India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

[Mort Walker]

Let’s see how the 3 following Trump people fit:

1. Kash Patel - CIA, AG, DoD
2. Vivek Ramaswamy - CoS, DHS, SoS
3. Tulsi Gabbard - VA, SoS, DoD

[Yagnasri]

Vivek is a close friend of Vence. My gut feeling is that he will not be in this DJT administration. DJT will have his own set of loyalists. Plus, he is Indian and far too bright to be liked by Republican white establishment fellows. He may be a senator from Ohio, but not more than that.

Tulasi and Kennaddy are far too unconventional and disliked by MIC and Pharma gangs. Is DJT willing pick a big time fight with the GoP moneybag establishment? I am not sure of it.

[vijayk]

Vivek, Tulsi and RFK will and should be part of Trump admin.

Vivek - Got rid of Ronnie McDaniels who was destroying Republican party from inside. With her, Trump would not have won. RNC then ran Election Integrity campaign in all battleground states
Tulsi - Instrumental in softening up suburban women in view of women's reproductive rights bombardment by Democrats
RFK - Lot of support for him to reform FDA, CDC and NIH

[vijayk]

https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/1854383649157771482
This is so HUGE Share this with everyone, you can now influence change in America

RFK Jr just started ‘Policies for the People’

“It is a direct line to Team Trump where Americans can go and propose certain policies that they think would be beneficial to the American people and then Americans get to vote on it:


https://forum.policiesforpeople.com/signup

[Vayutuvan]

The above site is not loading. It keeps giving showing somekind of a "loading" gif. It is just slow.

[chetak]

[sanman]

During Trump 1.0 we were able to remove Art 370 while he looked the other way.

Which comparably big things can we do under Trump 2.0 ?

[rajkumar]

During Trump 1.0 we were able to remove Art 370 while he looked the other way.

Which comparably big things can we do under Trump 2.0 ?

So my question is - 'Why does India need US approval for purely internal Indian matter?'

[sanman]

So my question is - 'Why does India need US approval for purely internal Indian matter?'

I won't call it approval -- we should take advantage of windows of opportunity

Trump isn't hostile to us in the way that Biden-Lefties-DeepState were.

So that naturally increases our opportunities to press on with our needs without getting flak.

[VKumar]

When is the US Ambassador to be replaced.

[Mort Walker]

When is the US Ambassador to be replaced.

Typically they leave in December, but don't know if Garcetti is willing to return to the shit-hole of LA. He may hang around before privately being asked to resign by the incoming Trump team.

[hanumadu]

Will there be increase in shale oil production? That should help to moderate any increase in crude price if sanctions are removed from Russia.

[chetak]

When is the US Ambassador to be replaced.

Typically they leave in December, but don't know if Garcetti is willing to return to the shit-hole of LA. He may hang around before privately being asked to resign by the incoming Trump team.

Mort Walker ji,

g@r$hitty is a political appointee.

Even he knows that his days are numbered. Reportedly, his family burned through a $h!tload of cash to grease the wheels and get him to dilli. He will have very little traction, if any at all, with the Trump administration.

The Trump administration may not be keen to withdraw this guy without a decent and professional replacement. I am sure that it won't be long now

There was a longish vacuum without an ambassador in dilli, before this item number twit came in

[sanman]

Will Trump Tell India To 'Go Kill As Many Pakistanis As You Can?’

[hanumadu]

There are countries nervous about Trump. India is not one of them.

[uddu]

EAM Jaishankar Breaks Down EXACTLY What The Trump 2.0 Presidency Means For India

[vijayk]

Marco Rubio - Secretary of State
Trump picks Rep. Mike Waltz as US national security adviser


https://waltz.house.gov/news/documentsi ... mentID=558
Foreign Policy: It’s Time to Formalize an Alliance With India

Hopefully these 2 will clean up the mess created by Sullivan and Blinken.

[Rakesh]

Return of the Brotherhood
https://openthemagazine.com/essay/retur ... otherhood/
08 Nov 2024

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and then US President Donald Trump in Ahmedabad, 24 February 2020

[KL Dubey]

EAM Jaishankar Breaks Down EXACTLY What The Trump 2.0 Presidency Means For India

Good and succinct summary by EAM on all the major aspects. The overall message is that India is moving forward strongly, and continued cooperation from USA will further accelerate our progress.

Regarding the green economy, he hints that USA may backslide on its sustainability commitments including once again backing out of the Paris agreement. But again, he clearly states India will keep going, i.e. hints that India may potentially become a world leader in sustainability, with the USA steadily losing its relative importance.

[KL Dubey]

The selection of Mike Waltz as next NSA of US is reported by many outlets, but here is an India perspective:

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/wor ... 224153.cms

I hope this individual has sobered up a bit since 2021, when he and Nimrata Randhawa claimed US and India should strike a formal alliance, i.e. India to be employed as a US ally. This is the same mentality that Trump and Pompeo had back in 2020 when deciding to help India during the India-China border issues.

It's 2024 and India has further increased strength and momentum, also "buried the hatchet" with the CCP/PLA for now on the border issues. It's the era of India forging its own path without being encumbered by any major "alliances".

That being said, Waltz is a well-known India caucus member and could be helpful as NSA. I am particularly interested to see how the issues with Kanadda (Pannu, Nijjar, Gupta et al) play out. Again, India is not depending on USA and will deal with the Kanaddus on its own. USA should withdraw its interference in this matter, but I think it may be easier said than done.

Most of the Indian media - including ironically the so-called right-wing social media outlets - still have the "amriki saheb will help/save us" mentality since Trump has been elected. The only thing that has changed for these fellows is that there are now two types of "sahibs", one good and one bad. Perhaps these folks will next evolve to finding a third type - the "indifferent" one.

[Vayutuvan]

...
Most of the Indian media - including ironically the so-called right-wing social media outlets - still have the "amriki saheb will help/save us" mentality since Trump has been elected. The only thing that has changed for these fellows is that there are now two types of "sahibs", one good and one bad. Perhaps these folks will next evolve to finding a third type - the "indifferent" one.

Really deep stuff this.

[williams]

During Trump 1.0 we were able to remove Art 370 while he looked the other way.

Which comparably big things can we do under Trump 2.0 ?

This was India's internal matter so probably not a good example. But if he clamps the Pakis for Terrorist finances and looks the other way when we take action against terror camps across the border that will be helpful.

[vimal]

I’m happy with Rubio’s selection as SOS. He is a China hawk and is in for close ties with India to counter them. He recently was in the news for proposing India-US partnership bill. This seems like the perfect platform to further that agenda. Details here https://www.rubio.senate.gov/rubio-intr ... rtnership/

Treat India as if it were of the same status as U.S. allies such as Japan, Israel, Korea, and NATO allies regarding technology transfers;
Authorize the Secretary of State to enter into a memorandum of understanding with India to increase military cooperation;
Expedite excess defense articles to India for two years and grant India the same status as other allies;
Expand International Military Education and Training Cooperation with New Delhi;
Require a report to Congress on Pakistan’s use of offensive force, including through terrorism and proxy groups, against India; and
Bar Pakistan from receiving security assistance if it is found to have sponsored terrorism against India.

[bala]

I am waiting for Tulsi Gabbard's appointment. She worked hard for DJT's victory and should be given something substantial.

[A Deshmukh]

Tulsi and RFK Jr.?

[sanman]

I am waiting for Tulsi Gabbard's appointment. She worked hard for DJT's victory and should be given something substantial.

She could have been a good US SecDef pick, given her military background and clear-eyed views about security.

I think she deserves some posting that makes use of her foreign policy & military experience.

[disha]

Most of the Indian media - including ironically the so-called right-wing social media outlets - still have the "amriki saheb will help/save us" mentality since Trump has been elected. The only thing that has changed for these fellows is that there are now two types of "sahibs", one good and one bad. Perhaps these folks will next evolve to finding a third type - the "indifferent" one.

So when Modi is called a boss by Aus PM or when Trump tweets that he is a great friend of Modi and is one of the first leaders he talks to after his win, what kind of shahib is Trump? Good, Bad or Indifferent?

[disha]

I am waiting for Tulsi Gabbard's appointment. She worked hard for DJT's victory and should be given something substantial.

She could have been a good US SecDef pick, given her military background and clear-eyed views about security.

I think she deserves some posting that makes use of her foreign policy & military experience.

Tulsi G is head of DNI, which requires military experience. NSA comes under DNI. All intelligence either comes under DNI or reports its briefings to DNI. That means CIA reports its activities to DNI. DNI prepares the intelligence briefing for the President. This is big.

If you are cheen, kangladesh or bakistan, you must shiver in chequered lungi. More of this in the US Election thread.

[disha]

I had been pointing out that G@r$hitty is one of the worst ever appointee and two years later, I have been more than prescient. Hear it from Swarajya staff's own words:

https://swarajyamag.com/world/goodbye-e ... -diplomacy

Goodbye, Eric Garcetti, And Please Stay Out Of The Business Of Diplomacy

Eric Garcetti, the United States (US) Ambassador to India, has somehow managed to turn diplomacy into a circus act.

Garcetti's tenure has been a disservice to both the United States and India, one characterised by baffling statements, selective amnesia regarding security, and a blatant disregard for India’s legitimate concerns.

His misguided, if not outright irresponsible, remarks about Khalistani extremists and the US’ complicity in shielding them have done nothing to strengthen US-India relations — if anything, they’ve undermined them. It’s no surprise that Garcetti’s time as Ambassador is coming to an end, and the sooner he’s out of Delhi, the better.

Garcetti's latest defence of the Biden administration’s stance on Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani extremist operating openly on American soil, is perhaps the most absurd of his many blunders. In a podcast with journalist Smita Prakash, Garcetti asserted that in the United States, "you can’t be punished for speech, only actions."

This misguided defence of free speech is not only naive but downright dangerous. It’s as though Garcetti believes that words when spoken by individuals with malicious intent, have no consequence — completely ignoring the incitement to violence that those very words can cause.

Pannun’s rhetoric is clear: he has threatened the lives of Indian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister of Punjab, and others. Yet, Garcetti suggests that unless Pannun directly acts on those threats, the US is powerless to intervene. This absurd standard completely ignores the fact that Pannun’s incitement has already led to attacks on Indian diplomatic missions, terror threats, and general unrest.

If Garcetti and the Biden administration are so keen on maintaining this narrow interpretation of free speech, then they are complicit in allowing violence to fester under their watch.

What’s more troubling is Garcetti’s pattern of downplaying serious threats posed by Khalistani extremists. In a separate interview, Garcetti suggested that the US only acts on "crimes," not "opinions," downplaying India’s concerns about Khalistani terrorism.

His remarks, which seem to signal a green light to extremist groups, not only display a lack of understanding of the broader geopolitical issues at play but also reveal a disturbing complacency when it comes to safeguarding innocent lives. It almost seems as though Garcetti believes the US should wait for the blood to be spilled before taking any meaningful action.

India has long raised concerns about the safe havens provided to Khalistani extremists in the US, and Garcetti’s statements only seem to confirm suspicions that the US is turning a blind eye to these groups, even as they grow bolder.

Pannun, in particular, has become a symbol of this indifference, using his platform to incite violence against India and its people. Yet, Garcetti continues to downplay the severity of these actions, as though they are inconsequential.

This level of incompetence and irresponsibility would be laughable if it weren’t so dangerous. The US’ failure to take decisive action against individuals like Pannun suggests a troubling disregard for the safety and security of a close ally.

Garcetti, in his diplomatic naivety, may have thought he could charm his way through these issues, but the reality is that his tenure has only served to alienate India. His comments have deepened the rift between the two nations, making it clear that the US is not serious about countering the Khalistani threat.

Garcetti’s confirmation as Ambassador in 2022 came only after a yearslong battle to save his failing career, tainted by his disgraceful cover-up of sexual harassment by one of his top aides. As US Ambassador to India, he continued to embarrass himself and the US, fumbling diplomacy and proving, every day, that he was unfit for the job.

The most ironic part of Garcetti’s tenure is his own admission that the US-India relationship isn’t strong enough to be taken “for granted.”

If anything, Garcetti’s bungling of sensitive issues like the Khalistani extremism debate and his tone-deaf statements about free speech show just how weak this relationship remains under his watch. His words — carelessly thrown out without understanding the full context — have done more harm than good.

Garcetti’s diplomatic career will likely be remembered for his failures in India, and good riddance when he’s gone. With a Republican administration likely returning to the White House in 2025, the hopes of real diplomatic progress with India are much brighter.

As for Garcetti, he’ll return to his political obscurity, possibly setting his sights on another cushy job when another Democratic administration takes the White House — hopefully, without the power to affect international relations again.

The sooner he is out of the picture, the better for both India and the US.

Let it be of significant note here: Sleepy Joe Biden and Cackling Comma,La Mommala (as she likes herself to be called) along with G@r$hitty put a major dent in Indo-US relationship. Last time it was rock bottom was in 1991 when Robin Raphael was blowing wind from her @r$e in Cashmere.

[KL Dubey]

Most of the Indian media - including ironically the so-called right-wing social media outlets - still have the "amriki saheb will help/save us" mentality since Trump has been elected. The only thing that has changed for these fellows is that there are now two types of "sahibs", one good and one bad. Perhaps these folks will next evolve to finding a third type - the "indifferent" one.

So when Modi is called a boss by Aus PM or when Trump tweets that he is a great friend of Modi and is one of the first leaders he talks to after his win, what kind of shahib is Trump? Good, Bad or Indifferent?

Welcome back from the ban. I bolded relevant text above, so you can identify whom to go ask this question.

[vimal]

Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence

President-elect Trump on Wednesday announced that he is appointing Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence in his new Cabinet.

Irony is that Biden admin put her under domestic terror watchlist. Now the same agencies will serve under her FBI, CIA and all other 3 letter ones.

[disha]

Welcome back from the ban. I bolded relevant text above, so you can identify whom to go ask this question.

You are welcome. I enjoyed the meltdown on Nov 5. And the stock market jump on Nov 6. It was refreshing.

Well its your choice to believe media. LW or RW. And believe what they say as gospel truth. But then as most people who put their trust in media realize, they are always led down the garden path.

I hope you are not paying for the media. Or any celebrity from H'wood.

[sanjaykumar]

Her religion is not particularly pertinent to me personally but I am amazed that a non Christian is given such a sensitive post.

Very impressive for what America is becoming. Or perhaps it has been so and I just didn’t notice. America truly can be a leading nation.

[bala]

Tulsi G is head of DNI, which requires military experience. NSA comes under DNI. All intelligence either comes under DNI or reports its briefings to DNI. That means CIA reports its activities to DNI.

Great to see Tulsi G in something important. She will shine in her new job and I am big fan of hers (someone who swears on the BhagavadGita is on my A1 list!). I hope she identifies the scumbags who put her on a watch list and does the same to them (here, i am suspecting plastic-smiles-r-us Blinken and the Ukraine-needs-to-fight-russia champ Nuland were behind such devious things).

[drnayar]

Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence

President-elect Trump on Wednesday announced that he is appointing Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence in his new Cabinet.

Irony is that Biden admin put her under domestic terror watchlist. Now the same agencies will serve under her FBI, CIA and all other 3 letter ones.

Would be interesting to see which direction beedi land goes... What's happening now is hindu genocide

[Mukesh.Kumar]

Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence

President-elect Trump on Wednesday announced that he is appointing Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence in his new Cabinet.

Irony is that Biden admin put her under domestic terror watchlist. Now the same agencies will serve under her FBI, CIA and all other 3 letter ones.

Interesting times. I wonder how the establishment will react having TG as their head honcho, when a year ago,the US TSA had put her on a terror watch list (Lawmakers incensed after former congresswoman placed on terror watch list).

And how CNN will be reporting on her activities after they had aired Hill C's interview insinuating that she was being groomed by the Russians. Seems the video has already been pulled but article still up.

[Mukesh.Kumar]

Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence

President-elect Trump on Wednesday announced that he is appointing Tulsi Gabbard to serve as director of national intelligence in his new Cabinet.

Irony is that Biden admin put her under domestic terror watchlist. Now the same agencies will serve under her FBI, CIA and all other 3 letter ones.

Interesting times. I wonder how the establishment will react having TG as their head honcho, when a year ago,the US TSA had put her on a terror watch list (Lawmakers incensed after former congresswoman placed on terror watch list).

And how CNN will be reporting on her activities after they had aired Hill C's interview insinuating that she was being groomed by the Russians. Seems the video has already been pulled but article still up.

Almost on cue- The Atlantic comes out with this opinion piece- Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination Is a National-Security Risk

Trump's really ruffling feathers in DeeSee.

[Mort Walker]

I think Tulsi will narrowly clear senate confirmation. Gaetz is making heads explode. If Kash Patel is FBI director, then Dems & RINOs go completely ape shit.

Have to count senate votes depending on who will fill Rubio & Vance seats.

[vimal]

Interesting times. I wonder how the establishment will react having TG as their head honcho, when a year ago,the US TSA had put her on a terror watch list (Lawmakers incensed after former congresswoman placed on terror watch list).

And how CNN will be reporting on her activities after they had aired Hill C's interview insinuating that she was being groomed by the Russians. Seems the video has already been pulled but article still up.

Almost on cue- The Atlantic comes out with this opinion piece- Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination Is a National-Security Risk

Trump's really ruffling feathers in DeeSee.

The Author Tom Nicols is still trying to peddle Dems favorite Russia hoax after all these years. All part of the gehra rajya.

[KL Dubey]

Almost on cue- The Atlantic comes out with this opinion piece- Tulsi Gabbard’s Nomination Is a National-Security Risk

Trump's really ruffling feathers in DeeSee.

The Author Tom Nicols is still trying to peddle Dems favorite Russia hoax after all these years. All part of the gehra rajya.

Instead of disparaging everything without a closer look, perhaps start understanding what the concerns/issues are.

Gabbard: It could be a positive development but there are real questions/risks. She has a little bit of experience on security and defense matters and organizational leadership - the Democrats gave her several committee positions plus the DNC vice chair role. In the committee (homeland security, defense etc) positions she had high level access/security clearances. Her military leadership experience is not much, at Lt Col rank. Later on she was put on the QS list as a potential security risk due to her outspoken views + prior access to sensitive information. There will be uncomfortable questions from both sides of the aisle in the senate hearings. There is a chance she may be withdrawn by committee recommendation, or lose the vote in the senate.

Hedsgeth: Some similar issues here too. A very junior national guard officer (major), even lower in rank than Gabbard. No/little leadership experience. Spent most of his career as a TV host and commentator. Now seasoned jarnails in the US armed forces will have to put up with the actions and decisions of a major. This, and discontent of the MIC and associated poltoos, may create large concerns in the senate.

RFK: This is a Jekyll-and-Hyde case. On one hand he has many seemingly "good" thoughts but also does not display a basic scientific temper (the anti-vaccine BS claims, HIV denialism, etc).

Musk and Chatur: It seems Trump and his advisers have given these fellows no actual sarkari role, but sent them off to create public entertainment such as creating a website for listing all "wasteful expenditures", taking suggestions from the public, etc. They are supposedly going to "advise" the OMB on what they should do. It's quite possible that very few of their "suggestions" will be actually implemented in the budget legislation, which then will lead to frictions between the three of them. Musk will probably then start criticizing everything and leave. Chatur will likely still suck up to Trump for a while.