Author: India Writes Network

Kerry intones song of India, lauds resilient democracy, innovation

- by India Writes Network

It’s a cheering and uplifting tribute from the US to the power of India in the world. In an Independence Day message to India on the eve of its 69th Independence Day, US Secretary of State John Kerry has underlined the ethos of India and what it represents in an evolving world order. “Since 1947, India has stood as a beacon for the world, as an economic power that prides innovation, as a resilient democracy in the face of terror and as a strategic power that upholds international norms.”

“As the world’s largest democracies, the US and India stand side by side in defending and promoting the freedoms and values we hold,” said Mr Kerry, in a message on behalf of US President Barack Obama.

“As was highlighted during President Obama’s visit for India’s Republic Day in January, the US takes pride in our indispensable partnership with India, a friendship built on our shared democratic values, the entrepreneurial spirit of our people, and our shared interests,” said the US diplomat, a robust backer of stronger India-US relations and an ardent supporter of the India-US nuclear rapprochement.

Alluding to the enduring legacy of India’s iconic figures associated with the freedom movement, Mr Kerry said that these leaders contributed to establishing a united, inclusive republic and inspired leaders from across the globe.

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Ahead of Modi visit, India, US set to hold maiden Strategic and Commercial Dialogue

- by India Writes Network

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US in September, Washington DC is all set to host the first ever India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue (SACD). According to Stefan M Selig, US Undersecretary for International Trade, Department of Commerce, it is scheduled to be held in September. This will be the first ever high level strategic and commercial dialogue between the world’s leading democracies and close strategic partners. With the intent to boost trade and investment five-fold to $500 billion annually, the meet would focus on areas such as ease of doing business and smart cities. Mr Selig is in India to meet Commerce secretary Rita Teaotia to discuss the details about the high level dialogue.

“The dialogue will have four pillars: ease of doing business, innovation and entrepreneurship, smart cities project in India and the harmonisation of standards to increase bilateral trade,” Mr Selig said at the press conference in the Indian capital. Mr Selig also added that he is due to meet Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman shortly to discuss about joint preparations for the upcoming dialogue.

The SACD is expected to be held days before Mr Modi goes on his second visit to the US to attend the United Nations General Assembly in the last week of September. He is also expected to engage US President Barack Obama in bilateral talks on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.

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Amid deluge of Sushma-Sonia vitriol, monsoon session of Parliament a wash-out

- by India Writes Network

It’s a complete wash-out, a criminal waste of the taxpayers’ money. The monsoon session of the Indian Parliament that ends on August 13saw a deluge of vitriol, with the BJP-led NDA government locked into an unending sparring match with the opposition Congress that tried to corner the ruling party on charges of corruption and impropriety involving its senior leaders and ministers. Trading barbs that degenerated into embittered personal attacks took a vicious turn on August 12 as two stalwart women leaders in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi of Congress party and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched invectives against each other.

The Parliament was expected to pass the long-pending Goods and Services Tax (GST) Bill, which was touted as a game-changer in reforming the taxation system in the country. The GST has been discussed over the past decade, with no government able to pass it successfully in Parliament till date. The Congress party demanded the resignation of Sushma Swaraj and Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia for their controversial role in facilitating the visa for the ailing wife of the well-networked cricket impresario Lalit Modi.

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