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PM’s three nation visit

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June 28, 2017

Why in news?

Prime Minister completed his three-nation tour of Portugal, United States and Netherlands.

What are the outcomes?

  • Portugal - PM met his Portuguese counterpart and signed 11 MoUs in areas including double taxation avoidance, investments, science and technology, and culture.
  • The two nations have agreed to establish a joint science and technology fund worth 4 million euros.
  • U.S - PM met with US President, following which the two nations issued a joint statement.

  • He also interacted with the Indian diaspora as well as top US CEOs inviting them to invest in India.
  • PM faced three imperatives in making U.S visit a success.
  • Establishing a personal understanding with U.S President - Both the leaders established some personal warmth.
  • But they should also move beyond their early affinity and identify global issues on which they can seek each other’s advice and support.
  • To signal that the US-India relationship remains solid -
  • The joint statement reaffirmed an emphasis on cooperation in the Indo-Pacific maritime collaboration and articulated a common understanding of the terrorist threat.
  • It also highlighted deepening defense ties, including a significant offer of Guardian UAVs.
  • The UAV deal is significant because it required the administration to overcome a ‘presumption of denial’ under its MTCR obligations.
  • But issues like India’s concerns on the immigration process, H1B visa curbs and U.S’ withdrawal from the Paris climate accord were not brought up.
  • To shape the new administration’s view of regional challenges - It is particularly related to that of China and Pakistan. Here the fruits of the summit are somewhat less clear.
  • The joint statement reaffirmed the US-India strategic convergence in Asia.
  • On China - It highlighted a shared concern over North Korea and posed a critique of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
  • But it did not made it clear whether India and U.S have a similar view of the challenge that China poses to our shared interests in Asia.
  • Without that common view, US-India defence cooperation could eventually wane.
  • On Pakistan - US made a strong statement in the wake of the Uri attacks.
  • It also designated Syed Salahuddin as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.
  • This might suggest that U.S is moving towards present Indian goverment’s view of Pakistan.
  • But it is yet to develop a complete South Asia strategy to address the problems of cross-border militancy from Pakistani territory.
  • U.S still has numerous investments with Pakistan.
  • It also cannot afford to alienate Pakistani when it is considering reinvesting in an Afghan peace process.
  • For the US, the visit might mean finding ways to ensure that trade disputes are handled respectfully and involving in areas of strategic importance with ease.
  • Netherlands - PM lauded the Netherlands for helping India successfully get a membership of MTCR.
  • The Netherlands expressed its support for India’s early membership to the 48-member NSG and the Wassenaar Arrangement.
  • Netherlands also welcomed India’s recent application for membership in the Australia Group and supported the country’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
  • MTCR membership enables India to buy high-end missile technology and also enhances its joint ventures with Russia.
  • The aim of the MTCR is to restrict the proliferation of missiles, complete rocket systems, unmanned air vehicles and related technology for those systems capable of carrying a 500 kilogramme payload for at least 300 kilometres, as well as systems intended for the delivery of weapons of mass destruction (WMD).

 

Source: The Indian Express

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