THE CONGRESS Secular Hindu Forum (CSHF) strongly believes that the present state visit of the United States of America President Barack Obama to India is detrimental to the interests of the Indian farmers and youth. In a statement issued, CSHF national general secretary K Ravi Kumar alleged that Obama’s main purpose of the visit was to exploit India with active collusion of Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to cover up his failures in his own country.
CSHF reminded that Obama is visiting India at a time when his popularity is very low in his home country following his failure to convince a lot of Americans about his efficacy of corporate bailouts and economic stimulates in reviving the economy and his country is facing grim employment situation.
In order to save the failing agricultural economy in his country, CSHF alleged that Obama is brining pressure on Indian government to adopt corporate farming and US companies’ domination in seeds supply to our farmers. This would turn Indian farmers into agricultural labourer in their own fields and Indian agriculture would be completely surrenders to US economy for its very survival.
CSHF also strongly objected to India’s readiness to buy fighter aircrafts from this US, worth 12 billion dollar (Rs 5,400 crore), as at presently India is not facing any major war-threat. Ravi Kumar lamented that this deal would save Obama’s position in USA by enabling him to create employment to one lakh youth permanently and making India’s defense at the mercy of US.
According to CSHF, the urgent need for India’s defense is strengthening its ordinance factories, modernise its infrastructure and attract more and more talent into the army with attractive incentives, rather importing critical equipments from US.
It felt, Congress is aware about USA’s expansionism and exploitive tendencies since the times of Nehru, who promoted Non-Aligned Movement by joining hands with Nasser of Egypt and Joseph Tito of Yugoslavia, opposing the hegemony of USA in world politics. Since then, USA waged proxy war against India by creating trouble in Kashmir through its CIA, later in Punjab, North East and in recent times all over the country with active collusion of Pakistan’s ISI.
All the national leaders from Nehru to Indira Gandhi and P V Narasimha Rao kept USA away form interfering into our internal affairs. But unfortunately, the United Progressive Alliance government led by Dr Manmohan Singh colluding with USA determining to the interests of Indian people.
Ravi Kumar deplored that Obama staring his tour from Mumbai under the guise of offering condolence to the victims of Mumbai blasts, even after it was suspected US’s CIA was colluded with ISI after the revelation that US was aware of the master-mind behind the blasts Headly’s intentions well in advance. As USA opened its Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) office in Mumbai, CSHF felt that the terror attack was intended to give scope for USA to expand its intelligence network in India. “How can Obama visit terror attack place without handing over Headly to India for investigation?” he asked.
CSHF accused that USA, which was instrumental in promoting terror network in India, was behind the brutal killing of our great leaders Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. USA’s imperialistic tendencies were known as `Nexus of Devil’ in countries like Palestine, Cuba, Korea, Iraq, Iran and Afghanistan. No country prospered with liberal assistance from USA, but collapsing completely in all fields, he observed.
CSHF lamented that Obama’s visit was intended to collapse India’s IT industry spread in cities like Bangalore and Hyderabad, threatening USA’s economy with active cooperative from Dr Manmohan Singh under the guise of `outsourcing’ negative policy.
Accusing Obama as anti-India, Ravi Kumar felt it would hard the sentiments of Indians if such a leader is allowed to speak in the Parliament and appealed to conscious Parliament members to boycott his address. He congratulated the Forward Block, which was started by great Congress leader Subash Chandra Bose, to boycott Obama’s address in Parliament, besides organising protests in the country.
But, CSHF wondered that other Left parties remained mute spectators and preferred to attend Obama’s Parliament address, while observing protest outside the Parliament. It seems Left is also surrendered to USA, he added.
CSHF lamented that the main opposition party Bharatiya Janata Party is also colluding with Dr Manmohan Singh in adopting pro-USA policies. Though some times it speaks against USA, in reality it is extending all needful support to UPA government adopting pro-US enactments, he said. This is exposing BJP’s pseudo-Hindu policies by supporting USA President, who is instrumental in encouraging Christian missionaries to promote religious conversations in large scale.
November 11, 2010
Obama surprises and delivers
On the strategic front -where India thought America will not deliver - Obama proved many, including journalists, common people and the society at large, wrong by actually pledging resolute support to India.
IT IS quite surprising that the entire nation stayed glued on to their TV sets as US President Barack Obama gave his historic speech in the Parliament. The President of United States made unambiguous statements in favor of India’s rise as a global power. While he made no bones about his obvious aim of cashing in on the India’s rising economic prowess, he made it a point to ensure that it was a two-way street, as promised. Proving that he was a man of words, he rose above expectations. And as articulated several times in his speeches here in India, indeed he made it a win-win situation.
On the strategic front –where India thought America will not deliver – Obama proved many, including journalists, common people and the society at large, wrong by actually pledging resolute support to India. By candidly speaking in favor of India’s bid for the UNSC seat, Obama drew applause from all the Ministers in the central hall, and the millions watching on TV.
But the direct recognition and support for India’s aspiration to be on the UNSC as a ‘permanent member’, was indeed momentous. By naming Pakistan as the nation that acts as the breeding ground for terrorists, and by declaring that perpetrators of 26/11 must be brought to book, Obama surpassed hopes and anticipations.
He even mentioned the perilous Afghanistan-Pakistan border while referring to terrorism. Mahatma Gandhi always finds a place in his speeches, but his reference to and quoting of stalwarts from Indian history like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar was matchlessly noteworthy. His oratory was always admirable and stirring but his true intention of befriending India became all too obvious in the speech, wherein he connected directly to the hearts of a billion. His bringing up Indian religious texts and spirituality spoke of his pacifism.
Nonetheless he reminded India of its duties as an international player. Obama, the upright man that he is, directly implied that India had shied away from criticizing human right violation in Burma, something not befitting a global player. This was actually an endorsement of Amartya Sen’s articulation a few months back that India should condemn Myanmar’s tyrannical ways.
As Obama’s speech was beamed live across the world in BBC and other global media networks, along with all Indian channels, a billion hearts cheered Obama for his overly pleasant surprise. He surely is taking much from India this winter but as much sure is the fact that he really hasn’t retreated from genuine bilateralism.
IT IS quite surprising that the entire nation stayed glued on to their TV sets as US President Barack Obama gave his historic speech in the Parliament. The President of United States made unambiguous statements in favor of India’s rise as a global power. While he made no bones about his obvious aim of cashing in on the India’s rising economic prowess, he made it a point to ensure that it was a two-way street, as promised. Proving that he was a man of words, he rose above expectations. And as articulated several times in his speeches here in India, indeed he made it a win-win situation.
On the strategic front –where India thought America will not deliver – Obama proved many, including journalists, common people and the society at large, wrong by actually pledging resolute support to India. By candidly speaking in favor of India’s bid for the UNSC seat, Obama drew applause from all the Ministers in the central hall, and the millions watching on TV.
But the direct recognition and support for India’s aspiration to be on the UNSC as a ‘permanent member’, was indeed momentous. By naming Pakistan as the nation that acts as the breeding ground for terrorists, and by declaring that perpetrators of 26/11 must be brought to book, Obama surpassed hopes and anticipations.
He even mentioned the perilous Afghanistan-Pakistan border while referring to terrorism. Mahatma Gandhi always finds a place in his speeches, but his reference to and quoting of stalwarts from Indian history like Swami Vivekananda, Rabindranath Tagore, and Dr B.R. Ambedkar was matchlessly noteworthy. His oratory was always admirable and stirring but his true intention of befriending India became all too obvious in the speech, wherein he connected directly to the hearts of a billion. His bringing up Indian religious texts and spirituality spoke of his pacifism.
Nonetheless he reminded India of its duties as an international player. Obama, the upright man that he is, directly implied that India had shied away from criticizing human right violation in Burma, something not befitting a global player. This was actually an endorsement of Amartya Sen’s articulation a few months back that India should condemn Myanmar’s tyrannical ways.
As Obama’s speech was beamed live across the world in BBC and other global media networks, along with all Indian channels, a billion hearts cheered Obama for his overly pleasant surprise. He surely is taking much from India this winter but as much sure is the fact that he really hasn’t retreated from genuine bilateralism.
Rathore granted bail by Supreme Court
In the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case, the main accused, former DGP of Police SPS Rathore was granted bail by the Supreme Court today. Is it another case of justice delayed is justice denied?
THE CENTRAL Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the conclusion reports in two of the three FIRs registered against former Haryana Director General of Police SPS Rathore in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case stating “the allegations staged in the FIRs could not be confirmed as per the documentary evidence and oral testimony of witnesses.” Today, based on the CBI report, former DGP has been granted bail by the Supreme Court. Now, Rathore will walk free with a bigger smile than before.
The three cases filed by Ashu Girhotra, who is Ruchika’s brother and SC Girhotra, Ruchika’s father in Panchkula court were handed over to the CBI after the intervention of Union Law Ministry. Most allegations by Ruchika’s family could not be proved and some were found completely false during investigation.
The Ruchika case reveals deep infirmities of delivery of justice in our system and our laws. We are all aware of the fact that the ‘higher class’, especially in India is capable of getting away with anything, even murder.
We, as a society, are mute spectators and helpless. Since there are many loopholes in our law, such type of crimes will repeatedly occur in our country unless the Supreme Court will come out with appropriate result.
It is not a question of justice for Ruchika, it is justice for the society. So many similar cases are happening in our country on a daily basis. Media notice only high profile cases and others are silent sufferers due to fear of society or lack of money to challenge the case. Once again, it raises doubts on our judicial system.
THE CENTRAL Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed the conclusion reports in two of the three FIRs registered against former Haryana Director General of Police SPS Rathore in the Ruchika Girhotra molestation case stating “the allegations staged in the FIRs could not be confirmed as per the documentary evidence and oral testimony of witnesses.” Today, based on the CBI report, former DGP has been granted bail by the Supreme Court. Now, Rathore will walk free with a bigger smile than before.
The three cases filed by Ashu Girhotra, who is Ruchika’s brother and SC Girhotra, Ruchika’s father in Panchkula court were handed over to the CBI after the intervention of Union Law Ministry. Most allegations by Ruchika’s family could not be proved and some were found completely false during investigation.
The Ruchika case reveals deep infirmities of delivery of justice in our system and our laws. We are all aware of the fact that the ‘higher class’, especially in India is capable of getting away with anything, even murder.
We, as a society, are mute spectators and helpless. Since there are many loopholes in our law, such type of crimes will repeatedly occur in our country unless the Supreme Court will come out with appropriate result.
It is not a question of justice for Ruchika, it is justice for the society. So many similar cases are happening in our country on a daily basis. Media notice only high profile cases and others are silent sufferers due to fear of society or lack of money to challenge the case. Once again, it raises doubts on our judicial system.
Can Prithviraj Chavan do it for Maharashtra?
RECEIVING US President in Mumbai was a political consolation to the outgoing Maharashtra CM Ashok Chavan. Departure of Barak Obama was followed by his departure and Prithviraj Chavan was named the 25th Chief Minister of Maharashtra. He will be the 16th person to take the oath of office of this highly prestigious post. His predecessor had this honor twice so did Vilasrao Deshmukh and Shankar Rao Chavan.
Vasantrao Naik, Vasantdada Patil and Sharad Pawar held the coveted position three times each. Vasantrao Naik was the only Chief Minister, who had occupied the office for full five year term (1967-1972) starting from formation of the Vidhan Sabha to dissolution of it. He is also the longest serving Chief Minister of Maharashtra totaling more than 10 years of uninterrupted tenure.
Prithviraj Chavan’s choice as Chief of the Congress legislature party in Maharashtra, even though he was never member of state assembly, signals a long term strategy of the Congress high-command. Maharashtra has become an exception in Sonia Gandhi’s strategy to continue having the CM post under Congress in Maharashtra and other Congress-ruled states.
All these years in politics, Prithviraj Chavan has maintained distance from various state factions and kept himself away from lobbying for anybody for positions in state politics. This has become his edge over other contenders for the top post. While he has acquired considerable experience as administrator in central government, he lacks first hand political knowledge of handling the 24X7 conspirators in Maharashtra Congress.
His selection is also a clear message to the central ministers from Maharashtra, mainly Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde, to concentrate on their incumbent jobs rather than scoring goals in the murky state politics.
As a minister in UPA government since last 6 years and working in the PMO all this while, Prithviraj Chavan is well acquainted with priorities of Manmohan Singh government and its flagship programs. This is an advantage for him in implementing centrally-sponsored schemes in the state.
On the other hand, his ability to grasp the rural and agricultural despair and provide remedy to it will be tested during his tenure. In the last Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, the loan waiver scheme had boosted the Congress performance significantly.
This may not be the factor four years from now when the state will go for scheduled elections. In spite of the rapid rate of urbanization and emergence of city-centered political forces like MNS, farmers hold the political key in Maharashtra; particularly the agricultural community in Vidarbha and Marathvada region.
These are the least familiar areas for Chavan. Demand for separate statehood not only exists but s getting strengthened in these two regions. This is not good news for the new CM, who is after all an outsider in state politics.
Prithviraj Chavan’s posting in Mumbai is also aimed at countering influence of NCP in its stronghold of western Maharashtra. In rest of Maharashtra, NCP’s strength is limited to certain pockets and is stagnated.
Although Chavan hails from western Maharashtra and thrice elected from family’s pocket borough Karad, of late, he has not been engaging with people in the region. In fact, he was defeated by the newly formed NCP’s candidate in 1999 Lok Sabha election.
NCP’s Sriniwas Patil has recorded three consecutive victories in this constituency since formation of the party by Sharad Pawar. Nonetheless, the NCP has taken up the challenge of Prithviraj Chavan entering the state politics quite seriously.
The first sign of it was Ajit Pawar’s elevation as Deputy Chief Minister. Energetic nephew of Sharad Pawar knows the nitty-gritty of western Maharashtra’s politics and can help the party protect its Maratha vote bank.
However, demotion of Chagan Bhujbal seriously threatens NCP’s credibility as party of all social groupings, particularly among the OBCs in the state.
His immediate and future accommodation in NCP’s hierarchy will have long term effect on NCP’s attempts to increase its support base in the state.
Chavan’s appointment is also a result of political negation wherein rest of his competitors became
ineligible due to some sort of allegation of corruption against them; the main reason of leadership change merely a year after last assembly elections.
However, many corrupt faces will continue to hold portfolios in the Prithviraj Chavan’s ministry; making it tough for him to provide clean administration.
Years of deliberate neglect of corrupt activities of state leaders has resulted into a situation where in the state government has become hostage to lobbies of industrialists, mining mafias, real estate dealers, educational czars, liquor barons and co-operative supremos.
They are the real power bearers no matter, who the Chief Minister is or whoever is his deputy. Neither Chavan nor the Congress has any program to break the stranglehold of these powerful lobbies to provide relief to common man. The new CM, in all probability, will provide stable government since equally corrupt and inept political opposition in the state pose no threat to the ruling alliance.
Fight against corruption cannot be won by rhetoric and symbolism but by people oriented policies and clear priorities. Interestingly, Chavan has not uttered a word so far against high level corruption; instead he is seeking co-operation from everyone, including the tainted politicians.
Thus, political and administrative challenges before the new CM are enormous. Only sky is the limit for performance. Can he? Will he? These are the key questions in the minds of people in the state, who are desperately seeking positive answers.
Vasantrao Naik, Vasantdada Patil and Sharad Pawar held the coveted position three times each. Vasantrao Naik was the only Chief Minister, who had occupied the office for full five year term (1967-1972) starting from formation of the Vidhan Sabha to dissolution of it. He is also the longest serving Chief Minister of Maharashtra totaling more than 10 years of uninterrupted tenure.
Prithviraj Chavan’s choice as Chief of the Congress legislature party in Maharashtra, even though he was never member of state assembly, signals a long term strategy of the Congress high-command. Maharashtra has become an exception in Sonia Gandhi’s strategy to continue having the CM post under Congress in Maharashtra and other Congress-ruled states.
All these years in politics, Prithviraj Chavan has maintained distance from various state factions and kept himself away from lobbying for anybody for positions in state politics. This has become his edge over other contenders for the top post. While he has acquired considerable experience as administrator in central government, he lacks first hand political knowledge of handling the 24X7 conspirators in Maharashtra Congress.
His selection is also a clear message to the central ministers from Maharashtra, mainly Deshmukh and Sushil Kumar Shinde, to concentrate on their incumbent jobs rather than scoring goals in the murky state politics.
As a minister in UPA government since last 6 years and working in the PMO all this while, Prithviraj Chavan is well acquainted with priorities of Manmohan Singh government and its flagship programs. This is an advantage for him in implementing centrally-sponsored schemes in the state.
On the other hand, his ability to grasp the rural and agricultural despair and provide remedy to it will be tested during his tenure. In the last Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections, the loan waiver scheme had boosted the Congress performance significantly.
This may not be the factor four years from now when the state will go for scheduled elections. In spite of the rapid rate of urbanization and emergence of city-centered political forces like MNS, farmers hold the political key in Maharashtra; particularly the agricultural community in Vidarbha and Marathvada region.
These are the least familiar areas for Chavan. Demand for separate statehood not only exists but s getting strengthened in these two regions. This is not good news for the new CM, who is after all an outsider in state politics.
Prithviraj Chavan’s posting in Mumbai is also aimed at countering influence of NCP in its stronghold of western Maharashtra. In rest of Maharashtra, NCP’s strength is limited to certain pockets and is stagnated.
Although Chavan hails from western Maharashtra and thrice elected from family’s pocket borough Karad, of late, he has not been engaging with people in the region. In fact, he was defeated by the newly formed NCP’s candidate in 1999 Lok Sabha election.
NCP’s Sriniwas Patil has recorded three consecutive victories in this constituency since formation of the party by Sharad Pawar. Nonetheless, the NCP has taken up the challenge of Prithviraj Chavan entering the state politics quite seriously.
The first sign of it was Ajit Pawar’s elevation as Deputy Chief Minister. Energetic nephew of Sharad Pawar knows the nitty-gritty of western Maharashtra’s politics and can help the party protect its Maratha vote bank.
However, demotion of Chagan Bhujbal seriously threatens NCP’s credibility as party of all social groupings, particularly among the OBCs in the state.
His immediate and future accommodation in NCP’s hierarchy will have long term effect on NCP’s attempts to increase its support base in the state.
Chavan’s appointment is also a result of political negation wherein rest of his competitors became
ineligible due to some sort of allegation of corruption against them; the main reason of leadership change merely a year after last assembly elections.
However, many corrupt faces will continue to hold portfolios in the Prithviraj Chavan’s ministry; making it tough for him to provide clean administration.
Years of deliberate neglect of corrupt activities of state leaders has resulted into a situation where in the state government has become hostage to lobbies of industrialists, mining mafias, real estate dealers, educational czars, liquor barons and co-operative supremos.
They are the real power bearers no matter, who the Chief Minister is or whoever is his deputy. Neither Chavan nor the Congress has any program to break the stranglehold of these powerful lobbies to provide relief to common man. The new CM, in all probability, will provide stable government since equally corrupt and inept political opposition in the state pose no threat to the ruling alliance.
Fight against corruption cannot be won by rhetoric and symbolism but by people oriented policies and clear priorities. Interestingly, Chavan has not uttered a word so far against high level corruption; instead he is seeking co-operation from everyone, including the tainted politicians.
Thus, political and administrative challenges before the new CM are enormous. Only sky is the limit for performance. Can he? Will he? These are the key questions in the minds of people in the state, who are desperately seeking positive answers.
November 07, 2010
Deals between Indo-U.S firms to create 50,000 jobs: Obama
THE UNITED States President, Barack Obama, on Saturday announced conclusion of 20 deals worth 10 billion dollars by the US and Indian Business firms while stating that it would create over 50,000 jobs in the US and job opportunities in India as well.
Allaying fears of small businessmen in India while addressing the US India Business Council (USIBC) meet at the Trident hotel here, Obama asserted that bilateral partnership holds an enormous potential, adding that deals between business firms of both the countries were not just creating only wealth but huge job opportunities in both countries.
During his speech, President Obama said “increased commerce is win-win situation for both the countries,” adding that the “U.S. and India will engage in healthy competition.”
“Trade between both the countries will create jobs in both the countries,” he said.
In his speech, the U.S. President also announced that High tech trade will go up indicating easing of restrictions.
He also asked India to remove trade barriers and promised to reciprocate.
Obama informed that several landmark deals have been done including Boeing selling dozens of planes to India and General Electric selling hundreds of Electric engines. “The increased commerce between the two countries will be a win-win situation.”
The U.S. President, referring to the enormous unexplored potential in bilateral trade, said that India can be America''s top trading partner.
He said due to the liberal economic policies pursued by India, tens of millions of people were taken out of poverty and now India enjoys the status of having the largest middle class population in the world.
The economic growth in India in the last two decades is “one of the stunning achievements in human history.”
“U.S.-India relations will be the defining partnership of the 21st century,” said Obama.
Allaying fears of small businessmen in India while addressing the US India Business Council (USIBC) meet at the Trident hotel here, Obama asserted that bilateral partnership holds an enormous potential, adding that deals between business firms of both the countries were not just creating only wealth but huge job opportunities in both countries.
During his speech, President Obama said “increased commerce is win-win situation for both the countries,” adding that the “U.S. and India will engage in healthy competition.”
“Trade between both the countries will create jobs in both the countries,” he said.
In his speech, the U.S. President also announced that High tech trade will go up indicating easing of restrictions.
He also asked India to remove trade barriers and promised to reciprocate.
Obama informed that several landmark deals have been done including Boeing selling dozens of planes to India and General Electric selling hundreds of Electric engines. “The increased commerce between the two countries will be a win-win situation.”
The U.S. President, referring to the enormous unexplored potential in bilateral trade, said that India can be America''s top trading partner.
He said due to the liberal economic policies pursued by India, tens of millions of people were taken out of poverty and now India enjoys the status of having the largest middle class population in the world.
The economic growth in India in the last two decades is “one of the stunning achievements in human history.”
“U.S.-India relations will be the defining partnership of the 21st century,” said Obama.
BJP justified in criticising Obama for not mentioning Pakistan
INDIA'S MAIN Opposition Party BJP has rightly and very timely criticised US President Brack Obama for deliberately avoiding naming Pakistan for the terror-attacks on India including the infamous 26/11 Mumbai episode. Instant criticism by India’s main opposition party will give opportunity to US President to understand the sentiments of the majority of people in India, who consider the neighbouring country as hotbed of terrorist-activities.
USA has an unfair policy of having a tilt in favour of Pakistan and it never stops financial and military aid to Pakistan despite clear role of Pakistan authorities in patronising terrorist elements disturbing peaceful living of Indian citizens.
US has always avoided direct help to India in its fight against Pakistan-sponsored terror-attacks on India. If US would have sincerely and practically helped India in its tackling with IC-814 hijack at Kandhar, perhaps fundamentalist-elements would not have dared to destroy US World-Trade-Tower at New York in infamous 9/11 attack.
It is important that United States should understand that it would be dangerous for the world and the US itself to allow Pakistan to continue with the policy of supporting the terrorists even as it publicly denounces terrorism.
USA has an unfair policy of having a tilt in favour of Pakistan and it never stops financial and military aid to Pakistan despite clear role of Pakistan authorities in patronising terrorist elements disturbing peaceful living of Indian citizens.
US has always avoided direct help to India in its fight against Pakistan-sponsored terror-attacks on India. If US would have sincerely and practically helped India in its tackling with IC-814 hijack at Kandhar, perhaps fundamentalist-elements would not have dared to destroy US World-Trade-Tower at New York in infamous 9/11 attack.
It is important that United States should understand that it would be dangerous for the world and the US itself to allow Pakistan to continue with the policy of supporting the terrorists even as it publicly denounces terrorism.
Obama visit: Less to give, more to take?
AS PRESIDENT Obama and accompanying American CEOs'' reached Mumbai on Saturday, it was quite evident why he chose India''s financial capital as his first stop.
Unlike his predecessor - George W Bush - who offered India a historic civil nuclear deal in 2005, Obama is more likely to take than give to India.
The United States is still recovering from recession and its unemployment rate is hovering above the nine percent mark, which is adjacent to India''s growth rate. A drubbing in the mid-term poll earlier this week, clearly reflects that Obama''s economic policies have failed to captivate the American imagination.
The US recognizes that India can play a big role in bailing the country out of recession. Recent Indian acquisitions have created and saved 65,000 jobs in the US. Indian companies invested 5.5 billion dollars in American Greenfield projects between 2004-09. In mergers and acquisition of companies in the US, Indian companies have invested 20 billion dollars in the last five years.
India has emerged as the second-fastest growing investor in the United States, after the United Arab Emirates, said FICCI and Ernst and Young in a joint report. However, almost 60 percent of investments made by Indian firms in US is in pharmaceuticals and the IT sector.
A recession-hit US would certainly like to enlarge the basket by relaxing the export of high technology and dramatically jack up Indian investments, especially in defence and space technologies. President Obama has centered his India visit on business and job creation and had even indicated that Washington is considering a lifting of ban on dual use high technology.
The export ban has remained, despite the passage of the Indo-US nuclear deal in March 2008, mainly because of India''s refusal to sign Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
New Delhi believes that dual-use sanctions had no place in the burgeoning partnership and views it as anachronistic. Overall, total exports of advanced technology products exported from the U.S. to India have increased from 1.3 billion dollars in 2003 to over four billion dollars in 2009, despite the global economic slowdown.
The US administration expects business deals worth over 10 billion dollars across several sectors to be signed during Obama''s visit.India also need US support in getting a entry in key non-proliferation-related groups like the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group (dealing with chemical and biological weapons) and the Waassenaar Group (export controls for conventional arms).
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