Tag Archives: india us relations

Former foreign Secretary Jaishankar joins Tata Group as PM relaxes ‘Cooling Off Period’

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Former Indian foreign secretary S. Jaishankar, the former ambassador known for his coveted roles in Japan, singapore and China, besides the US, has been allowed to take over a new post as President of Global Corporate Affairs of Tata group and he will report to N Chandrasekaran, executive chairman of Tata Sons.

Since senior bureaucrats are bound by one-year cooling off period before accepting any private sector positions, Jaishankar had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a waiver of the "cooling-off period" and reportedly got a positive reply.

In his new role, Dr. Jaishankar will oversee the Tata group’s global corporate affairs and international strategy, which includes all Tata Sons’ international offices, said a statement. "I am delighted to welcome Dr Jaishankar to the Tata Group. His extensive experience and knowledge on international affairs will be very valuable to the group as we work to reinforce our brand and leadership globally," said Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons executive chairman.

"The Tata Group is an iconic institution known for its value-based leadership as well as India’s most respected brand globally. I look forward to being part of the Tata group and working with key stakeholders to make an impact," said Jaishankar.

Jaishankar, who served as the Indian foreign secretary from January 2015 to January 2018, was an Indian Foreign Service officer of 1977 batch who played a key role in India’s relations with Japan, China, Singapore and the United states, especially in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement.

He had served both Manmohan singh and Narendra Modi, who had trusted his skills as an ambassador with utmost negotiating skills. He was also credited with a peaceful end to the stand-off between Indian and Chinese troops at Doklam last year. He retired on Jan. 28, 2018 from the government service.

A graduate of St Stephen’s College at the University of Delhi, he has an MA in Political Science, MPhil and Ph.D. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.


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India’s Bid to Buy $2 Billion Drones May Yield Positive Offers From Tough-Talking Trump Admin

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Within a couple of hours from now, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump for their first one-on-one exchange at the White House that may last for 20 minutes to be followed by respective delegations joining the bilateral discussions.

The carrots are already flying in each other’s direction with the US declaring Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, a move that vindicates India’s stand against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. In return, what India offers will be seen at a joint press meeting four hours later.

Otherwise, in display of special relations with India, the White House will host a dinner for PM Modi, which is the first for a foreign dignitary by President Trump and the First Lady Melania Trump. Vice President Mike Pence will host a cocktail reception prior to it though.

Trump has sent out friendly gestures describing Prime Minister Modi as a “true friend!”, which could be an indication that the White House is pleased with India’s bid to place an order for $2 billion worth 22 drones for use in Southeast Asian corridor, squarely aimed at China and the growing unease over the South China Sea.

The delegation level meetings are being attended by top Indian officials including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and the Indian Ambassador to the US, Navtej Sarna, while the US side will be represented by Vice President Mike Pence, Defence Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster.

India is keen that Washington DC increases its troops to at least 5,000 more in Afghanistan in the wake of recent attacks on US and Indian embassies and repeated terrorist attacks in Kabul, among others.

What both sides want to avoid is a direct confrontation on Trump administration’s recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Change Agreement and Modi has not uttered a word against Trump so far and may not raise it in his one-on-one meeting either.

Another contentious issue that has to crop up is the H1 B visa that many IT companies, NASCOM and ASSOCHAM have urged Modi to raise during the meeting with Trump. It remains to be seen whether the US administration seeks to dilute its stand or offer some other olive branch in the form of a temporary relief.

If that happens, Modi will be a happy man to return home thumping on his success. But knowing Trump, some surprises will always pop up from his magic box at the most unexpected time and venue.

Modi in US Meets CEOs, Reiterates ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in India

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of his US visit on Sunday met the CEOs of top 20 American firms, including Tim Cook of Apple, Sathya Nadella of Microsoft and Sunder Pichai of Google, and interacted wih them before highlighting his government’s reforms to make India a destination for ‘Doing Business’.

In a tweet, Modi said, “Interacted with top CEOs. We held extensive discussions on opportunities in India.” The 90-minute meeting focused on areas like manufacturing, trade, commerce, and people-to-people contact, young population in India and a rising middle-class.

“The whole world is looking at India. 7,000 reforms alone by GOI for ease of (doing) business and minimum government, maximum governance,” said the PM, according to Gopal Bagley, spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs.

The highlight of Modi’s interaction was on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) which he termed as a complex task and its implementation may soon be “a subject of studies in US business schools… This shows India can take big decisions and implement them swiftly,” he said.

On bilateral interests, he said, “If America becomes stronger, India will be a natural beneficiary,” which clearly indicates a changed tone in Indian diplomacy hinting at adjusting with changed US global priorities under US President Donald Trump.

Prior to the interaction at the Willard Hotel, where he is staying, Modi had a photo-shoot with CEOs and elicited their views unofficially. He assured them that India under his government would follow ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ principle for greater efficiency, transparency, growth and benefit for all.

“In concluding remarks, PM stresses importance of cooperation for start ups, innovation and tapping huge intellectual, education and vocational training potential in India,” Baglay tweeted.

The CEOs were positive to Modi’s agenda and expressed their willingness to be partners in skill development and education initiatives in India, which many of them have already undertaken as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Pichai told reporters after the meeting that the US companies are looking forward to the roll out of the GST. Tim Cook said the meeting outcome was “Good.” However, the contentious H1B visa issue was not discussed with them as it was a government policy.

The US-India Business Council (USIBC) president Mukesh Aghi said the CEOs praised the reforms but the H-1B visa issue was not discussed at the meeting. Other CEOs present included Shantanu Narayen from Adobe, Ajay Banga from Mastercard, David Farr from Emerson, Doug McMillon from Walmart, and Punit Renjen from Deloitte Global, Jim Umpleby from Caterpillar, Alex Gorsky from Johnson and Johnson, Jamie Dimon from J P Morgan Chase, and Marillyn Hewson from Lockheed Martin.

USIBC president Aghi said, “Today, as we witness a paradigm shift in the erstwhile global order, an opportunity has emerged for both countries to set new standards in bilateral ties that will be bound by their shared values.”

Modi Invites Trump to Visit India

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When the much-awaited telephone call came from the new US President, Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was upbeat because the call has accredited India with a prime status of being the fifth country made by Washington’s new leader.

Trump, in his typical style called India a “true friend and partner,” and invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US, before the ritual October visit to the UN. Modi, in turn, invited the President too to visit India and he would be the next Republic Day chief guest. In 2015, US President Barack Obama graced the occasion as the chief guest.

The conversation mostly surrounded the need for both nations to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” in the fight against terror. The defence and economic ties too came under discussion.

India is happy that US President trump called Modi ahead of other major powers and their leaders, ahead of China or Russia, for instance. Later Modi tweeted that they “agreed to work closely in the coming days to further strengthen our bilateral ties”.

“Had a warm conversation with President @realDonaldTrump late last evening,” he said in his tweet and revealed: “Have also invited President Trump to visit India.”

The White House said, “During a call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, President Trump emphasised that the US considers India a true friend and partner in addressing challenges around the world. President Trump looked forward to hosting Prime Minister Modi in the US later this year.”

The defence ties take centre stage as Beijing is turning aggressive on the Soputh China Sea with other Asian nations warily looking at its bullish stance. “They also discussed security in the region of South and Central Asia. President Trump and Prime Minister Modi resolved that the US and India stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the global fight against terrorism,” the White House statement said.

However, on the domestic front, the H1B visa issue is still primary as Trump is keen to scrap it and retain jobs in the US for its own people under his “America First” policy.