'Great opportunity to rest ties': Senior leaders on US President Trump's proposed visit to India
New Delhi, June 27
After US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's statement that President Donald Trump may undertake a visit to India early next year, veteran leaders called it a "great opportunity" to reset ties following the West Asia conflict and amid the proposed trade deal between the two nations.
Chairman of Australia India Strategic Alliance, Jagvinder Singh Virk, termed Rubio's statement as "very significant development".
"After the war, the relationships are being reset. Over the last one or two years US' relations were strained not only with India but with countries across the world -- whether it was Australia, Canada, Europe or France," he told IANS.
Moreover, he underlined that ignoring India can prove to be "dangerous" for any nation in the world.
"When US President Donald Trump visits India (next year), it will be a great opportunity to reset ties," he added.
Echoing similar view, former Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) S.P. Vaid said: "Over the past some time, relations between India and the US have witnessed some strain. Especially since President Donald Trump came to power, things have changed. Otherwise, India and the US had maintained a strategic partnership."
"He (President Trump) singled out India for 50 per cent tariff and recently when he imposed 15 per cent tariff on other nations, Trump declared that we need to pay 10 per cent extra. So, he has signaled out India," he said.
Referring to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir being appreciated by the US, the former Jammu and Kashmir DGP said: "This has definitely strained our ties. I credit Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Foreign Ministry for maintaining patience."
BJP MP Brij Lal said: "Donald Trump is welcome in India. America is still the largest economy in the world and is our biggest business partner. So, when he comes, our trade deal which is already in the final stage... our relationship with America will be stronger."
Meanwhile, Marco Rubio also said that India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is on its way to becoming a global power and increasingly participating in the decisions being made on the international stage.
Reacting to Rubio's remark, BJP leader Rohan Gupta questioned the Opposition whether they agree to the praise showered by the senior US official.
"They should have at least tweeted that they are standing with US' appreciation for PM Modi's leadership and India's economy," he told IANS.
However, Congress MP Imran Masood accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Central government of handing over India's market to America.
Referring to the proposed India-US trade deal, Masood said: "India's economy, its farmers will be destroyed while US economy will prosper, so why won't they praise us."
— IANS
Reader Comments
Congress MP's concern about farmers is valid, but honestly, every US president comes and goes. Our PM has handled relations well despite Trump's unpredictable style. Let's hope this visit brings more clarity on trade and defence partnerships.
America needs India more than we need them in today's world. Look at the West Asia situation - ignoring India is dangerous as that Jagvinder Singh Virk said. Trump knows this, that's why he's coming. Smart move from both sides.
Why is everyone so excited? 🤔 Trump's 50% tariff threat was not a joke. Our IT and pharma sectors could get hurt if we don't negotiate carefully. I appreciate Modi ji's patience but we need concrete results, not just photo ops.
The Pakistan angle is interesting. US praising their army chief while also wanting to reset with India - classic diplomatic juggling. Our MEA needs to ensure this visit doesn't become a photo-op for Pakistan to claim parity with India. Solid article.
I'm cautiously optimistic. Trade deals can help our manufacturing but farmers' concerns are real. Remember the protests? Let's hope this time the government negotiates with transparency and doesn't just sign something in a hurry for political gains.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.