then (Rajnath was BJP President).
https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/s ... ies/367643

As you can see from the video, the guest list is not exactly small for such presidential banquets. So to leave out the leader of the opposition party - even when it is the established practice - is just plain pettiness. But sure, let's just spin it and hope this theory gets picked up by OpIndia.

Thanks. As I put the disclaimer " From what I read" . This, as you say, turns out to be false. Thanks for correcting and fact checking.

.
(Personally I think it is quite silly (this whole business - irrespective of whom to blame - does not look good for India -))

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 08:28

Amber G. wrote:
Nikhil T wrote:
Arey yaar. Can you fact check before such assertions? Even when Obama visited in 2015, the President had invited Sonia Gandhi (then President of INC). Even Advani was present - was he in any official position or a party president then?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUSyd8gyn5M

In 2006, when George Bush was hosted by Kalam, then, Advani was in the banquet again. Even though, he had no official position or party position then (Rajnath was BJP President).
https://www.outlookindia.com/newswire/s ... ies/367643

As you can see from the video, the guest list is not exactly small for such presidential banquets. So to leave out the leader of the opposition party - even when it is the established practice - is just plain pettiness. But sure, let's just spin it and hope this theory gets picked up by OpIndia.
Thanks. As I put the disclaimer " From what I read" . This, as you say, turns out to be false. Thanks for correcting and fact checking. .

You said "From what I read" for the first statement that MMS and congress leaders were invited.

Can you show us where you read the second statement? Any news article? Its super convenient to spew 100 things with zero sources and say sorry the one time it is fact checked.

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 08:33

^^^ The part was for both - and it was from the same news paper.. (you may do the google and find out as there are only a few which covered this).

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 08:38

I did the google before posting and found nothing. Let us know when you find it. Or we'll assume what the source was (hot air).

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 08:52

BTW, when I look at this (by reading few Indian News Papers) I find UPA quite silly too.. for example take this quote from congress whining...

"U.S. officials had not contacted the principal Opposition for any one-on-one meeting between the U.S. President and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi"

What? They (UPA) are Indian leaders too .. why not *invite* POTUS to meet them. (PM Modi invited Trump, instead of sulking UPA should have joined in the invitation.

The Banquet is given by the President, not PM so why sulk, insist that they become a part of host too - representing India - not waiting for an invitation.

Strange are some comments I am reading .. instead of being positive they are criticizing Namste Trump event. Namste Trump event was NOT an official PM Modi event..( hosted by "Donald Trump Nagrik Abhinandan Samiti,) why not Join there to welcome Trump?)

Just my opinion only. UPA ought to hav acted assertively in dignified way.. act like you are a leader. Not whine etc..

****
(I don't live in India so my thoughts may be different but when Modi came to US..politicians (and others) of all hue came to welcome him in Texas.. they did not wait for Trump to "invite" them)

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 08:55

Nikhil T wrote:I did the google before posting and found nothing. Let us know when you find it. Or we'll assume what the source was (hot air).

Frankly I don't care what you assume. I know I was right in saying what I said I read and my statement is true. Over and out. No reason to accuse of others of "spewing" or "spinning" over nothing.

Krita · Post by **Krita** » 25 Feb 2020 08:59

Nikhil T wrote:I did the google before posting and found nothing. Let us know when you find it. Or we'll assume what the source was (hot air).

If she was invited what purpose it would have served. SG would be more more magnanimous for the free food, CAA protests would have ceased immediately? IMHO, the hag and her useless children should be in Tihar jail. Why do you think this will create any new problems that is already not there. During their regime congress played every trick in their dirty book to get Modi and and Shah jailed, not to mention the whole conspiracy if Hindu terro*.
Your disclaimer that you are not SG supporter sounds dubious based on your previous posts.

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 25 Feb 2020 09:14

Nikhil T wrote:I did the google before posting and found nothing. Let us know when you find it. Or we'll assume what the source was (hot air).

What's with this hyperventilation? You made your point and AmberG accepted it with grace, what more do you want? If you have such surplus energy and time, then take my advice* and spend time fact checking things spewed by leftist portals like the Liar, Troll, etc. It's easy to pick on a fellow poster here and keep berating them in a relatively safe environment.

(* I normally don't dish out gratuitous advice, but your tone with AmberG ma'am asked for it)

arshyam · Post by **arshyam** » 25 Feb 2020 09:15

Speaking of silly, I find it silly on MMS's part as a former PM putting his party politics over the country. Maybe direct some ventilation towards that as well..

fanne · Post by **fanne** » 25 Feb 2020 09:17

Nikhil T wrote: Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.

REALLY? Ashamed or Taqiya?

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 25 Feb 2020 09:19

arshyam wrote:Speaking of silly, I find it silly on MMS's part as a former PM putting his party politics over the country. Maybe direct some ventilation towards that as well..

Sadly I Agree. If all the reports are true.. it is silly on his part, this saddens me as I thought he was above this.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 25 Feb 2020 09:55

Amber G. wrote:BTW, when I look at this (by reading few Indian News Papers) I find UPA quite silly too.. for example take this quote from congress whining...
"U.S. officials had not contacted the principal Opposition for any one-on-one meeting between the U.S. President and Congress chief Sonia Gandhi"
What? They (UPA) are Indian leaders too .. why not *invite* POTUS to meet them. (PM Modi invited Trump, instead of sulking UPA should have joined in the invitation.

The Banquet is given by the President, not PM so why sulk, insist that they become a part of host too - representing India - not waiting for an invitation.

Strange are some comments I am reading .. instead of being positive they are criticizing Namste Trump event. Namste Trump event was NOT an official PM Modi event..( hosted by "Donald Trump Nagrik Abhinandan Samiti,) why not Join there to welcome Trump?)

Just my opinion only. UPA ought to hav acted assertively in dignified way.. act like you are a leader. Not whine etc..

****
(I don't live in India so my thoughts may be different but when Modi came to US..politicians (and others) of all hue came to welcome him in Texas.. they did not wait for Trump to "invite" them)

whom the US president will or will not meet in India is subtly guided by the MEA. With jaishankar in the driver's seat, the message would have gone out in clear and unambiguous terms.

lots of differences between a public event and a state reception for a visiting head of state.

the texas do was organized by overseas Indians for Modi. The dignitaries who came would have requested and obtained invitations to the event from the organizers. Trump himself was an honored guest and the entire venue would have been sanitized by the secret service. The Indian embassy in the US would have quietly driven the event in the background.

In any case Amber ji, with trump's overwhelming security as well as the final say of his own personal security detail in the local arrangements, "free entry" becomes a moot point.

At best, these opposition worthies could come on their own as part of the audience only. Everything else, including, and especially including, these petty politicos ever present demand to be present on the dias along with the dignitary makes their complete exclusion mandatory.

pretty soon caste and SC/ST groups will start demanding their quota on the dias.

the mafia congi gang's demand to include their queen in the state banquet (who, BTW, has no official position in India except that of a mediocre MP) is stretching things quite a bit. She is currently also out on bail along with pappu.

This very public fracas will now warn off many white skinned goras who come to India on state visits and slyly include a quiet visit on the side to pay obeisance to this foreign interloper.

If you have noticed, she never goes to see them but imperially deigns to grant an audience to these visiting goras at her residence.

Does this happen anywhere else in the world.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 10:04

fanne wrote:
Nikhil T wrote: Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.
REALLY? Ashamed or Taqiya?

Your disclaimer that you are not SG supporter sounds dubious based on your previous posts.

Don’t have to justify anything to you. I put country over politics and call bs without looking at which party it is.

And if you #actually# search my previous posts of pre-NRC era, instead of making baseless insinuations, you’ll find my support for BJP and not for Congress. Not that it matters.

Vikas · Post by **Vikas** » 25 Feb 2020 10:14

Thank God these congressi vermin's aren't attending the state event. Someone among them may end up whispering in POTUS ears as how "Hindu saffron terror" is squeezing poor Pakistan and Muslim Indians and how CAA is disfranchising them.
PS: MMS never did anything to make us beam with pride post becoming PM. So declining the invite is par for course.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 25 Feb 2020 10:20

Cain Marko wrote:
sooraj wrote:US officials puzzled over Trump's diet during India visit

Dude's going to be real windy after all that fibre.

isn't he already

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 10:22

chetak wrote:
If you have noticed, she never goes to see them but imperially deigns to grant an audience to these visiting goras at her residence.

Does this happen anywhere else in the world.

Another absolute gem. Yes this happens in the world. And in India. The opposition leader calls on the visiting head of state or government at their hotel. SG never goes to see them, but call them to her residence? Really!

2015 - Met Obama In Delhi at Maurya Sheraton hotel.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/ne ... s?from=mdr

2014 - Met Putin at his hotel
https://www.firstpost.com/india/photos- ... 46097.html

AFAIK only time she met someone while in opposition at her own residence was Hillary who was a minister, not a HoS or HoG. I’ll be willing to get corrected, of course.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 25 Feb 2020 10:25

Vikas wrote:Thank God these congressi vermin's aren't attending the state event. Someone among them may end up whispering in POTUS ears as how "Hindu saffron terror" is squeezing poor Pakistan and Muslim Indians and how CAA is disfranchising them.
PS: MMS never did anything to make us beam with pride post becoming PM. So declining the invite is par for course.

bad form for the mafia gang not to insist that those among them who received the invitation for the state banquet should attend.

they have wilfully disrespected the state guest and not Modi.

Suraj · Post by **Suraj** » 25 Feb 2020 10:25

Nikhil_T: Stop derailing this thread. You asked a question. You got an answer. Move on. Additional discussion on the topic will warrant mod action.

Nikhil T · Post by **Nikhil T** » 25 Feb 2020 10:31

Sure. My last post on this topic.

Mort Walker · Post by **Mort Walker** » 25 Feb 2020 10:59

So Trump is supposed to give an additional surprise press conference besides the joint statement with Modi. Let's see what he has to say. The fellow can flip-flop.

Cain Marko · Post by **Cain Marko** » 25 Feb 2020 11:47

chetak wrote:
Cain Marko wrote: Dude's going to be real windy after all that fibre.
isn't he already

Now with more zor and josh. God help us all. But I'll take a loud trumpet to some of the silent and violent types that came earlier.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Feb 2020 11:52

NikhilT, Don't understand your combative posts with AmberG. Am banning you for a week for lack of manners.

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Feb 2020 11:57

Very happy that NaMo mentioned Sardar Patel Statue.

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 25 Feb 2020 12:01

Nikhil T wrote:Not a great idea to leave out Sonia Gandhi as head of Congress from the banquet or the customary meeting of the dignitary with the Opposition. There's no law (unlike in selection of CVC or Lokpal) that the single largest party has to meet 10% to get a seat at the banquet. Seems an avoidable controversy.
Disclaimer: Not a SG or INC fan, but just commenting on the optics.

deleted

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 25 Feb 2020 12:10

chetak He has been banned for a week and can't reply. So delete your post.
Ramana
admin

chetak · Post by **chetak** » 25 Feb 2020 12:47

Brahma Chellaney @Chellaney · 13h

Pettiness personified? Just because US officials made no effort to arrange a one-on-one meeting between Trump and Congress Party matriarch Sonia Gandhi, her loyalists (including ex-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh) will boycott state banquet in Trump's honor.

mahadevbhu · Post by **mahadevbhu** » 25 Feb 2020 13:11

kit wrote:
Cain Marko wrote: Well you know, all this excitement gets one going Sumeet Saar.

But seriously, a small silver bullet sqd for current Indian Navy carriers might do well to increase they're punch. 18 fulcrums + 6 f35 per CV?
F35 s is likely no can do , requires a alphabet treaty india is not ready to sign ( BECA) ., probably never. lets just stop discussing F35s

https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/t ... 2020-02-24

"According to sources, negotiations on the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) for geospatial cooperation are at an advanced stage. The next round of negotiations will be in March 2020. India is hopeful for BECA to be signed in the coming year. The pact is expected to give a boost to the country's defence system and counter the Russia-China-Pakistan (RCP) axis."

vimal · Post by **vimal** » 25 Feb 2020 13:15

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/ind ... 283896.cms

Violent clashes in Delhi continue on Tuesday: Key points

NEW DELHI: Unrest continued in northeast parts of Delhi on Tuesday resulting in death of seven people, including a head constable of Delhi Police. The violence that started Sunday evening has thrown politicians and officials into action while social media imitated the frenzy on streets. The string of violence started after protesters against the 2019 amendment of the Citizenship Act, blocked more roads in northeast Delhi triggering reaction from the supporting camp and eventually breaking into an all-out confrontation between the two sides starting Sunday evening. Affected areas of NorthEast Delhi includes Jafrabad, Chand Bagh, Maujpur, Bhajanpura, Kardampuri, Gokulpuri, Khajuri and Karawal Nagar.

Roop · Post by **Roop** » 25 Feb 2020 13:16

UlanBatori wrote:^^Probably used to being given a high chair and bib

This reminds me of Trump-mian's jokes about Bloomberg standing on a box for the Democrat debates.

pankajs · Post by **pankajs** » 25 Feb 2020 14:40

https://twitter.com/globaltimesnews/sta ... 5330925568

Global Times @globaltimesnews

China should not blithely ignore US overtures to India (File Photo: VCG) #India #US #China @narendramodi
http://bit.ly/393THUF

https://twitter.com/Cold_Peace_/status/ ... quote]Jeff M. Smith @Cold_Peace_

Even the Global Times is like: maybe we need to start taking this India-U.S. thing more seriously.[/quote]

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 25 Feb 2020 17:38

arshyam wrote:Speaking of silly, I find it silly on MMS's part as a former PM putting his party politics over the country. Maybe direct some ventilation towards that as well..

seriously that is disgraceful of MMS. That shows their priority is more towards their party than towards the nation..these are the guys running a scorched earth policy..