India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

[A_Gupta]

https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-inter ... ft-network

BRICS Pay was first proposed in 2018, as a way for the developing nations to better trade with each other. However, it was during the summit in 2022 that BRICS Pay became seen as a possibility to bypass the SWIFT network, the internationally recognised standard of global bank transactions and one of the main pillars of Western sanctions against Russia. Since its invasion of Ukraine, the resulting sanctions have made it difficult for Russia to trade with its allies, as it is barred from using SWIFT or the US dollar. This has resulted in Russia having to use local currencies to trade, and at some points even bartering with fruits and vegetables.

So, Russia is understandably keen to avoid SWIFT, and as a founding member has been the strongest proponent of BRICS Pay. But other members are deeply interested as well. They see BRICS Pay as a channel to one day achieve a goal of de-dollarisation, to free themselves from America’s financial hegemony. Brazil is all for the project, for example, with President Lula da Silva stating that it is time for a new payment system between BRICS nations as “we need to work so that the multipolar order we aim for is reflected in the international financial system.” In 2023, he even suggested a BRICS currency.

IMO, a BRICS currency is not needed for BRICS Pay. BRICS Pay could use any currency including the US dollar.

Although Russia is the most enthusiastic about this project, the other founding members of BRICS are still wary of such a system. India is one, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanting to focus on the spread of India’s own UPI across BRICS nations. China is similarly unsure on the idea, as President Xi Jinping’s remarked that BRICS should “promote the international financial system to better reflect changes in the world economic landscape.” Both China and India have their alternative to SWIFT – the Cross-Border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) and the Structured Financial Messaging System (SFMS) respectively.

If BRICS Pay becomes feasible, it could develop into a strong tool against the Western-led financial order. BRICS membership of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates currently represents 35.4% of the world economy and around 45% of the global population. Enabling BRICS nations to better trade in their own currencies, it would weaken the domination of the US dollar.

[bala]

The BRICS payment system was triggered by the US due to sanctions and blocking SWIFT. Commerce and trade continued despite such sanctions & SWIFT block for nations. Just goes to show every action has consequences and the system adjusts accordingly. Now, when the alternates are clearly known, the rest of the world is not going to depend on the mighty dollar or euro for trade. If OPEC decides to delink crude from dollar the US cannot do much to stem the dollar pillar of commerce. Also the huge US deficit pile up of 36 T and more is going to crimp the dollar further.

India UPI/DPI system is very attractive for the rest of the world. Visa etc are cannot grow if dollar dominance is curbed.

[SSridhar]

There will be give and take: EAM Jaishankar on Trump 2.0 impact on business - ToI

"Different countries have had their own experiences from the first administration and would presumably draw from that to approach the second. Where India is concerned, I can state with confidence that the strategic convergences with the United States have only grown deeper with time. They have created a larger environment in which more collaborative possibilities can be explored," said the minister, speaking at the CII partnership summit.

"Naturally, between two major economies, there will always be some give and take. When we look at economic or technology domains, the case for trusted and reliable partnerships have actually increased in recent years," he added.

According to the minister, a lot of what lies ahead would be in fashioning terms of engagement that are perceived as mutually beneficial. "And in that regard, the more that India can bring to the table, the stronger our appeal," he said.

[vera_k]

Trump reportedly told Justin Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st state

[bala]

This talk by Pathikrit Payne with Adi Achint lays bare all the current geopolitics mainly US and India and other crisis around the world (in which the US Deep State has its fingers). Pathikrit talks about Trump and tariffs which is true for 4 yrs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mzM-SjNiDI

[Manish_P]

Trump reportedly told Justin Trudeau that Canada should become the 51st state

Wasn't it already?

I thought Australia was fighting for becoming the 52nd state

[chetak]

vi@WA


If you are defending, you are losing.

For the first time in India, US has had to formally defend against allegations of its deep state influencing media.

Good start.

[A_Gupta]

FirstPost reports:

Harmeet Dhillon has been nominated as assistant attorney general for civil rights by Donald Trump. A prominent Republican lawyer with a history of advocating for conservative causes, Dhillon is known for her outspoken views on Indian politics, including support for farmers’ protests and allegations of India targeting Sikh activists in North America

https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/wh ... 43562.html

Times of India adds:

Notably, she has made unverified claims accusing India of operating "death squads" and suggesting that the Indian diaspora “participated” in assassinating critics.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/wor ... 172406.cms

As far as India is concerned, she is nasty.

[bala]

Apparently Christopher Wray of FBI resigned today. Don't know whether FBI internal people will wreck the system further for DJT and cover up their mess.

[sanman]

Apparently Christopher Wray of FBI resigned today. Don't know whether FBI internal people will wreck the system further for DJT and cover up their mess.

There were plenty of them in the woodwork -- like McCabe, Strzok, etc -- and will continue to be.

[Mort Walker]

How come Eric Garcetti hasn’t resigned yet? I hope Modi government has reached out to Mar-a-lago to denaturalize Indian origin terrorists & deport them back to India for maar-laago.

[vera_k]

Deporting to Canada more likely. We forget there is a terrorism hotbed right next door with fluid citizenship arrangements.

[sanman]

FirstPost reports:

Harmeet Dhillon has been nominated as assistant attorney general for civil rights by Donald Trump. A prominent Republican lawyer with a history of advocating for conservative causes, Dhillon is known for her outspoken views on Indian politics, including support for farmers’ protests and allegations of India targeting Sikh activists in North America

https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/wh ... 43562.html

Times of India adds:

Notably, she has made unverified claims accusing India of operating "death squads" and suggesting that the Indian diaspora “participated” in assassinating critics.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/wor ... 172406.cms

As far as India is concerned, she is nasty.

[Vayutuvan]

As far as India is concerned, she is nasty.

Internal political talk against Biden admin. She will stop once she is in the admin. Trudeau is finit anyway. I know you don't like DJT and/or GOP but they can't be as bad as Dem admin. We have seen that over the years starting from JFK refusing to give nuclear umbrella to India because Bharat kicked out Portuguese from Goa.

[Cyrano]

Yeah yeah, India sends death squads to kill terrorists whereas Murica sends whole armies and aircraft carriers and still the terrorists escape on donkeys

[drnayar]

hilarious but anyway

[vera_k]

Might there be a chance to sell this system to some states?

Chuck Schumer requests drone detection system for New York, New Jersey as mysterious devices litter the skies
Anti-Drone System

To address the malicious threats posed by rogue Drones, a Counter Drone System has been developed by DRDO & Productionized by BEL which has been operationally proven. The Counter Drone System (D4 System) is capable of performing real time search, detection, tracking and neutralization (Soft/ Hard Kill) of the flying drones (Micro/Small UAVs) and will provide object details (Optical / Thermal) and RF spectrum display on GUI.

[sanman]

[A_Gupta]

Reuters story:
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/ada ... 024-12-17/
Adani deal under bribery scrutiny was approved against officials' advice

NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE, Dec 17 (Reuters) - The approach from the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) on Sept. 15, 2021 came out of the blue. The federal agency, tasked with developing the solar sector, wanted to know if the southeastern state of Andhra Pradesh would like to sign India's largest renewables contract.

Two years earlier, Andhra Pradesh's energy regulator had said in a 10-year forecast the state had no short-term need for solar power, and should focus on other renewables that could provide 24-hour energy.

But just a day after SECI approached the state government, the 26-member state cabinet led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy gave the deal its preliminary approval, according to cabinet records seen by Reuters.

By Nov. 11, the state government had secured the nod from the energy regulator. On Dec. 1, state authorities signed a procurement agreement with SECI for the deal, which could eventually be worth over $490 million annually.

But look at this document from 2018:
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3716e1b8 ... 784977.pdf
ENERGY, INFRASTRUCTURE & INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT - Development of Solar Power in Andhra Pradesh – Andhra Pradesh Solar Power Policy-2018 – Orders – Issued.

OBJECTIVES:
1. To target a minimum total solar power capacity addition of 5,000 MW in the next five years in the State with a view to meet the growing demand for power in an environmentally sustainable manner.

...
A. Sale of power to AP Discom(s)
The Government will promote setting up of Solar Power Projects for sale of power to APDiscoms. It is envisaged that the Discoms would procure around 2,000 MW of solar power capacity in a phased manner within the next five (5) years depending on the requirement in the State. The Discoms would enter into long term PPA of 25 years with developers who are selected based on a competitive procurement process as per the tariff based competitive bidding guidelines notified by the Ministry of Power.

[A_Gupta]

This is also relevant. Tenders had been called for in November 2020, Adani and others won; Tata went to court and got the deal annulled by a single judge in the AP High Court. Later a multi-judge bench quashed the annulment.

The claimed timeline does not fit.
https://www.mercomindia.com/andhra-prad ... seci-offer

[sanman]

S.W.A.T. is a fictional TV drama series on America's CBS network, about a police S.W.A.T. team ("Special Weapons And Tactics")

Season 8, Episode 7 features a gripping storyline about Evil Hindu nationalist govt of India hunting down and murdering Sikhs in America

https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/tnhHS3O ... _5vVWnEqh/

Synopsis:

[Haresh]

S.W.A.T. is a fictional TV drama series on America's CBS network, about a police S.W.A.T. team ("Special Weapons And Tactics")

Season 8, Episode 7 features a gripping storyline about Evil Hindu nationalist govt of India hunting down and murdering Sikhs in America

https://www.cbs.com/shows/video/tnhHS3O ... _5vVWnEqh/

Synopsis:

The story line was obviously written by the same person who wrote Indianna Jones and the Temple of Doom.

[A_Gupta]

X-Post in Bangladesh thread:

The game becomes clearer (or more murky?)

Exclusive-Adani, under bribery scrutiny, pressed by Bangladesh to reopen power deal
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/ex ... 100b&ei=10

Reuters is reporting for the first time that the contract came with an additional implementation agreement that addressed the transfer of tax benefits. The news agency is also revealing details about Bangladesh's plan to reopen the 25-year deal, and that it hopes to use the fallout from U.S. prosecutors' November indictment of Adani and seven other executives for their alleged role in a $265 million bribery scheme to press for a resolution.

[sanman]

Pannu Now Accuses Russia of Involvement in Nijjar Killing, Announces Bounty on Russian Ambassador

[chetak]

US attorney Breon Peace who brought charges against Adani resigns ahead of Trump inauguration






https://www.indiatoday.in/world/us-news ... 2024-12-20

United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Breon Peace, has announced his resignation, effective January 10, 2025, just days before the inauguration of Donald Trump as the President of the United States.

Breon Peace, who has served in the role since October 15, 2021, has been a key figure in several high-profile cases, including the fraud indictment against the Adani Group.

[sanman]

[Vayutuvan]

@sanman, summary please.

[sanman]

@sanman, summary please.

Google Gemini summary:

Key Points:

Historical Context:

Highlights the strong friendship between India and the US during Trump's first term, exemplified by events like "Howdy Modi" and "Namaste Trump."
Acknowledges Trump's first term saw significant shifts in US-India relations.

Trump's Policies Favoring India:

Strong stance against terrorism: Aligns with India's concerns, particularly regarding Pakistan and terrorism groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Indo-Pacific Strategy: Revival of the Quad (US, India, Japan, Australia) to counter China's influence.
Defense Agreements: Strengthened defense ties with India through agreements like COMCASA and BECA.
Tough on China: Trump's anti-China stance creates opportunities for India in trade and manufacturing.
Potential for reduced oil prices: Trump's potential re-engagement with Russia could stabilize global energy markets, benefiting India.
Challenges for India under Trump:

Revocation of GSP status: Increased tariffs on Indian exports to the US, impacting sectors like textiles and agriculture.
Tighter immigration policies: Disrupted the flow of Indian talent to the US, impacting IT and healthcare sectors.
Concerns over the Khalistan movement: Trump's "law and order" approach could potentially impact support for separatist movements.
Potential Impacts on India:

Trade opportunities: India could benefit from the US-China trade war by filling the gap in global supply chains.
Manufacturing growth: Relocation of manufacturing from China to India could boost India's economy.
Strengthened global ties: India could solidify its role as a key player in global trade.

Overall:

Trump's second term presents both opportunities and challenges for India.
India needs a strategic approach to navigate these complexities and maximize benefits while mitigating risks.

[A_Gupta]

https://www.republicworld.com/world-new ... nst-muizzu
"Another Hit Job by US Media? Ex-Maldives Prez denies India Attempted Coup...
Mohamed Nasheed dismissed a Washington Post report alleging that the opposition sought $6 million from India to aid in a plot to impeach Maldives President Moh"

https://theprint.in/world/maldivian-opp ... o/2424749/

In a statement to ThePrint, Rodrigues said he was “a soldier without a uniform”. “I will deal with existential threats to my country with all tools at my disposal,” he asserted.

Neither confirming nor denying any role in the MDP plans to impeach Muizzu, Rodrigues further said that as a journalist, he was in touch with different leaders as part of his job.

Last year, the Goa Chronicle, an online news portal which he helms, ran a series of reports alleging that family members of Muizzu were linked to terrorism plots in India.

In a long statement on ‘X’ Monday, referring to The Post report, Rodrigues said: “Their recent exposé, aimed at discrediting me, is not an indictment of my actions but a testament to the truth I represent and the challenges I confront in the defence of my country.”

“Evidence has repeatedly pointed to Maldivian terror groups aligned with ISIS and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) orchestrating covert sleeper cell operations in India,” he alleged.

“I stand by my actions, unapologetic and resolute. If defending my country requires me to act 100 times over, I will do so without hesitation. If it means shedding the last drop of my blood to ensure my nation’s safety, so be it,” he added.

[vera_k]

Looks like an effort to build up material to support more asylum claims in Western countries. This should not be denied as the more Pakistanis and Khalistanis that move out of Pakistan, the fewer India needs to deal with locally.

In India’s shadow war with Pakistan, a campaign of covert killings

Since last year, India’s relations with Western governments have been rocked by allegations that RAW officials also ordered the assassination of Sikh separatists in Canada and the United States — operations that appeared to be an outgrowth of a campaign first tested and refined in Pakistan.

[Lisa]

^ I am curious, how would the West react to active Indian efforts to encourage puki and khali settlements in their counties. +

[vera_k]

This article posits that electricity tariffs for solar or wind only tell part of the story. Since every unit that solar or wind displaces makes it that much harder to amortize fossil fuel plants that are required for use when renewables cannot meet demand. Adani's alleged bribing of state officials is then explained as a way to overcome the hesitation to buy renewable energy since it would drive up electricity tariffs overall due to increased prices for other types of energy.

Green Electricity Costs a Bundle

This sets the backdrop for U.S. authorities’ recent bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Since most Indian states don’t want to “risk ‘intermittent’ renewables,” according to Reuters, he allegedly had to bribe government officials to get them to buy power from his $6 billion solar power project.

[A_Gupta]

This article posits that electricity tariffs for solar or wind only tell part of the story. Since every unit that solar or wind displaces makes it that much harder to amortize fossil fuel plants that are required for use when renewables cannot meet demand. Adani's alleged bribing of state officials is then explained as a way to overcome the hesitation to buy renewable energy since it would drive up electricity tariffs overall due to increased prices for other types of energy.

Green Electricity Costs a Bundle

This sets the backdrop for U.S. authorities’ recent bribery allegations against Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Since most Indian states don’t want to “risk ‘intermittent’ renewables,” according to Reuters, he allegedly had to bribe government officials to get them to buy power from his $6 billion solar power project.

Interesting idea. However Mr Lomborg seems to neglect things like:
“ Electricity price in Denmark is one of the highest in Europe, with production costs accounting for merely 17% of the consumer costs and 56% going towards taxes to support the welfare state. ”. “ The average share of total taxes and levies at EU level in the first half of 2024 was 24.3%” (for electricity).

Second, it is the mismatch of supply and demand in electricity that increases the costs, the so called System LCOE. just as a hypothetical example, I'd need to look in depth into this - in Germany, Denmark, etc., peak power demand is on cold winter days when solar supply is low, whereas in India peak electricity demand is on hot, sunny days when solar supply is high. So my guess is blindly extrapolating across geographies is a mistake.

[vijayk]

NSA jake Sullivan is in India. Is it to make deals or threats?

Rana is being extradited?

Pakis are trying to spread rumors that Nikhil Gupta may be released in a deal?

[Amber G.]

Speaking about Jake Sullivan .."US to remove regulations preventing civil nuclear cooperation with India, announces NSA Jake Sullivan") x post from nuclear dhaga:

Per various news reports ...:

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has announced that the United States will remove regulations that have hindered civil nuclear cooperation with India. This move aims to strengthen the bilateral partnership between the two countries, which was first envisioned nearly 20 years ago. ( and we have many many posts in brf dhagas:)

The removal of these regulations will enable Indian entities to collaborate with American private sector players, scientists, and technologists. This development reflects the progress made in the strategic partnership and India's transparent engagement over the past four years.

Sullivan's announcement was made during his two-day visit to India, where he met with national security advisor Ajit Doval and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Following the meeting, PM Modi expressed his optimism about the future of India-US relations, stating, "

Look forward to building upon this momentum in ties between our two democracies for the benefit of our people and global good"

. The US and India are expected to deepen their cooperation in areas like advanced semiconductor technologies and space exploration over the next decade.

Link:https://x.com/ANI/status/1876224332919394472

[Cyrano]

Why now in the very last days of Biden regime ?!

[Aditya_V]

So Trump does not get the blame for being too India Friendly as the Red Neck gangs are after him

[Cyrano]

If what you say is indeed the reason, then good to see Ds & Rs competing to be Bharat friendly.

I think there is more to this visit than meets the eye though.

[drnayar]

the unseen hand / deep state .. in the shadows

BlackRock is a lot more powerful than people know. They control and own:

Most US Banks (such as Bank of America and Chase Bank).
Major oil companies (like Exxon and Chevron).
All of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world (such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson).
Most of the mainstream media (such as CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC).
The supervision of nearly 10% of all stocks traded worldwide.
They quite literally hold a slice of every pie in the world. In fact, they have a whopping $10 trillion in assets — nearly half America’s total GDP.

No other company in history has had as much influence as BlackRock

[KL Dubey]

Some media outlets (unverified) including a Packee outlet are reporting that EAM Jaishankar recently had Nikhil Gupta released and returned to India.

Also, I missed this interview (text transcript) that Nikhil Gupta gave from a US prison 4 months ago (he had consular access): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1hnz6VBX7g