MillenniumPost
Nation

Jaishankar, Gupta frame factors for Indo-US ties

While Jaishankar stated that ”There is substantial shared interest (with the US),” but a tendency to “overstate developments,” Gupta was more critical, “national interest prevails over commonalities.”
Interestingly, Jaishankar, one of the key negotiators said that there was an absence of “rigour” in the civilian nuclear deal concluded between the two countries.

Having said that, the foreign secretary stated that bilateral relations were ‘overly anchored’ on the legacies of the Cold War positions of the two countries. He pointed at the chinks that still exist in trade relations like the continuance of India under Special 301 provision of trade restrictions.

The current positions on Indo-Pacific region and “shared convergences” in the area were “broadly in the right direction,” he said. Gupta stated that a “Sober and mature view” is now being taken about the Indo-US bilateral relations.

Drawing a picture of how the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has undertaken his tasks in foreign policy, Gupta, the deputy national security adviser recounted that he has given importance to the SAARC countries, the extended neighbourhood and is in the process of redefining the country’s relations with all major powers.

The importance of Indian Ocean has been stressed and he has now concentrated to build security relations with countries like Seychelles, Mauritius, and other Indian littoral states. He stated, “The prime minister has met 45 heads of states and governments.”

Jaishankar recounted that the connection of foreign policy has been firmly established with domestic policies.

The ‘Make in India’ policy and the removal of other obstacles to do business in the country have created an environment friendly for American foreign direct investment.

Next Story
Share it