India-US relations: News and Discussions IV

[Amber G.]

xpost :
Breaking News: United States has removed 3 Indian entities from its restrictive list to spur civil nuclear cooperation. Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR) & Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).

This is a Major development after NSA Ajit Doval met US NSA Sullivan.

IMO, This move is a significant positive development for the US-India relationship:

- Enhances cooperation in energy security - The removal of these entities will facilitate closer cooperation between the US and India in securing resilient critical minerals and clean energy supply chains.
- With these entities no longer on the Entity List, joint research and development activities will have positive impact.

Strengthens bilateral ties (politically good) - US commitment to strengthening its partnership with India.

The removal of these Indian entities from the Entity List is a deliberate effort by the US to incentivize cooperation and reinforce the strategic partnership.

[S_Madhukar]

Hindenburg closes short seller research firm ?!

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/15/hindenb ... -shop.html

[drnayar]

https://on.ft.com/40gnAge

Activist short seller Nathan Anderson, famous for his campaigns against Adani Group, Super Micro and Nikola, is shutting down his firm Hindenburg Research seven years after he founded it.

[Cyrano]

Destruction of evidence and covering their tracks... Had their shorts on fire when shorting Adani stock back fired and sponsors behind are exiting.

[Manish_P]

Will re-emerge with a new name

[Amber G.]

xpost :
Breaking News: United States has removed 3 Indian entities from its restrictive list to spur civil nuclear cooperation. Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR) & Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).

This is a Major development after NSA Ajit Doval met US NSA Sullivan.
<snip>

At the same time, US added about 11 entities from China...

[putnanja]

https://on.ft.com/40gnAge

Activist short seller Nathan Anderson, famous for his campaigns against Adani Group, Super Micro and Nikola, is shutting down his firm Hindenburg Research seven years after he founded it.

The fact that it is closing just as the Biden admin comes to an end makes me wonder if it is just a coincidence or whether there is more to it

[srin]

One set of sanctions go and another set comes in ...

Proposed US restriction on AI chip export threatens India's AI hardware plans: IESA

The US administration has proposed a new framework that restricts the import of artificial intelligence chips due to national security concerns about the technology and economic interests of producers and other countries.

The proposal has no restriction for 18 key allies of the US, which have been clubbed under Group 1, but there are restrictions on the quantum that can be exported to other countries under Group 2, including India.
"In the short term, the new export controls may not significantly impact India. However, the uncertainty of securing licenses and trade negotiations could challenge India's ambitions for large-scale AI hardware deployment," India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) President Ashok Chandak said in a statement.

[williams]

One set of sanctions go and another set comes in ...

Proposed US restriction on AI chip export threatens India's AI hardware plans: IESA

The US administration has proposed a new framework that restricts the import of artificial intelligence chips due to national security concerns about the technology and economic interests of producers and other countries.

The proposal has no restriction for 18 key allies of the US, which have been clubbed under Group 1, but there are restrictions on the quantum that can be exported to other countries under Group 2, including India.
"In the short term, the new export controls may not significantly impact India. However, the uncertainty of securing licenses and trade negotiations could challenge India's ambitions for large-scale AI hardware deployment," India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) President Ashok Chandak said in a statement.

That is one way to look at it. We have enough brains and money to build our own hardware.We should continue to focus our investment on generic Nano VLSI and Quantum chips. Once we master that, our own math addicted techies will easily add AI to it. If we have ambitions for large-scale AI, then our ambition should include building our own base tech infrastructure for it.

[vimal]

One set of sanctions go and another set comes in ...

Proposed US restriction on AI chip export threatens India's AI hardware plans: IESA

The US administration has proposed a new framework that restricts the import of artificial intelligence chips due to national security concerns about the technology and economic interests of producers and other countries.

The proposal has no restriction for 18 key allies of the US, which have been clubbed under Group 1, but there are restrictions on the quantum that can be exported to other countries under Group 2, including India.
"In the short term, the new export controls may not significantly impact India. However, the uncertainty of securing licenses and trade negotiations could challenge India's ambitions for large-scale AI hardware deployment," India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) President Ashok Chandak said in a statement.

This isn’t an India specific ban. It’s for all non NATO non close allies. Anyway the limit of 10k chips is way higher than what India might need for the next few years.

[Cyrano]

I welcome sanctions. It will be a painful but well deserved kick in the butt for our public policy and private entrepreneurship.

[Amber G.]

Meanwhile: (Important/noticeable news IMO)

US releases Joint Statement on the US-India Information & Communications Tech Working Group of Oct that calls for joint development work in 3rd countries in Africa & Asia focusing on emerging technologies from the Indian & US public & private sectors

Joint Statement on the U.S.-India Information and Communications Technology Working Group

>>>both countries agreed to promote open, interoperable, and secure digital connectivity and ICT infrastructure.
Key areas of cooperation include:
Secure 5G and 6G Networks: Promoting secure and resilient wireless networks through open and interoperable approaches like Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN) and quantum communications.
Digital Talent and AI: Collaborating on artificial intelligence (AI) and promoting equitable global access to AI systems and benefits.
Trusted ICT Suppliers: Fostering telecommunications supplier diversity to lower costs, improve flexibility, and increase options for trusted ICT suppliers.
Cross-Border Data Flows: Ensuring trustworthy cross-border data flows and data privacy protections.
Global Digital Development Partnership: Collaborating on joint development work in third countries, focusing on emerging technologies from the Indian and US public and private sectors.
These initiatives aim to advance the development and deployment of cutting-edge technologies, fostering a more resilient, inclusive, and interconnected digital future. The U.S.-India ICT Working Group has been a key platform for discussing ICT and digital economy issues since 2005

[S_Madhukar]

I welcome sanctions. It will be a painful but well deserved kick in the butt for our public policy and private entrepreneurship.

May be we can buy more on Pak- Bangladeshi quotas

[Amber G.]

xpost:
Elon Musk hosts India Global Forum Business Delegation at SpaceX's Starbase facility in Texas.

[Amber G.]

xpost :
Breaking News: United States has removed 3 Indian entities from its restrictive list to spur civil nuclear cooperation. Indian Rare Earths, Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Center (IGCAR) & Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC).

This is a Major development after NSA Ajit Doval met US NSA Sullivan.

As expected, India welcomes this - MEA welcomes removal of 3 Indian entities from US restrictive list -- "says it will lead to 'greater collaboration'" (from- MEA spokesperson's briefing for today)

[Amber G.]

"Things Trending Positive" - Elon Musk On India-US Relationship

[A_Gupta]

The United States Dedicates New Consulate Site in Bengaluru
https://in.usembassy.gov/the-united-sta ... bengaluru/

MAYOR BASS CELEBRATES ANNOUNCEMENT OF NEW INDIAN CONSULATE IN LOS ANGELES
https://mayor.lacity.gov/news/mayor-bas ... os-angeles

[Hriday]

From today's Manorama newspaper. Chinese President Xi was invited, but the Vice President will attend the swearing-in ceremony. Almost certain that Modi is not invited purposefully, isn't it? In the past, Trump and Elon Musk had commented positively about India's ancient civilization. Many would have thought that India, being a nuclear power, the biggest democracy and representing 1/6 of the world population, deserved an invitation for PM. Ok, it may be a minor irritant, leave it. Mukesh Ambani and his wife attended the dinner hosted by Trump, and only 100 people got the invitation. The photo of the three of them together is there in the Manorama newspaper. Maybe in the future, Ambani could be a bridge to connect with the US administration.

[Cyrano]

You seriously believe Modi wasn't invited and therefore Dr SJ is going?!

[Hriday]

^^
Many reports give such an impression, and I was asking if it is true. Also, as I said earlier here, if Modi got an invitation for such a high-profile event, especially considering that both of them had good relations till recently, it would have been major news. Similar news of invitations to major ceremonies and subsequent news of invitees' inability to attend had been there.

[chetak]

From today's Manorama newspaper. Chinese President Xi was invited, but the Vice President will attend the swearing-in ceremony. Almost certain that Modi is not invited purposefully, isn't it? In the past, Trump and Elon Musk had commented positively about India's ancient civilization. Many would have thought that India, being a nuclear power, the biggest democracy and representing 1/6 of the world population, deserved an invitation for PM. Ok, it may be a minor irritant, leave it. Mukesh Ambani and his wife attended the dinner hosted by Trump, and only 100 people got the invitation. The photo of the three of them together is there in the Manorama newspaper. Maybe in the future, Ambani could be a bridge to connect with the US administration.

Hriday ji, no one else in the world seems to be bothered that Modi ji will not be attending the trump inaugeration


Aren't Modi ji and trumpwa meeting for the QUAD summit and that will be a two or three day meeting in India.


In the meanwhile, Jaishankar ji (+ entourage) will be more than enough to work out most of the niggles and nitty gritties with the incoming Trump administration and get a comprehensive set of agreements worked out and ready for the signature of both leaders during the forthcoming QUAD summit in India


India to host 2025 Quad Summit in New Delhi

US President-elect Donald Trump to attend the event

2024 Summit moved to New York due to scheduling conflict (due to which India and the US exchanged their host years)

"We do expect that next year the Quad Summit will take place in India. PM Modi graciously agreed to swap host years with us and we do expect all four Quad leaders to meet in India next year," she added.

Even the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said that India will host the Quad Summit in 2025. "Following the request of the US side to host the Quad Summit this year, India has agreed to host the next Quad Summit in 2025," it noted.

Trump's inauguration is a photo op and a grand spectacle, full of extravaganza, pageants and parades but not of much in the way of geopolitical substance and or even economic heft, both of which need the full attention and sustained engagement of leaders



In the meanwhile, Hriday ji, take a look at this


It's a typical example of Modi ji's reverse swing

[A_Gupta]

It isn't normal to invite foreign dignitaries to the inauguration of the US President. Trump was breaking with tradition.

[Cyrano]

Dr SJ had the front row center seat during the ceremony. Such placements do not happen by chance. Nuff said.

[suryag]

JS garu to Vivek - hey naanum tamil thaan man like you, and like you enakku tamil avlo varaadhu(Am also tamil like you, also like you i cant speak much tamil)

[Amber G.]

Dr SJ had the front row center seat during the ceremony. Such placements do not happen by chance. Nuff said.

[Leonard]

Dr SJ

On front row ...not by chance ... Do you see the minions of Winnie the Pooh ?



https://x.com/MeghUpdates/status/1881399082499080537

[arshyam]

Also, attending the swearing in ceremony is like the coronation events of old... mostly smaller (or supplicant) countries would attend to gain favour with the new king. Seen in that light, it's quite fitting that Modiji did not attend - clearly, he has better things to do.

[chetak]

Also, attending the swearing in ceremony is like the coronation events of old... mostly smaller (or supplicant) countries would attend to gain favour with the new king. Seen in that light, it's quite fitting that Modiji did not attend - clearly, he has better things to do.

arshyam ji,


no one of interest to Modi ji or even India, is going to attend or was invited to the inauguration. Obviously trumpwa has his own agenda and some of his real estate pals from India are on the invite list. These sort of pals are not Modi ji's cup of tea and he can hardly avoid meeting them in a social setting and there will be the inevitable photo ops which Modi ji cannot avoid because amriki photographers will record the event. My guess is that Modi ji has purposely stayed away, thereby denying the dimwit another chance to taunt him


This is a social event, whereas the Gujarati in Modi ji prefers dhandho max events, where he is able to mobilize foreign investments and trade opportunities

Dhandho is an approach to business that seeks to minimize risk while maximizing reward

[Amber G.]

Also, attending the swearing in ceremony is like the coronation events of old... mostly smaller (or supplicant) countries would attend to gain favour with the new king. Seen in that light, it's quite fitting that Modiji did not attend - clearly, he has better things to do.

Indian PM generally doesn't go for swearing-in ceremonies of other countries' leaders. India's general practice (and PM's office has articulated this) has been to send Special Envoys of PM to attend the swearing in ceremony of Heads of State/ govt. (This protocol is well understood by Trump team)

Eg:
-RM Rajnath Singh at oath taking of Nigeria Prez
- Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju at the swearing in ceremony of Maldives President Muizzu
- MoS MEA Raj Kumar Ranjan Singh at oath taking of Philippines President
- EAM Dr S Jaishankar at oath taking of Iran President Ebrahim Raisi
(The only exception to this rule, AFAIK was when PM Modi attended the swearing in ceremony of Maldives President Solih - But this visit was significant in the context of India's neighbourhood first policy. India was the only country invited at the Head of State/Government level during Solih's inauguration.)

[pravula]

Wow, you all have made it look like a High school party invite from Mean Girls.

[ernest]

Looks like birthright citizenship will not be available for children of H1B couples. Indians most affected by this EO, as they do not get green card for decades through work visas.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential ... tizenship/

[Hriday]

Indian PM generally doesn't go for swearing-in ceremonies of other countries' leaders. India's general practice (and PM's office has articulated this) has been to send Special Envoys of PM to attend the swearing in ceremony of Heads of State/ govt. (This protocol is well understood by Trump team)

Amber ji, thanks for the clarification. I didn't find a quick and proper explanation on the question earlier. Exactly as you said, today's Manorama newspaper reports that India's convention is to send MEA minister to attend such ceremonies. They presented this news in a small coloured box to highlight it. They could have said it earlier.

[Cyrano]

Many Indian newspapers still want to gloat at any imagined snub of Modi and India. Pathetic.

[williams]

Looks like birthright citizenship will not be available for children of H1B couples. Indians most affected by this EO, as they do not get green card for decades through work visas.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential ... tizenship/

Look like the phrase "And subject to the jurisdiction thereof" was there for people like children of diplomats and some clever lawyer is extending that to children of lawful temporary residents. But H1b families who are waiting for GC, go through a lot of inconveniences. This is going to be an additional one, especially when the kid need to study in college. They now need to apply for a F1 Visa even if they were born in the United States.

[ernest]

Look like the phrase "And subject to the jurisdiction thereof" was there for people like children of diplomats and some clever lawyer is extending that to children of lawful temporary residents. But H1b families who are waiting for GC, go through a lot of inconveniences. This is going to be an additional one, especially when the kid need to study in college. They now need to apply for a F1 Visa even if they were born in the United States.

Yeah. let's see how the court interprets it. I think people (on visa) who pay taxes and social security are clearly subject to the jurisdiction of USA.

Edit: SCOTUS has actually interpreted it in the following case https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_St ... ng_Kim_Ark

The case highlighted disagreements over the precise meaning of one phrase in the Citizenship Clause—namely, the provision that a person born in the United States who is "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" acquires automatic citizenship. The Supreme Court's majority concluded that this phrase referred to being required to obey U.S. law; on this basis, they interpreted the language of the Fourteenth Amendment in a way that granted U.S. citizenship to children born of foreigners (a concept known as jus soli), with only a limited set of exceptions mostly based in English common law.[2] The court's dissenters argued that being subject to the jurisdiction of the United States meant not being subject to any foreign power[9]—that is, not being claimed as a citizen by another country via jus sanguinis (inheriting citizenship from a parent)—an interpretation which, in the minority's view, would have excluded "the children of foreigners, happening to be born to them while passing through the country".[10]

[AkshaySG]

Would be interesting if SC passes it. Because if it goes through without any associated Green card reforms it might be the single biggest deterrent to Indians moving (or staying) in the US in a long long time.

A lot of folks rn were okay with the H1 renewal drama and endless green card line because their kids were guaranteed citizenship and being "American"

All that changes if the kid is just another dependent and the whole family. This combined with slowdown in Canada and Aus PR processes means it's probably the worst time to emigrate to the "West" in many decades

Good opportunity for India to capitalize and keep some talented folks home

[Cyrano]

Good opportunity for India to capitalize and keep some talented folks home

Absolutely ! The current model of India(ns) paying for the education until graduation of their best and brightest only to see them moving to the west and settling there cannot continue for ever.

[Manish_P]

...

Good opportunity for India to capitalize and keep some talented folks home

With indications that reservations could go even higher due to appeasement politics, I wouldn't be so sure, Akshay ji. In fact the toolkit is being prepared to have reservations even in private industry.

[Jay]

I have a feeling that this time, trump's India policy will not be same as in 2016-20. When biden won in 2020, I was bracing his admin to be very vocal anti-Modi/anti-India, but surprisingly they restrained themselves. Yes, there was the case-scandal of alleged assassination attempts, but on the whole, I was pleasantly surprised. This time around, trump will drive a hard bargain. He might give India a free hand to deal with however we want in the neighborhood, but trade, and immigration is where India might lose with trumps America.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles ... eddit_wall

[Cyrano]

Trump will end up making many relationships adversarial with US' neighbours and allies. They have enough enemies already.

I'm thinking he will quickly see that India will be the only good and honest friend who is globally respected and has the guts to tell him some hard truths that no one else will and will help him from falling into the hubris trap.

That's why I'm not worried about how India will deal with Trump administration.