India-US Strategic News and Discussion

anmol · Post by **anmol** » 26 May 2014 10:03

Modi’s existential challenge to Obama
Edward Luce, ft.com
If the US president is to retrieve the geopolitical initiative, he must win over India’s leader

Whatever you think of him, Narendra Modi’s victory is a global event. Nobody knows whether Mr Modi will embrace the US-India relationship or walk the multipolar walk. His swearing-in on Monday as India’s prime minister coincides with Vladimir Putin’s “pivot to Asia” with the 30-year China-Russia gas deal.

US President Barack Obama’s own pivot looks increasingly content-free. If the US president is to retrieve the geopolitical initiative, he will need to win over India’s new strongman. India, as they say, is the “global swing state” of the 21st century. Mr Obama must ensure it swings America’s way.

That looks like a bit of a stretch right now. Mr Modi is bristling with resentment at a US that denied him a visa in 2005 over his role in the 2002 Gujarat massacres and only lifted the ban recently. In contrast, Mr Modi visited Japan five times during that period and China on three occasions – always getting the red carpet treatment.

Normally Indian chief ministers meet one member of the Chinese politburo. On his most recent trip Mr Modi met four. Uniquely for a provincial leader, he was also received in the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping clearly saw Mr Modi coming. Mr Obama denied him entry. That, at least, is how Mr Modi sees it.

Nor does he make a secret of his grievance. Mr Modi’s advisers have put it out that his first two trips are likely to be to Japan and China, both of which he admires for their ability to execute big projects and create manufacturing jobs – core planks in the Bharatiya Janata party’s election platform. After that, he is likely to visit the Brics summit in Brazil in July where he will get a photo opportunity with Mr Xi and Mr Putin. Only in September will Mr Modi touch down on US soil (visa in hand) for the UN summit in New York.

“There is no need for Mr Modi to go to Washington and beg for a lunch meeting with the US president,” wrote Kanwal Sibal, who is on the short list to be Mr Modi’s national security adviser.
Successive administrations – starting from Bill Clinton’s – might argue that the US has already bent over backwards to seduce India into its fold. George W Bush carved out a giant exception to his weapons of mass destruction policy by accepting India into the nuclear weapons club.

Mr Obama completed that deal and offered his first state dinner to Manmohan Singh, the then Indian prime minister, whom he described as his guru. Mr Obama even travelled to New Delhi in 2010 to declare that the US supported India’s permanent membership of the UN Security Council – again, a giant exception that was offered to no other country. But Mr Obama’s UN gesture had little impact on Indians.

To borrow a phrase from Mohandas Gandhi, they viewed it as a postdated cheque on a failing bank. Can Mr Obama write any cheques that do not bounce?

The answer is clearly yes – if he wants to. For all of Mr Modi’s resentment at the US, he has already shown his pragmatism. In addition to having laundered his image since 2002 by focusing on Gujarat’s development, Mr Modi has swallowed one genuine enmity before he is even sworn in.

By inviting Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan’s prime minister, to attend today’s oath-taking in New Delhi, Mr Modi signalled he is open for business. His mandate is to lift India’s growth rate and create jobs for the millions of young men roaming the countryside. War with Pakistan would derail that agenda. So too would friction with China.

It is difficult to imagine he would pick a fight with the US, which remains the world’s largest investor. This is where Mr Obama’s diplomatic skills will be tested. In the first instance, he needs to restore Mr Modi’s “face”.

India’s prime minister believes America has treated him as an untouchable. Only the royal treatment would atone. It is very hard to imagine Mr Obama taking anyone into the Oval Office and calling them “buddy”. That was Mr Bush’s speciality. But he will need to make a big gesture to break the ice.

The US must also show it is willing to help Mr Modi’s agenda. In the past few years India has treated foreign investors badly, including US companies, by imposing arbitrary and retroactive tax bills. Assuming Mr Modi puts India’s venal tax bureaucracy in its place, the door will be open for the country’s foreign investment boom to resume.

Whatever lift the US can give to Mr Modi’s development goals will be worth its weight in diplomatic gold.

US business leaders remain agitated by India’s failure to give them a liability waiver on nuclear power plant accidents. They should move past it. The world has changed since the meltdown in Fukushima.
The US is unlikely to reap the commercial dividends of its nuclear deal with India. Like China, India has a limitless appetite for cheap energy. Mr Modi is likely to take whatever pipelines are on offer, whether they originate in Russia or Iran. Sentiment is unlikely to pose any obstacles.

Without meaning to, Mr Modi has laid down a challenge to Mr Obama. The US president was never happier than when he was exchanging words with Manmohan Singh – another well-intentioned leader seemingly powerless to act.

Like him or not, Mr Modi is a man of action. At a time when most of the Bric countries are moving away from the US, Mr Modi’s ascent poses an existential question. Can Mr Obama be a statesman of action?
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SanjayC · Post by **SanjayC** » 26 May 2014 10:06

Deleted

anmol · Post by **anmol** » 26 May 2014 10:08

abhischekcc · Post by **abhischekcc** » 26 May 2014 10:34

Blackwater was not the largest organization of its kind - it just got oversized attention from the media. At any rate, Erik Prince (founder of Blackwater) was a Xtian fundamentalist.

The reason US MIC gives contract to pirates is because it helps divert taxpayer funds to political constituents. It also helps keep the army size and power in check. IOW, the only armed force that is constitutionally bound to protect citizens in times of internal crisis will be found to not have the tools to do so. This is an added advantage of downsizing the army.

Shreeman · Post by **Shreeman** » 26 May 2014 10:54

Whatever idiot decided obama should go to Afg today? He could have gone to diego garcia, guam, okinawa, or antarctica for christ's sake. Why Bagram? When Karzai is going to Delhi.

Instead, Mr Obama called the Afghan leader from Air Force One on his way back to the US, officials said, saying he would be in touch before announcing any decision on the planned US troop presence after 2014.

False alarm -- Even if does show up in Delhi, would that change the DoS? And the twitter generation will ruin the US if this is how smart they are.

vera_k · Post by **vera_k** » 26 May 2014 11:00

Normally Indian chief ministers meet one member of the Chinese politburo. On his most recent trip Mr Modi met four. Uniquely for a provincial leader, he was also received in the Great Hall of the People. President Xi Jinping clearly saw Mr Modi coming. Mr Obama denied him entry.

This is a miss almost as big as missing the intent to test in 1998. Means Chinese have better assets in India than USA!

schinnas · Post by **schinnas** » 26 May 2014 11:29

Obama visiting Modi and greeting him on his inauguration will be a big signal. US made an ill advised move egged on by fringe fundamentalist lunatics (both US and Indian) that insulted a Billion Indians by accusing and condemning Modi when there was no evidence of any proof what so ever. Even bigger mistake was persisting with it for too long even after Modi was exonerated by India's supreme court after the most detailed of any such investigations in India by investigating agencies inimical to Modi and after Modi winning two general elections in his state including getting material votes of Muslims and minorities in his state.

Obama visiting Delhi and greeting Modi personally on his inauguration would be a BIG symbolic gesture - that would be akin to expressing regret for the past blunder regarding visa to Modi without explicitly using such words. And more positive signal than expression of regret by some SD minion. If along with that gesture, some concrete steps are taken (enough signals in UB's posts, but our MEA has its work cut out too, imho) here, we can press RESET in the relationship and give it a chance it deserves, imo. Despite what US has done / harmed India till now, the <b> potential </b> of Indo-US partnership for the world cannot be emphasized enough.

Cannot wait for today evening! Even without Obama's visit excited for this evening for the swearing in ceremony of the popularly elected Emperor of the sub-continent!

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 26 May 2014 12:39

I for one will not hold my breath for O bomber to attend the swearing in of Modi.

Shreeman · Post by **Shreeman** » 26 May 2014 13:56

Pratyush wrote:I for one will not hold my breath for O bomber to attend the swearing in of Modi.

The US president is on his way back to the US. The visit overlapped accidentally with the inauguration. Memorial day in the US, lresident typically shows up unannounced in some occupied land.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 26 May 2014 15:21

Thank god for small mercies. Imagine that he showed up in Delhi. What would the reaction of the DDM would be.

sum · Post by **sum** » 26 May 2014 15:38

^^ Think that all the DDM licking his boots would be one thing left if Ombaba lands here

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 26 May 2014 16:23

I HOPE the Gujju Gang (no hope for the Dilli Billis) don't allow this to happen and sully the Inauguration of NaMO regime. All the ddm will be *arting about it, instead of describing the celebration of India's democracy. Instead of focusing on showing off the desi mohtermas the papers will be gushing about BO/MO's gown and "courage" (If u remember the story of the Madama and the Malloo rickshaw-puller).

A "reset" is needed in India-US relations, but it should not be "let's move on" just because Air Farce One stopped in Dilli to empty the portapotty and refuel. They should divert it to LaWhore.

BO could send P-B and Paco as Gifts From the People of the United State of America To The People of India. India could keep one of those.

shiv · Post by **shiv** » 26 May 2014 16:24

Ombaba could never have "dropped in" on Delhi like he did to Afghanistan - unless his aircraft were in trouble or if a special request were made for him to land there. After that he would have been served Hotel Ashoka chutney sandwiches, refuelled, greeted by some diplomat and sent on his way. Not an insult or anything - but heads of state don't "drop in" and ask for a meeting "er was just passing thro' Afg and thought I'd drop in to say hello"

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 26 May 2014 16:27

Just the same I was disgusted to see the speculations that O bomber may land up in Delhi. Just cause, he was in Afg.

Yagnasri · Post by **Yagnasri** » 26 May 2014 18:24

Khan and his SD feels they needs some time to study and make NM their servant like MMS. That is why no new ambassador was appointed immediately. We may see some slow moves to understand how this unknown risk can be mitigated and overcome.

krithivas · Post by **krithivas** » 26 May 2014 19:14

South Carolina Christian church pastor accused of turning Bible College into forced labor camp for foreign students:
Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/nationa ... z32pbwbGSk

CRamS · Post by **CRamS** » 26 May 2014 20:02

DocJi,

Excellent point. After 25+ years in US, I too realize that a US visa is not the garden of Eden it is promised to be, at least for me

. If I had a different mind 25 years ago to model the future, maybe I would have been part of the 96%, but then again if my aunt had b@alls she would be Uncle, so lets leave that aside.

On US, it is a very very important country for India, no denying that. My own opinion, as it is of many other here including ModiJi I guess is that on the economic front, investment, job creation etc, US will be might crucial. I don't think Modi cares two hoots about the humiliation US heaped on Hindus through him, pragmatism will prevail to engage and suck up to US on this front. I am pretty sure Modi will end all this feel-good euphoric "natural allies", "super power of 21st century" crap to end, because US will use such used car salesman talk to make India a servant like what MMS rendered it to be.

The one thing US will push, and there is no going back on that, is to stabilize its TSP munna through India. So an economic package here or there (even if its private sector related) will be tied to India making some concession here and there to TSP. ModiJi I think will go along with this too unless something that US pushes on behalf of its munna is inimical to India's security interests. (Not the topic of this thread, but a lot of pseudo seculars have been bombarding forums mocking Modi's invite to Sheriff, asking will it be Dawood and Hafeez Pig next, whatever happened to no talks with TSP until 26/11 killers brought to justice etc).

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 26 May 2014 21:49

mocking Modi's invite to Sheriff, asking will it be Dawood and Hafeez Pig next, whatever happened to no talks with TSP until 26/11 killers brought to justice etc.

E-Z to answer that. Modi has called Sharif on the "Development. For all" theme. IOW, Bijnej eej Bijnej.

Bakistan will simply sell Dawood, Hafeez and all the rest down the Indus. In exchange India will let Pakistan live until their next Bright Idea. Sooo much cheaper than going to war, or not talking. Either way, more Bollywood movies will go into TSP than Rooh-Afza coming in to India.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 26 May 2014 22:19

More on the State Department's Center of Excellence:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration accidentally revealed the name of the CIA's top official in Afghanistan in an email to thousands of journalists during the president's surprise weekend trip to Bagram Air Field.

The officer's name — identified as "chief of station" in Kabul — was included by U.S. embassy staff on a list of 15 senior American officials who met with President Obama during the Saturday visit. The list was sent to a Washington Post reporter who was representing the news media, who then sent it out to the White House "press pool" list, which contains as many as 6,000 recipients.

The Associated Press is withholding the officer's name at the request of the Obama administration, who said its publication could put his life and those of his family members in danger. A Google search appears to reveal the name of the officer's wife and other personal details.

White House officials realized the error after the Post reporter notified them, and sent out a new list without the station chief's name. Other major news organizations, including the Post, also agreed not to publish the officer's name.

The reporter who distributes the pool report sends it to the White House to be checked for factual accuracy and then forwarded to the thousands of journalists on the email distribution list, so in this case the White House failed on at least two occasions to recognize that the CIA official's name was being revealed and circulated so broadly.

The intentional disclosure of the name of a "covered" operative is a crime under the U.S. Intelligence Identities Protection Act. A former CIA officer, John Kiriakou, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in January after pleading guilty to disclosing to a reporter the name of an undercover agency officer.

Paco 4 SoS!!

Shankk · Post by **Shankk** » 26 May 2014 23:13

There is a better way of handling India-US relationship. Certainly there is a resentment amongst Indians about US handling of affairs such as visa to Modi, actively trying to sabotage his election etc. However that resentment need not be directed towards the US as a nation state. US is not quite singling India out in picking enemies. Awful lot of their decisions off late are going wrong, not just India but worldwide. So there is really no method to their madness here and if there is any common thread amongst all this, it is ineptness of State Department.

India will chart her own course and policy makers are smart enough to handle the situation with Indian interests in mind despite of mistakes made from both sides but we as Indians can choose to channel our resentment towards leftist liberal secular cabal in America instead of the whole nation. There are multiple benefits of such an action...

There is really no reason to make the whole country an enemy of India. In fact if we want US to choose a side it is better to have them on our side instead of against us.
When it comes to leftist seculars, feel free to ignore, humiliate or even persecute them within legal framework. By opposing them, a huge portion of American population (republicans) will see India in favorable light.
It is a different matter that State Department works as a bridge between Democrats and Republicans and they will just ask these secular mofos to lie down for a while so as to reactivate them later but by opposing leftist liberals you will connect with a large constituency without making everybody an enemy of India.
There is a good chance that Republicans will form next government in Washington. In such a case being on the same side will certainly not harm Indian interests even if you question the benefits.
There is a popular misconception that Republicans will automatically be bad because they will push the agenda of ultimate evil for India i.e. EJ mofos. History is proof that Democrats are not shy about doing the same. In fact due to their image they just fly under the radar and hence are more dangerous on that front. On the other hand Republican conservatism manifests more in local issues such as abortion, gay rights etc. than supporting EJs outside America. We must not forget that the Church is nothing more than a tool in western imperialism that is used by both the sides equally and also by western Europe.

Despite of historical animosity of SD towards India there are elements in there who are favorable towards India. Also the administration can rein in SD if they choose to do so. This leftist liberal secular cabal intentionally gives wrong input to policy makers. It comes in handy for countries who would love to see India and US as sworn enemies. Lets not fall in that trap.

Let us instead target leftist seculars by openly pronouncing them enemies and doing everything possible against them. There is an added bonus that it will work nicely within India too as a section of local Indian population will also pick up that narrative and spread it all over the country.

CRamS · Post by **CRamS** » 26 May 2014 23:39

UlanBatoriJi,

On balance, I think the invite to the Puke was balanced in light of the fact that had Modi excluded him and invited only the other SAARC leaders, the "world", read US and DDM would have gone ballistic. So his decision to invite NS at least dented that.

But that said, Modi did make a lot of noises attacking MMS about engaging NS while our troops are being be-headed, while terror infrastructure is intact, while 26/11 killers are roaming free etc. So his detractors poking fun is an understandable reaction especially when they are down

. Thats benign politics, both sides taking pot shots while knowing fully well they would do the same thing. Modi will ride this out. But he ought to be cognizant of the sentiments of our slain martyr's window.

I have mixed feelings about this invite, but realizing that governance is quite different from campaign rhetoric, I will give it a pass and give Modi some time to see how his TSP policy evolves.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 27 May 2014 02:18

I have mixed feelings about this invite

I am not so worried. I see no contradiction either. It's like saying, hey, paki worm, come see how a real country functions. We are not afraid of you, we are giving you a chance to turn a new leaf that you can hide under, but if you b1ss on us again... No sense in pouting at a time like this. What I want to see is what happens if there are any more LOC stunts. Note that Modi figured out how to keep the peace in Gujstan, even in Godhra for the past 12 years, despite the disease infesting Dilli. I think he knows what he is doing.

The gyan I hear is that the tsunami in UP occurred because Amit Shah sent an army of some 7000 MUSLIM youth from Gujarat to live in the villages and tell the locals on their own terms, the difference between living in a state with a real government, education, development, biji, pani, sadak and naukari and vyapar, versus living in a Mayawati/ votebank pigsty.

Unless Modi's GujuGang yields to the noodle-spined Dilli Billis on this (and I SURE HOPE they don't!!) Sugarthief Sharif will be forced to stand seething as Modi salutes the martyrs who saved the nation in the face of treachery. Which I am pretty sure he will, recognizing their extreme sacrifice in protecting the Temple of Democracy and Freedom from Terrorism. Maybe he will have to sing Jana Gana Mana and Vande MAtaram and yell Jai Hind! too.

So far all the PR decisions of the GujGang have been precisely on target and on time. Very impressive.

Take this SAARC invite itself: Is it really a big deal that neighboring rulers are invited to the inauguration of a new govt? It is expected, isn't it?

But the GujGang PR machine made sure that it was MADE a big deal. The former avatar of GOI would have come out with some mumble-jumble like

Diplomatic protocolistic ceremonialistic terminological necessitude

Here it is
Development For All (even pakis)

SugarThief is enough of a bijnejthief to recognize the potential. Also, now that the Americans are planning to exit, he probably needs an Indian Raa battalion stationed in IslooGood to give him any chance of survival.

Look at the new website!! I am surely planning to steal it.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 27 May 2014 02:27

Modi with his masterstroke of the invitation has actually put "sugarthief" Sharif in the dock of international public opinion,highlighting Pak's terror proxy war against India.

The sugarthief will be politely shown both the danda and the carrot in private and asked which he prefers.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 27 May 2014 07:53

Snowden's massive damage to US intel.

http://www.business-standard.com/articl ... 546_1.html

Pentagon says Snowden's leak caused 'staggering' blow to National Security
ANI | London
May 23, 2014

A Pentagon report described the damage to national security by Edward Snowden's leaks of confidential National Security Agency documents as 'staggering'

The Defence Intelligence Assessment defined the report on the harm done to US Intelligence competence as 'grave' but did not provide any explicit information to support the assessment.

According to the Guardian, the assessment excluded NSA-related information and dealt exclusively with non-NSA defense materials. The report was distributed to multiple US military commands around the world and all four military branches.

Steven Aftergood, director of the project on Government Secrecy at the Federation of American scientists, said that the essence of the report is contained in the statement that 'the scope of the compromised knowledge related to US intelligence capabilities is staggering', but all elaboration of what this striking statement means has been withheld.

Amber G. · Post by **Amber G.** » 28 May 2014 09:12

There was some interesting (if not heated

) conversation about dual citizenship here.. around the time of Devyani K's children having US passport etc...

For example here: http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 5#p1592135

Amber G. wrote: Anyway just a few points, FYI:

If a person is born in US, (s)he has right to be a US citizen.
GOI, or any decent Indian citizen, should have no issue with that. It's not as if being a US citizen is akin to 'infidel' simply because some one think that it is not "pure" enough.

US has no objection if a US citizen also has Indian (or other citizenship). India did not allow dual citizenship but with OCI, other than right to vote, such person can be a proud Overseas Citizen of India.. If some one thinks they are not Indian enough, it is only shows one's small-mindedness.

It is not up to parent(s) (or others) to "choose" their children's citizenship. If one's parents (or just one parent) is US citizen at the time the person is born, (s)he has a right to become US citizen. When the child becomes 18, (s)he may keep or renounce, any citizenship. The parent (let alone a poster in Brf) doesn't decide what citizenship the kid ought to have. (The parent may choose what passport or other document their child gets but this is different thing)

I don't know exactly what IFS rules are. May be some one can post them here. It is one thing to comment if any of the rules are broken. It is silly to pontificate otherwise and about, as rohitvats put it, irrelevant stuff. It is beyond silly to question others patriotism, just because you think you can do it.

Just think about it, I know Indian PM's, Presidents, and many others who have close family members who carry other than Indian passports.

Anyway it seems that it is clear now, according to newspaper report DK's two daughters having both Indian and US passport is OK according to IFS as home ministry documents show that children are eligible for dual citizenship.

"With the approval of competent authority, it is clarified that there is no compelling reason to guard against a minor child having dual citizenship," says a home ministry document on 'Grant of Indian Citizenship to Minor Children under Section 4 (1) of ..

Read more at:
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/art ... aign=cppst

"It is a conscious provision of law given to a minor so that he/she can decide within six months of completing 18 years of age as to whether he/she prefers Indian citizenship.

If a person does not renounce foreign citizenship or nationality of another country within six months of attaining full age, he/she shall cease to be a citizen of India,"

vera_k · Post by **vera_k** » 28 May 2014 10:33

^^^

The article doesn't settle the issue. Indian consulate procedure is that if kids have an American passport, they can not have an Indian passport, or vice-versa i.e. it is an offence to hold more than one passport. If it was that easy to get an Indian passport, no parents would go for the PIO or OCI card for their children.

What are the requirements for new passport for child born in USA to parents holding Indian passports?

In such cases, the child can acquire U.S citizenship due to his place of birth being U.S.A. In case parents wish to obtain Indian passport for the child, birth registration with the Indian Mission is required before applying for passport for the newborn. Both the parents should sign a declaration of non-acquisition of an U.S nationality by the child and consent to issue of Indian passport to the child. You will need to submit Application Form duly filled in and countersigned by both parents. Copy of the record of landing or immigration document/PR card of the child and the parents would be needed. Also submit a copy of the birth certificate of the child showing the names of the parents. Personal appearance of the child may be required in some cases. Please also see the requirement for a normal Passport Re-issue case given above.

SanjayC · Post by **SanjayC** » 28 May 2014 10:45

^^ In India, dual citizenship is illegal. You can't hold two passports at the same time.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 28 May 2014 21:35

As the old commercial says,

A mind is a terrible thing to waste.

The point AmberG makes is that in the case of a minor child, the parents can put the child's name on the parents' passports, and also get passports for them based on their country of birth. Some countries allow the child's name to be in the mother's passport until age X, where X is variable, but then if Mom's passport is Ophishial Diplomatic that would cause all sorts of issues. Others require every child and goat, cat etc to have a passport, and take their shoes off at the Security Checkpoint.

The GOI deliberately and consciously chooses the very commendable and intelligent course of not making trouble for absolutely no benefit. I was amazed to read the enlightened language of that rule!

Shows that when Babu's butts are heated, brains work extremely well.

If you want to see some REAL brainlessness, read this article and the comments below One suddenly gets a sinking feeling in the tummy: WHAT did these ppl actually vote for?? Did they read the ballot better than they read articles?

(Incidentally, after my evil 16th cousin "Ubaid" Batori (note: Rediff expanded "U." to be "Ubaid" not "Umesh" or "Urmila" or "Ustov") pointed out that Rediff editors were pointy-headed numbskulls and the writers were sh1theads, they changed the headline and much of the article. Before it said: "BA in 2012, but only first year in 2004?" )

Prem · Post by **Prem** » 28 May 2014 23:06

http://transitions.foreignpolicy.com/po ... in_nigeria
http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/posts/201 ... _in_common
2 articles about Nigerian girls, Boko Haram and both by Coconuttian Devis and these BDY put pictures of Indian wedding and Fashion Flicka gawking.

Gus · Post by **Gus** » 28 May 2014 23:21

vera_k wrote:^^^

The article doesn't settle the issue.

it can never be settled. we don't allow dual citizenship. US claims a minor is always a citizen until minor becomes adult and gives it up.

kids born in US and staying in US/traveling to US will have this problem of being forced to have US citizenship.

Vayutuvan · Post by **Vayutuvan** » 28 May 2014 23:29

UlanBatori wrote:As the old commercial says,
A mind is a terrible thing ~~to waste~~.

FTFY

ramana · Post by **ramana** » 29 May 2014 01:17

In USA, Democrats are known for politics of envy. Looks like Ombaba is now spreading the cheer worldwide. He now says emerging nations are a competitor.

Nandu · Post by **Nandu** » 29 May 2014 02:22

Gus wrote:
vera_k wrote:^^^

The article doesn't settle the issue.
it can never be settled. we don't allow dual citizenship. US claims a minor is always a citizen until minor becomes adult and gives it up.

kids born in US and staying in US/traveling to US will have this problem of being forced to have US citizenship.

Just to be clear, this restriction was invented by bureaucrats. The Citizenship Amendment Act of 2005 merely says the government can register overseas citizens of India. Nowhere in the act does it say that these people are not citizens of India.

UlanBatori · Post by **UlanBatori** » 29 May 2014 03:34

Nowhere in the act does it say that these people are not citizens of India.

OT I am sure, but since this issue was raised:

2 b prejije, Act says said in original version passed by Lok and Rajya Sabha and signed by prejident
that eeph someone abbly phor Oi(n)C within che mahine oph getting other citjenship, then not conjidared to have ever lost desh citjenship. I don't think Babus can read, or they don't WANT to read. Need s few good lawsuits to convey a few lessons.

The issue came to the fore when an OI(n)C in Punjab won selection to Indian O-limp-ic team in athletics. Of course no desh-rejidents had any hope of winning anything, but this guy did. He was citjen of some other place (probably US). Law says that OI(n)C = IC in EVERYTHING EXCEPT military, security clearance, guvrmand positions, voting, state/national legislative seat.

Babus denied him the opportunity to compete, he went to court. I don't recall what finally happened, whether he went high enough to find a judge who could read the law. Sad.

Same cr*p happens everywhere - bank depojit, stock market trading ability, air tickets, hotels (they don't know what to do with an OI(n)C card which is official govt ID).

Need a few good lawyers to enforce the law on the babus.

The real issue is that OI(n)C was set up by BeeJayPee, so Soniastan decided to foot-drag, dilute and then ignore the rights set out by the Lok and Rajya Sabha and Prejident. They don't want OI(n)Cs anywhere in desh except to be ripped off. Hope there will some recovery now.

Gus · Post by **Gus** » 29 May 2014 03:50

Nandu wrote:Just to be clear, this restriction was invented by bureaucrats. The Citizenship Amendment Act of 2005 merely says the government can register overseas citizens of India. Nowhere in the act does it say that these people are not citizens of India.

i actually think this is a US created issue. i think (correct me if wrong) very few countries give citizenship to kids of foreign citizens just because they are born in US. and probably even fewer insist that they stay as citizens until they become adults to renounce it. this does create problems for parents who move back and forth between india and US.

i read that this citizenship for kids clause is to protect people from being deported/prosecuted as non-citizens because parents were immigrants (legal/illegal/slaves etc).

Cosmo_R · Post by **Cosmo_R** » 29 May 2014 04:44

Dan Quayle put it succinctly : "What a waste it is to lose one's mind. Or not to have a mind is being very wasteful. How true that is."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Quayle

SaiK · Post by **SaiK** » 29 May 2014 05:41

It all depends on what the mind is used for. If it falls within the scope of one's reasoning, then it is useful, else it is a waste! yes, even the terrible aspect gets the same usage qualification. Modi was terrible for Congress+huge majority for a decade or more, and now that scope is in minority report!

There is no question of negating any one for that matter to benefit what India wants. It is a perfect valid actions when Modi engages with SAARC nations or any nation on the planet. Finally, it all ends up with barter deals.. If there is only one side of the world, then it is a wasteful mind spent for the other! Be it nukes or business.

Philip · Post by **Philip** » 29 May 2014 08:28

Sushma and Joker-ry exchange pleasantries after he calls her. trying to thaw the ice.

anmol · Post by **anmol** » 29 May 2014 08:40

Ashley J. Tellis on what we should do to "get attention".

An Open Letter To Sushma Swaraj: Don't Let Political Diffidence Constrain MEA
carnegieendowment.org

Ashley J. Tellis Op-Ed May 28, 2014 Economic Times

Dear Madame Minister,

Congratulations — you've got the job, now the work begins! Only recently, India was seen abroad as a wild success. Now it looks like just a flash in the pan. Obviously, the economic downturn has produced this dismay. But that doesn't make foreign policy optional.
To the contrary. If India has to make a comeback, that will no doubt be determined by what Prime Minister Narendra Modi does at home. But his success will hinge considerably on whether your ministry can nurture the external environment that enhances India's prosperity, safety and place in the world. Your work is cut out for you here. So, from a friend of India in Washington, a few thoughts.

First, remember that the business of India is business. If India is to protect its interests abroad, it can do so only on strong foundations. Nations that lack material power may occasionally command attention — as India did for a while in the 1950s — but this does not endure.

I think the PM understands this clearly. Your job is to help him out. But how? A great place to start would be by emphasising commercial diplomacy. Postwar history suggests that, beyond domestic policy, high and sustained growth is owed to foreign trade. Hopefully, new economic policies will make India a more inviting place for outsiders to do business. But you must push their external components aggressively.

If Modi eventually merges the commerce ministry with your own, you will have a powerful bureaucratic instrument. But even if he does not, your ministry should work to lead India's trade negotiations. Make these a success and you will be shocked at how quickly India enjoys renewed attention.

Focus on three things here. To begin, press hard to expand South Asian economic integration. India will come out vastly ahead, becoming the tide that lifts all boats. It might even distract your neighbours from their political grievances against you! Follow that by pushing for real preferential trade agreements (PTAs). Most current Indian PTAs are worthless.

For all the years spent negotiating them, they have produced meagre returns. No surprises here because they don't compel genuine factor reallocations domestically to maximise the gains from trade. So be bold and go for real PTAs, not fakes. Finally, think seriously about US Indian trade relations. Despite the baseless talk about American decline, the United States is still the world's largest investor and its most innovative engine.

Therefore, complete the bilateral investment treaty expeditiously and start talking about a PTA.

Besides the strategic benefits, there's a big economic reason for doing so: both our countries are furiously negotiating PTAs with others, but not with each other. If this continues, we'll end up in a situation where each finally discriminates only against the other — that would be crazy and, eventually, worse for India. So think PTA or, failing which, entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Second, even if India's first business is business, it is not the only business. Prioritise managing your neighbourhood. India, unfortunately, has to cope with all its neighbours' problems, not to mention the security threats that emerge from many of them. India's relations with Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka are in fine-to-reasonable shape, but you need to reassure them all about India's good intentions and its desire for constructive engagement.
Ditto for Pakistan and China — but don't be starry-eyed here. Threats from both will persist.

The Pakistan Army is still deeply suspicious of India and will continue supporting terrorist groups, while building up its nuclear forces. No prizes for guessing against whom. Yet you must work with Nawaz Sharif: he values a productive relationship with India and needs it for his success at home — which is in your interest.

China will be even trickier. Despite growing economic links, Chinese conventional and nuclear threats to India, and perhaps even territorial problems, will increase, becoming worse over time. Dealing with these challenges, just like Pakistan, will require persistent engagement and strong deterrence.

And Afghanistan after 2014 remains an open question: India has already made sterling contributions to Afghan reconstruction — now is not the time to let up.

Get the neighbourhood right, and India is freed to play on the world stage. Get it wrong, and you lose the power you could have deployed elsewhere.

Remember that whenever you are advised to do something "tough". India, surely, mustn't become a doormat, but think about how the country comes out at the end of the series, not simply the first innings. PM Modi has set a welcome precedent by inviting SAARC leaders for his swearing-in. Build on that: bears are best attracted by honey, not vinegar.

Third, forget slogans like "nonalignment" and "strategic autonomy," concentrate instead on maximising Indian power.Remember that only the powerful are truly autonomous: whatever the commentariat may say, a country does not enjoy autonomy because it screams the phrase.

If India therefore is to become powerful, it must rethink how it approaches its foreign partners. A confident India will not be afraid to collaborate with others because it fears for its independence; rather, deep engagements, especially with those who can aid its rise in power, are essential to expanding its autonomy.

Don't forget that India's biggest strategic challenge — outside its neighbourhood — lies in preserving a favourable Asian balance of power. In this connection, think about strong ties with Japan, Israel, Southeast Asia and especially the United States.

Even Russia and China, but with different caveats in each case. Most Asian powers (and yes, that includes America!) await an active India: you have a policy called "Look East"; now make it happen.

Deepen relations with those who wish you no harm, who don't threaten your territory and who will be sources of technology, capital and political support. Don't look over your shoulders as you do so. You don't have to apologise either at home or abroad for pursuing your national interests.

Nor should you fear that closer ties with Washington will constrain your choices. What constrains India's choices are its political diffidence and its material weaknesses. If its critical partnerships help to mitigate the latter, the former will correct itself.

PM Vajpayee understood this all too well. Now's the time to complete what he began. I wish you well as you start out in office.

This article was originally published by the Economic Times.
About the South Asia Program

The Carnegie South Asia Program informs policy debates relating to the region’s security, economy, and political development. From the war in Afghanistan to Pakistan’s internal dynamics to U.S. engagement with India, the Program’s renowned team of experts offer in-depth analysis derived from their unique access to the people and places defining South Asia’s most critical challenges.

anmol · Post by **anmol** » 29 May 2014 08:46

The New Indian Government

Speakers: Alyssa Ayres, Senior Fellow for India, Pakistan, and South Asia, Council on Foreign Relations; Former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia
Jagdish N. Bhagwati, Senior Fellow for International Economics, Council on Foreign Relations; Coauthor, Why Growth Matters: How Economic Growth in India Reduced Poverty and the Lessons for Other Developing Countries
Robert D. Blackwill, Henry Kissinger Senior Fellow for U.S. Foreign Policy, Council on Foreign Relations; Former U.S. Ambassador to India
Presider: Charles Robert Kaye, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Warburg Pincus LLC
May 28, 2014