The Hindu : International / India & World : `Engagement between India, U.S. deepening'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Sep 12, 2004

International

International - India & World

`Engagement between India, U.S. deepening'

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, SEPT. 11. The engagement between India and the United States is deepening in the realm of politics, economics and security dialogue, and at the social level involving the Indian diaspora, said the co-chair of the Indo-U.S. Parliamentary Forum (IUPF), B.J. Panda, member of Parliament, belonging to the Biju Janata Dal.

Mr. Panda led a seven-member multi-party delegation of the IUPF, which also included a business delegation under the aegis of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The delegation had several interactions with the United States Government, the Congress, think-tanks and with leaders of the Indian-American community here.

"India figures much more onthe radar,and there is more in-depth discussion of India in the United States," Mr. Panda said, reflecting upon the last three years of the formation of the IUPF and the past missions at a press conference.

The discussions with various government entities and those outside the Government were "across the board" — an exchange of views on general areas of bilateral engagement, he said.

At the Pentagon, where the IUPF delegation met the Under Secretary of Defence for Policy Douglas Feith, the Deputy Secretary of Defence, Paul Wolfowitz dropped by. Mr. Panda said that both Mr. Feith and Mr. Wolfowitz apprised the delegation of the defence situation, including the joint exercises that India and the U.S. had conducted and reflected onhow India had beenviewed in the past "and how it has changed." A recurring theme in all the discussions — not just at the Pentagon — was one of "greater partnership with India on all issues."

He said the commonly asked question was whether there would be continuity of policies given the change in the Government in New Delhi. This seemed to be the main interest of the Americans, when earlier it would have been India and Pakistan. On the issue of continuity of policies, Mr. Panda said, "Broadly, there will be."

Mr. Panda saidthe issue of outsourcing also came up. The leader of the IUPF said there is "misconception on both sides" and that American businesses had a better appreciation of what India has to offer.Politicians understand the difference between rhetoric and reality — and the reality is that American people realise open trade is good for them. "Issues such as outsourcing are just a hiccup," Mr. Panda observed.

The president of FICCI, Y.K. Modi, said in the realm of increasing economic interaction, especially in the area of high-tech cooperation, there is work to be done on both sides. The issue of American investments in India was raised, Mr. Modi said, stressing that "more work has to be done by India... we have to sell." Other issues discussed included dumping, GSPs and tariffs. "The United States realises that India is a standalone power," he said.

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