Manmohan Singh's visit to USA [old news]

[Pra]

DISCUSSION

India-US Relations and Manmohan Singh's Visit

“People to people ties between our two countries (United States and India) are what really underlie the progress we make as governments”, said United States Deputy Chief of Mission in India, Mr Robert O. Blake, while addressing a video conference held at Observer Research Foundation (ORF) Chennai, on July 22, 2005.

Speaking on the topical issue of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s US visit and its significance to Indo-US relations, Mr. Blake stressed it was acknowledged that this visit would be remembered by both nations as one of the most important ones by a leader of a nation. The Bush Administration has sought improvement of ties between the world’s oldest and largest democracies and this State visit by the Indian Premier has been a significant step in reinforcing these improving relations. The prevailing strategic imperatives, the need for a reliable partner in the efforts to manage global problems and, finally, the decisive force of economics were highlighted as the most noteworthy of the many reasons behind this rapid transformation of Indo-American ties to a ‘global partnership’.

The completion of the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership (NSSP), which was launched in January 2004 to enhance cooperation in fields of nuclear activities, civilian space programmes and high technology transfer has been instrumental in reversing ‘decades of discord’ between the two countries on nuclear issues and transformed it into an opportunity to co-operate in achieving vital energy security.

The world today is buffeted by various problems: terrorism, the AIDS epidemic, natural disasters and civil strife to name a few, in such a troubled world the alliance between India and USA, which gained momentum with the co-ordinated Tsunami relief effort following the devastation of the Tidal Waves on the 26th of December 2004, could be a boon to many. The commitment both in India and in the USA to fight AIDS and towards promoting democracy in nations, exemplified by their efforts to expedite clinical tests of retro – viral drugs and their contributions to the Democracy fund, are joint efforts, which add to the importance of the strategic tie- up between India and United States. It has also been realised that the global war on terror must involve a ‘war of ideas’ and it is in this sphere, requiring fresh thinking, that experts from both USA and India can collaborate with and substantiate each other’s effort.

USA is India’s largest trading partner yet there is scope for improvement in this area as well. As India’s economy booms it generates interest worldwide in this vast market. The renewed economic interactions between India and US is aimed to go beyond just a scramble for a large market and is concerned with assisting India to grow more sustainably and not just in the IT and services sectors alone.

The strategic challenges of the 21st century emerge from the turmoil that is inherent in the developing world and India as a result of its size, location and authority in this grouping becomes essential ally.

Discussion:

· The modification of the Congressional legislation is perceived as a major hurdle in the path of information exchange in nuclear technology but it was assured that the trade and technology transfer would commence as soon as India adopts the necessary safeguards. Many laws need to be modified to facilitate the promised technology transfer but the process has begun.

· The improving relation between India and USA is to be viewed as a bilateral effort. Certain geopolitical and strategic efforts like propping up India to counter the growing influence of China or India as a counter pose to Pakistan, according to Mr. Blake is not the driving force behind this transformation.

· The UN Democracy Initiative to which both India and United States have committed themselves will not force nations to adopt democracy. It requires the nations interested to voluntarily come forward and ask for assistance.

· The India Caucus in both the United States’ Senate and the Congress is pretty strong and includes both Republicans and Democrats. Thus any bill favourable to India has a strong lobby. Bipartisan consultations have begun in the USA following the Joint Declaration of July 18th by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President Bush...

http://www.observerindia.com/chapter...n/ds050722.htm

The aforementioned is of course old news. However, it doesn't seem to create any great vicissitude or upheaval of any kind.

No matter, I am particularly interested in your opinion on the Indian and American Nuclear Energy and Technology relations.

Fine, I will coerce you to talk with... Cheese:

[Caelius]

Well, just to add to the India theme of this topic here's soem more recent news:

India, U.S. to Hold Joint Naval Exercises
By AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, NEW DELHI


India and the United States will hold their biggest-ever joint naval exercise later this month as they aim to build up cooperation to deal with piracy and terrorism, the Indian navy said Sept. 23.

The 10-day exercise in the Arabian Sea starting on September 25 will also focus on coordination between naval aircraft, anti-submarine warfare and other sea missions such as search and rescue operations.

The joint exercise called “Malabar” is the eighth in a series between the two navies.

”With each exercise, the level of complexity is going up,” said Indian Navy Rear Admiral D.K Joshi.

”It is the first time that two dissimilar aircraft — F-18 Hornets from the U.S. side and Sea Harriers from Indian side — will be taking part,” he said.

The U.S. Navy will send aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, two Aegis class destroyers and P3C surveillance aircraft to take part in the exercise.

The Indian side will dispatch aircraft carrier Viraat, a Delhi class guided missile destroyer and Shishumar submarines.

”This will be the first time that aircraft carriers from the two navies will participate in the Malabar series of exercises,” the defense ministry statement said.

Washington has held several joint military exercises with Indian defense forces over the past three to four years. New Delhi has emerged as a key U.S. ally in its global campaign against terrorism.

The United States and India signed a landmark agreement last January to share advanced technology, including in peaceful nuclear applications.

In June, defense ministers of India and the United States signed a 10-year agreement paving the way for joint weapons production, cooperation on missile defense and the possible lifting of U.S. export controls for sensitive military technologies.

I'd bet good money the Chinese are feeling a bit anxious over this.

[danzig]

Well, just to add to the India theme of this topic here's soem more recent news:



I'd bet good money the Chinese are feeling a bit anxious over this.

I imagine they expected this eventually which is why they are playing nice nice with Russians. Really its just a realignment of 'global power' imo with India (atleast I think this is the aim of the US) to serve the role Western Europe did against USSR except with China replacing the Russians. After all its obvious the world is headed towards a more Asian oriented power base. It seems the US is set on 'surrounding' China with close allies South Korea/Japan and now India, from an American point of view it makes sense though if I was India Id play both sides.

[Farnan]

Actually India has a lot more to gain with being an ally with the U.S. than an ally of China. If a major cold or hot war would erupt between China and the U.S., then the U.S. companies would leave China and have to find a new place with a lot of cheap workers. India, is that kind of place. Don't forget Vietnam may become an ally of the U.S. since they want American companies.

[Pra]

Actually India has a lot more to gain with being an ally with the U.S. than an ally of China. If a major cold or hot war would erupt between China and the U.S., then the U.S. companies would leave China and have to find a new place with a lot of cheap workers. India, is that kind of place. Don't forget Vietnam may become an ally of the U.S. since they want American companies.

Also, China does seem to lean more towards Pakistan than to India.

I imagine they expected this eventually which is why they are playing nice nice with Russians. Really its just a realignment of 'global power' imo with India (atleast I think this is the aim of the US) to serve the role Western Europe did against USSR except with China replacing the Russians. After all its obvious the world is headed towards a more Asian oriented power base. It seems the US is set on 'surrounding' China with close allies South Korea/Japan and now India, from an American point of view it makes sense though if I was India Id play both sides.

I think it is imperitive for the US to support India in this measure; with America supporting the world's largest democracy and the fact that India and America can both gain in both a valuable trade partner with one another and the remove some power from China, only good can come.

As a liberal Indo-American Imperialist, I am pretty happy.

[Kanaric]

Actually India has a lot more to gain with being an ally with the U.S. than an ally of China. If a major cold or hot war would erupt between China and the U.S., then the U.S. companies would leave China and have to find a new place with a lot of cheap workers. India, is that kind of place. Don't forget Vietnam may become an ally of the U.S. since they want American companies.

Not to mention that it benifits the US too. We need India, a most likely future superpower, as our allies. India is the worlds largest democracy as well, so that also makes it great that they are becoming close.

IMO, like somebody said, its only a matter of time before China may decide to start another Cold War. If its in the near future or distant future we need their compeitition on our side. I would rather have India with worlds future in its hands instead of China, in its current state at least.

It may be after our life times but i'd would probably guarntee India/China becoming far more powerful than the US and Russia ever was simply because of their population. Its definately a good thing that they aren't on the same side, heh.

[Pra]

Not to mention that it benifits the US too. We need India, a most likely future superpower, as our allies. India is the worlds largest democracy as well, so that also makes it great that they are becoming close.

IMO, like somebody said, its only a matter of time before China may decide to start another Cold War. If its in the near future or distant future we need their compeitition on our side. I would rather have India with worlds future in its hands instead of China, in its current state at least.

It may be after our life times but i'd would probably guarntee India/China becoming far more powerful than the US and Russia ever was simply because of their population. Its definately a good thing that they aren't on the same side, heh.

With the history between India and China, it is safe to assume that India will not make any alliance with the Chinese in the future.

[Tom Paine]

It may be after our life times but i'd would probably guarntee India/China becoming far more powerful than the US and Russia ever was simply because of their population. Its definately a good thing that they aren't on the same side, heh.

Population does not mean power. America has far more global power for a few rasons; first, opportunism. This really leads to all the others. As the British Empire crumbled, America rose and came t dominance; why? Because it exploited the Cold War; the West wanted a balance to the USSR and America fitted the bill. Whether it took the role before or after the British Empire decayed absolutely is moot; the Empire was in decay for a long while, and America (along with everyone else) knew this. From their status as superpower for about 50 years, they have gained money; a very secure form of power today. American investments prop up nations, both public money and private going to keep a group of alies in place who know that if America falls they will follow. Military dominance also follows; competing for just under 60 years with a superpower like the USSR forced America to keep an advanced and efficient military, that will not be easyt to overcome. And finally, as I refered to earlier in this post, the select group of nations America has that cannot do anything but support them; places like Britain, some South American nations, and so on. All therse are not powerful enough to stand up to an attack by a superpower and thus rely on America; conversely, America relies on them for forward bases, aid, and so on.

China has the ability to gain the military power, but economic power and the alliances are less likely; America dominates the world economy too much for Chinas to rise as an effective rival. China is not good at alliances, given how aggressive she is and how unfriendly; and finally, she does not have a crumbling superpower to replace, nor a large group of states with power that want and need her defence, and I do not forsee this condition applying any time soon, unless Bush continues to invade nations across the planet and his replacement follows suit.

[Pra]

China has the ability to gain the military power, but economic power and the alliances are less likely; America dominates the world economy too much for Chinas to rise as an effective rival. China is not good at alliances, given how aggressive she is and how unfriendly; and finally, she does not have a crumbling superpower to replace, nor a large group of states with power that want and need her defence, and I do not forsee this condition applying any time soon, unless Bush continues to invade nations across the planet and his replacement follows suit.

What do you think American policy should be in response to the trade deficit to China?

[Tom Paine]

What do you think American policy should be in response to the trade deficit to China?

Get rid of it asap, because it is a weakness. Maybe borrow money from other lenders to pay it off.