The U.S.-India Partnership: It Matters

Partnership between India and US is today viewed as the most essential for many global issues and stable global system. These two countries share lot of things in common like vision, core val­ues of freedom, anti-terrorist policies, democracy, trade, opportunity and growth. India-US relationship has been on positive side of growth for a long time. This partnership trend allows huge oppurtunities for both countries to recover from recent financial slump ,to remove global terrorism, and to contribute to world growth. Let us look into various fields where their partnership exists and how it really matters.


The U.S.-India Economic Partnership
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There is no question that the U.S.-India economic relationship is strong. Year by year, overall trade with American exports to India and American imports of Indian apparel, textiles, gemstones, and jewelry increases. This makes America as India's largest trading partner and India one of America's top export destinations. The growth in two-way trade between the countries, which has crossed $40 billion annually and is expected to grow at double-digit rates well into the next decade.

The private sectors of both countries have been pioneers in bringing together the two largest free-market democracies. Many American IT companies such as Microsoft , Dell ,Cisco ,IBM are investing more in India. Technically Banglore in India is the Asia's Silicon Valley. Its the 4th best IT hub on which many US companies rely on. India is a vital market for US companies.

"India is a vital market for American companies and increasing bilateral trade and investment ties is necessary to driving job creation and innovation in both countries." says Thomas J. Donohue Donohue, president and CEO of world's largest business federation.

India hopes to target more foreign direct investment on infrastructure projects that will make its econo­my even more attractive to American firms. India is demonstrating a new global economic presence. India needs to pick up the pace of reform. Faster privatization; better enforcement of property rights; and elimination of restrictive labor laws, high tariff rates, export subsi­dies, and import taxes will allow the Indian econo­my to achieve its full potential.

For more increased results US has to open its markets by eliminating harmful subsidies and barriers to trade, including those in agriculture that affect the U.S.-India economic rela­tionship. More free trade agreements has to be passed with interests of both countries. US and Indian companies have to increase trade and investment, expand infrastructure, and leverage technology to create jobs in both countries.

Developing infrastructure and technologies at India is the need of the hour that will integrate American businesses of all sizes into supply chain. This is high time for both governments to take step towards accelerating mutually beneficial commercial relations.

The U.S.-India Nuclear Partnership
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Nuclear power source is the only dependable source of power in upcoming years. India and US share a very healthy relationship in the Nuclear powered world by signing 123 agreement which was a big leap in nuclear power generation. 'Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill' is on the verge of conclusion, which will lead to a major stepping stone towards expanding trading opportunities and enhancing energy security in India. Data says this nuclear agreement represents $150 billion in business potential for US companies which will invest in India.

There were many hurdles before reaching an agreement on nuclear terms. Neither America nor India got everything they wanted in this deal. Nuclear-armed China and Pakistan as its neighbors, India cannot reduce its fissile material production. That is typical, of course, for any diplomatic effort for historical change.

Nuclear Security Summit was a sign of healty relationship ahead. They both share the common idea of nuclear security as both were threatened repeatedly by terrorist activities. Nuclear terrorism is one of the most challenging threats to both. Protecting nuclear materials and preventing nuclear smuggling was one thing both countries will always wanted to happen to erase global terrorism.

The U.S.-India Defense Partnership
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Security cooperation between two countries has seen tremendous progress in recent years. Washington and New Delhi have signed a landmark defense framework agreement in 2005 that calls for expanded joint military exercis­es, increased defense-related trade, and establishment of a defense and procurement production group.

In area of naval and air-force, US has helped India by supplying their defense armaments. US has transferred an amphibious transport ship which was welcomed as it started a new era in naval cooperation. The United States has also offered F/A-18 and F-16 aircraft with the possibility of co-production arrangements, which could help India meet its advanced fighter jet needs.

In the past, Indian defense industrialists and officials were deterred from buying American military appliances. The pas­sage of the civil nuclear cooperation legislation had opened the door for a major boost in defense trade. Of course, there has been many areas of dis-agreement with both their strategic interests. One of those areas of disagreement has been over America's evolving relationship with Pakistan like the willing­ness of the United States to transfer military hardware to Pakistan, including F-16 fighter jets. Indians, as they believe they have to deal with Pakistani terrorist day and night all years, this type of military sharings between US and Pakistan has caused little hiccup in their relationships. But these mis-understandings has to be brought to an end with proper bilateral talks on where they stand on Pakistan.

The U.S.-India Political Partnership
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India has an out-reaching foreign policy with all countries. India is looking out­ward in all directions, cultivating partnerships that serve its interests. India's policy with Russia and China has always been looked by US as to counter-weight its influence around the world. India often hosts trilateral meetings with Russia and China. Certainly, India and Russia have had long relations, and India and China are in the midst of a rap­prochement.

It has been looked upon by US as a note of caution that China-India-Russia are grouping as an effort to counter U.S. influ­ence in the region. US always points out that Beijing shares neither India's vision of a peaceful world nor its values of freedom, human rights, and non-proliferation. China continues to have issues in long-time border disputes with India. China is actively engaging India's South Asian neighbors in military and economic ways that may be destabilizing.

Mr Barack Obama, described India - US ties as “robust”, with lots more to share in times ahead not just in bilateral relations but also in India making a contribution to addressing key international issues. US and India have to set aside the differences regarding the trilateral meetings and have to not get caught up in the fog of anti-American rhetoric. This would really be appreciative on their part.

The U.S.-India Anti-terrorist Partnership
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This is one area where both US and India co-operate to counter global terrorism.
These two countries have been the victims of terrorist's man-slaughter actions regularly. Over the last two decades, India has consistently sought to prioritize the need to combat terrorism in international forums, particularly in the United Nations. India and United States pursue the campaign against terrorism, they established a Joint Working Group in Countering Terrorism in early 2000. The Joint Working Group has proved to be a useful mechanism for exchange of information, intelligence sharing, anti-terrorism training programmes, etc. and for strengthening institutional links between crime prevention agencies in the two countries.

The issue of access to David Headley, on which the Americans have appeared ambivalent, has once again raised the concerns of Indians, although Mr Obama have responded sympathetically to Dr Singh’s expression of concern.

The Headley issue coinciding with the gifting of armaments to Pakistan — although to fight terrorism in the Pakistan-Afghanistan belt — has heightened concerns here. The history is that Pakistan has used US-supplied arms against India. Mr Obama has given the impression that he understands India's concerns about the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and other terrorist groups in Afghanistan and Pakistan and said the US was engaging Pakistan on these issues. India hopes for the best from Mr.Obama and they expect the results to be productive.

The U.S.-India Educational Partnership
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Apart from political , economic and defense ties, US has also supported evolving field of international education with fellowship support and facilitating academic dialogue between them.

India - US educational council which has kindled the interests on both countries to share the areas of collaboration that include research, distant education, vocational education, skill development, exchange of faculty, models of public private partnership and also expertise for the setting up of universities. Industry and education should come together for the bilateral relationship to move forward. Because there is a lot of private sector industry and the university system in the United States, which is very, keen on collaborating with India. And there are lots of people at this end both in the industry as well as in the private sector which are keen on collaborating with the United States. So this way we can bring the industries and the education sector together.

India is also keen in Foreign Educational Institution (Regulation of Entry and Operation) Bill, 2010 which will allow foreign universities to setup campuses in India and offer degrees. This is a milestone which will enhance choices, increase competition and benchmark quality of education in India.

Thus these partnerships will always lead to a win-win situatin for both countries. America and India both have much to gain from their growing strategic relationship. This doesnot benefit only them but the world indeed. Together, they can show to the world the value of free­dom and democracy. Together, they can better deal with economic crisis, global terrorism , technological developments and the proliferation of nucle­ar weapons. Together, they can create greater growth, stability, knowledge, freedom, development, peace and more. As the two largest democracies in the world, India and the United States have to fight for global peace and stability with joint hands and make world a better place to live in. They owe it to the rest of the world.

I roar for CSK

CSK has been so inconsistent with their performances in IPL3. But last week , we saw ruthless cricket by CSK. The ball was hit all over the M.A.Chidambaram stadium by our home boys that led to 2 clinical victories. CSK showed their determination , will-power and what they are really upto in the last week matches with RCB and RR. Batsmen as usual won the battle between the ball and bat. With those 2 consecutive wins, CSK has made itself clear that they are on the top on the contention for their place in semis.

Murali Vijay - a class act:
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M.Vijay was the unsung hero of the last 2 matches. Endless hitting over the ropes and all were perfect cricket shots. No single slog shot was hit by him. All came from the sweet spot of the bat. He deserves special applause for shadowing 'Mongoose Man' for 3 matches consecutively. Worth mentioning are the support provided by Raina,Hayden and Albie.

Bollinger - valuable asset:
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On the day against RR ,when over 450 runs were hit, Bollinger's figures of 15 of 4 overs with 2 wickets was simply out of the world. His line and length and variations are impeccable. CSK has found a solid pace spearhead in him. I am sure, they will start of with flying colours with new ball hereafter.

Still some work has to be done with the bowling department. Having hit 246 runs, all would have expected to bowl RR out within 180 or so. But CSK let them to hit 223 runs. Have not Bollinger removed Watson, the game would have been a nail biting one. Even Murali was hit all over the park. Though the pitch had nothing to offer for the bowlers, we should not have leaked so many runs. Hope this will be a lesson for the matches to come.

Dhoni's cool captaincy:
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Everyone were on their nerves as Watson was getting RR towards victory. But the cool captain made a smart move by bringing Bollinger into attack. Can't imagine what would have happened if Bollinger was reserved for 18th and 20th over. He was brought into attack rightly during 16th over and he did his job for the captain.

Keeping the winning momentum going:
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Boys are in terrific form now and have a home match against MI. They would be keen to take revenge on MI like the ones they did during last week. Keeping the plan simple and some disciplined cricket should fetch them the victory over Mumbai which they require to remain in the contest. Team selection will be the toughest job for Dhoni. Hussey is waiting to prove a point. Albie has proved what he is worth in last match against RR. But I hope Dhoni should stick to the winning combination instead of trying new plans.

CSK have been a consistent team for the past 2 years. They made to the finals in IPL 1 and to the semis in IPL 2. They have a fair chance of going into the semis this time too . The boys are boosted after the two wins at home. Their confidence level are as high as Everest. I can't wait for the match against Mumbai which I am going to see live at the ground. Will update this Blog after that. I wish CSK for their upcoming performances. Whether they win or lose, as my home-team I will always roar louder and louder for them. JAI HO CSK !!!

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill (CLNDB) 2009

Nuclear power source ,though dangerous is the only dependable source of power in upcoming years. Present Indian government is trying in all possible ways to make India march forward in the Nuclear powered world by passing CLNDB. 123 Agreement signed with US last year was a big leap in nuclear power generation. From the current level of 4,120 MW to 63,000 MW by 2032, is a commendable goal in our sight. this requires 50 to 60 nuclear plants to be installed. But this should not be achieved by risking the lives of the people into hazardous nuclear industries. Also, in case of any accidents or damages, the operators have to cap the losses with maximum amount. This is were 'Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill' comes. The bill is necessary to operationalise the 123 agreement. American companies will not enter the Indian market unless a liability cap or bill is in place. Hence, to make 123 agreement active, present government want to pass the liability Bill without any concern for people's safety or making the points public.

What does the Bill promises ?
According to the bill, in case of any nuclear damage or accident that results in loss of lives or properties, it provides for civil liability for nuclear damage, the establishment of a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission, the appointment of a Claims Commissioner and refers matters to them. The nuclear liability bill, as per the reports, proposes to cap the total liability amount to 3 hundred million Special Drawing Rights (defined by International Monetary Fund). This works out to about US$ 450 million or Rs 2100 crore per accident. Further the maximum liability of the operator reportedly would not exceed Rs 300 crore or thereabout.

Flaws in the Bill
Nuclear damages are always complex. Hence, its always difficult to pin point the causes . Also, many will come into the picture of nuclear power installation. Hence, the bill has to be as clear as crystal. There has to be some order in bill, so as whom to sue in case of damages. The victim cannot run after many who were all involved in installations. Also, the bill also has to limit the compensation amount that can be lured from the operator. Also, the damage may affect future genarations too. The fertile land once may become uncultivable after nuclear accident. Genetic diseases may occur for many generations. The bill has to answer them too. They should also take care of terrorist activities.

Above all, the total liability cap amount now being proposed, $450 million, is marginally less than the amount awarded in the Bhopal Gas case way back in 1989. No one takes interests in the life of common people. Safety and security of Indian people must be given due priority. No compromise should be made on the life and properties of innocent people. Making India a nuclear power by 2030 should not come at the cost of sacrificing lives. Since, Indian people's life, health, human rights and safety are put in danger, public consultations are necessary before passing the bill. Iam happy with the way BJP opposes the bill and they should not extend their support until necessary amendments are made in the bill.