Good Times ! Bad Times : Rahul has links with Hawala operator, says BJP

BJP releases video showing Manmohan saying his Govt 'keen' to help Kingfisher Airlines 

The ruling BJP on Thursday released video footage wherein the then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had during the UPA dispensation told journalists that if private airlines get into difficulties, the government had the responsibility to "find ways to help them" tide over the crisis.

Movers & Shakers

Displaying the video footage, BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal told reporter that besides Dr Singh even the then Civil Aviation Vyalar Ravi also spoke on similar vein and had said spoken to then finance minister saying - "we (UPA government) has to do something".

Farewell SICKULARISM: Ajay Bharat - Atal Bhajpa: BJP vows to capture power for 50 years

"Aao mil ke kamal khilayen (Come, Let us make the Lotus bloom)’, said Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh moving the political resolution wherein the BJP National Executive highlighted its achievements in terms of putting a check to terror menace and working for faceless Indians. BJP has certainly got into poll mode. Thinking Big, now the saffron party vowed to capture power for 50 years. Critics could easily call it 'arrogance'.

Modi: With Atal family

That's a good way to start the conversation. 

As the subject suggests - the research and findings about Modi, BJP and secular India - for me - have been intriguing. Things have been provocative too. Godhra train inferno happened in 2002. Thus after 16 years, we have a fairly expansive canvas. 

The kind of political fallout, speeches, media reportage....often selective amnesia. Political opportunism. Double standards etc...Historians and journalists have defined the events one way or the other. There is an accepted version, perhaps the easier one. There is also an unusual one. I always tried to do pure reportage and hence in effect both sides could be annoyed! But generally I have been tagged as a 'Modi Bhakt'.

One friend says I have been a  'Modi Bhakt plus' prior to 2014 and says - how you are changing a bit! Am I ?

I had named first book 'Godhra - A Journey to Mayhem'. That is the journey all about. From easy scapegoat of all follies to the mega star...a popular 'Hindu' leader - Narendra Modi has seen that all.

Importantly for me, how Modi actually overcome the hurdles. Did he use the disadvantages and gave a different narrative to turn the table?

Man on his Toes

Amit Shah says Modi has not lost elections since 2001. This is partly correct as BJP lost in Delhi and Bihar. He cannot absolve Modi of all the blames for the defeats. 

Essentially pushing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's charishma against the onslaught of 'opposition unity' and gearing to deal with issues like fuel price and unrest among its core voters the upper castes, the BJP National Executive meet here on Sunday adopted a resolute declaration that it will bounce back to power with a bigger mandate than that of 2014.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the charge from the front saying he sees "no challenge", while BJP chief Amit Shah known for his organisational skills and efficacy in poll management asserted that if voted to power in 2019, the saffron party will rule for next 50 years.

"Prime Minister said he sees no challenge in the country today," Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad told reporters briefing the media about Mr Modi's valedictory address made at a closed door meeting of all senior leaders including Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, BJP chief Amit Shah and office bearers drawn from across the country.

In 2014 polls, BJP recorded an unprecedented victory winning as many as 282 seats recording clean sweep in a number of states like Gujarat and Rajasthan and had won as many as 71 seats in Uttar Pradesh. To take the battle to the enemy camp, Prime Minister said the grand alliance parties were not willing to accept the leadership of Congress. "It is a mater of regret that those who failed in government (the Congress and others) are also failure in opposition," Mr Modi said.

2014 Spirit

"2019 hum jeetengey....aur jeetne ke baad pachas sal tak humey hatane wala koi nahi hae (We will
win 2019 definitely and once we win the next year's polls none can remove us from 50 years)," Mr Shah told the party's National Executive meet.

Mr Shah, whose tenure was extended on September 8, 2018 with the leadership deciding to go to polls under the organisational leadership of the incumbent BJP president, said: "I am not making such an assertion by sheer arrogance, but I making the statement based on our works".

The BJP president also announced that before the next year's polls, Prime Minister will travel across all Lok Sabha constituencies. "Mr Modi has already visited 300 Lok Sabha constituencies....the remaining ones will be also covered," Union Minister Prasad said.

HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said: “Despite four-and-a-half years in power, Prime Minister's popularity has not gone down due to his vision, passion and direct communication with people".

However, some leaders remained skeptical about all that 'India shining' type claims and pointed out 'privately' at the strong protest from upper-caste people in many BJP-ruled states.

The protesters have demanded that the policy of reservation should be rolled back and the 'restrictions' on misuse of the SC-ST law be "re-introduced".

Senior leaders reportedly apprised the party leadership that the caste-based organisations influential in their own right - Swaran Sena, Brahman Mahasabha, Rajput Samiti, Kshtriya Mahasabha and Sawarn Sangathan have taken to the streets.

For his part, BJP chief Mr Shah, however,  told the National Executive: "There has been an attempt to create confusion regarding SC/ST issue, but that will not cause any impact on 2019 elections".

He also rested immense confidence in "the fragrance of good governance" under Prime Minister Modi and asserted that the "charisma of Modiji" will fetch party convincing and 'bigger' victories in 2019 as well as ensuing state assembly polls in five states.

On Saturday, Amit Shah said BJP will do well in all 19 states where it has government and will also sweat it out encashing anti-incumbency wave in West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana. 

NOW THE POLITICS OF IT

Important question is can he repeat the success story?

Sycophancy is the brain-eating amoeba of politics - anywhere India, Pakistan or even in tiny state called Nagaland - my original constituency. Those of us who believe Modi can WIN are now in minority - at least in the intellectual clubs of Delhi. For a decade and now last four years, it is fashionable to be anti-Modi.

So yours sincerely this blogger is 'out of fashion'. Nevertheless, one does have a few questions to ponder about while analysing the possibility that Modi is playing a game - that he is sure to win!

The 'Godhra hero or villain' its all in the eyes of the beholder.

Chief protagonist of Gujarat politics and today's India 'Modi' deserve a closer scrutiny. The 'Moditva' is perhaps also a game of surprise.Once Modi told Mallikarjun Kharge: "mere ko jan ne ke liye aap ko aur shodhan karna parega (You have to do lot more research to know me)

My take has been our intellectuals, politicians and political scientists all seem to have awful lot of thoughts about Modi. There was a motive to discredit him in more ways than one. And of course I too have thought about him....

Also my fear has been a section of Indian intellectuals has been in training...and perhaps often paid to slam him. Frankly, for me it is also a matter of concern that media has become a tool for propaganda.

Are we surprised, today Modi is making use of that tool and doing it very well.

Modi gets some of my sympathies...I have no hesitation to admit about it. He fought since 2002 and is still fighting.  

In 2013 ....urban naxalism was a national threat. The then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was equally vocal about it. Today it is an NGO ...do u get my point! 

One more, why did Congress call Bharat Bandh on a day there was High Court ruling on tax evasion case.

Pompeo pushes for greater India-US role in promoting peace in Indo Pacific region

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes the inaugural '2 Plus 2 Indo US Dialogue' as "very productive", Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has underlined the need for 'reinforcing' the shared interest by both countries to promote peace in the Indo-Pacific region."Before leaving India I met with PM Narendra Modi to reinforce our shared interest in promoting peace and prosperity across the Indo Pacific region," Mr Pompeo said in a tweet.

Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue: Secy Pompeo, Sushma Swaraj and 2 Def Ministers

Opening Remarks at the U.S.-India 2+2 Dialogue

September 6, 2018

MINISTER SWARAJ: Secretary of State Mr. Michael Pompeo, Secretary of Defense Mr. James Mattis, my esteemed colleague Nirmala Sitharaman, Excellencies: I extend a very warm welcome to you to India. We are delighted to have both of you here for the very first meeting of Indo-U.S. 2+2 Dialogue.
Secretary Pompeo and I met briefly yesterday upon his arrival in New Delhi on his first official visit here. Secretary Mattis has been here earlier, and it is my pleasure to welcome you to my ministry. Both of you are strong supporters of the India-U.S. relationship, and it is only right that we are meeting in New Delhi with the both of you.

The 2+2 mechanism has been created in accordance with a decision taken by Prime Minister Modi and President Trump in Washington, D.C., in June last year. It reflects the growing maturity of our strategic partnership. It will facilitate even greater synergies in our engagement in defense and economically (inaudible).

India attaches the highest priority to its strategic partnership with the United States. It is a partnership based on shared democratic values, growing convergence of interests, and robust people-to-people linkages. We see the United States as the partner of choice in our efforts to achieve rapid social economic transformation of India. We believe that the U.S. continued economic prosperity and leadership in world affairs is in India’s interest.

Similarly, India’s great political, economic, and security role can reinforce U.S. efforts to promote stability in the region. Partnership between India and the U.S. will not only benefit our two peoples but is also necessary to effectively tackle regional and global challenges. As Prime Minister Modi described at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue, it is, I quote, “a global strategic partnership [which] continues to deepen across the extraordinary breadth of our relationship.”

During their meeting last year in June, Prime Minister Modi and President Trump set the future direction for our relationship. I am happy to note that there has been significant progress in all of the areas of our engagement, however the potential for what we can do together is a lot more. I am confident that our discussions today and the decisions that we will take will help us unleash the untapped potential of our relations and further elevate the level of our partnership.

I would now recognize His Excellency, Secretary of State Mr. Pompeo, to make his opening remarks. This will be followed by opening remarks by my colleague, Defense Minister Sitharaman (inaudible), and then by Secretary of Defense Mr. Mattis.

Secretary Pompeo.

SECRETARY POMPEO: Minister, thank you. Thank you for hosting us both. Thank you for hosting this important engagement. I am delighted to be making my first trip to India as the Secretary of State now 16 weeks into my time, and especially because I’m here for this important first 2+2 Strategic Dialogue between our two countries. It is a clear demonstration the United States places in terms of priority on the relationship between the United States and India.

Our partnership has been steadily growing since Prime Minister Modi visited the White House last June. President Trump is eager for it to continue, and he told Secretary Mattis and I that before we departed. We fully support India’s rise as a leading global power, and we welcome India’s equal commitment to our partnership.

Our two nations are united by shared values of democracy, respect for individual rights, and a shared commitment to freedom. Given those values, India and the United States have a natural starting point for advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. We should continue to ensure the freedom of the seas and the skies; uphold the peaceful resolution of territorial maritime disputes; promote market-based economics; support good governance, fundamental rights, and liberties; and prevent external economic coercion.

We know the threats to stability that exist in the region, and the United States seeks to ensure that both of our peoples can live in peace and in freedom. For years now, our counterterrorism cooperation has deepened, with progress on terrorist designations and information sharing, and is solidified through regular bilateral counterterrorism joint working group meetings. I hope we can continue to make progress on counterterrorism today.

We also hope to discuss how India can further work with the United States to achieve the final, fully verifiable, denuclearization of North Korea, and we should explore ways to partner on holding this outlaw regime in Iran responsible for all of its malign activity.

Together our nations can achieve our shared vision of prosperity and security as we build a relationship that will help shape the 21st century.

Thank you, Madam Minister.

MINISTER SWARAJ: Thank you, Secretary Pompeo. Now I invite my colleague, (inaudible).

MINISTER SITHARAMAN: Thank you, Madam. Secretary James Mattis, Secretary Michael Pompeo. It is indeed a great pleasure to welcome both of you, Secretary Mattis and Secretary Pompeo, in Delhi this morning. I extend a warm welcome on behalf of the Ministry of Defense of India.

Today’s meeting marks a defining moment in our bilateral ties. The commencement of the first-ever ministerial 2+2 between India and the United States is a concrete manifestation of the bold vision of our leaders, Prime Minister Modi and President Donald Trump, to take the India-U.S. relationship to an even higher trajectory.

This meeting is also a reflection of the tremendous focus that we have made in developing our ties over the past few years. At the same time, it is a strong recognition of the immense potential of our bilateral partnership for the benefit of our peoples, the region, and beyond.

As Secretary Mattis and I agreed during our brief interaction this morning, defense cooperation has established itself as one of the most significant dimensions of our relationship. It is now a key driver of our strategic partnership. India-U.S. cooperation in the field of defense reflects the growing maturity of our partnership, which is also a testament to our shared democratic values and common interests of both of our great nations.

As we continue to make progress in our defense and security ties, with each step that brings our defense forces and our security entities closer to each other, we add to the growing layers of mutual trust and confidence. Today, India’s defense forces carry out more training and joint exercises with the United States than with any other foreign partner. We have acquired various advanced weapons platforms from the U.S. We are thus partners in building defense capability in the broadest sense of the term.

Together we are also putting in place an enabling form a framework of closer cooperation between our militaries and our defense establishments. With the announcement of the U.S. designation of India as a major defense partner of the United States and the recent decision to elevate India to STA Tier-1 status for access to advanced U.S. dual-use items, we are hopeful that our defense industry cooperation can also move forward faster in tandem with other dimensions of the defense partnership.

We are transitioning from a buyer-seller relationship to one that is more balanced, mutually beneficial, and sustainable. The Government of India has introduced major reforms to promote defense manufacturing in India, including the establishment of defense manufacturing corridor. I invite U.S. companies to become our active partners in this effort. We have identified cooperation in defense innovation as a major area of emphasis for the future. The Memorandum of Intent between our defense innovation agencies is the first significant step that we are making in this direction.

I look forward to our discussions today, and now would (inaudible) Secretary Mattis.

MINISTER SWARAJ: Thank you. Nirmala. Now I invite Secretary Mattis to deliver his opening remarks.

SECRETARY MATTIS: Well, Minister Swaraj and Minister Sitharaman, thank you for hosting this inaugural 2+2, and I echo your words: We embrace on the American side this opportunity, and we share in your confidence in strengthening this top-priority relationship.

At this point, I do want to express our condolences for the lives lost here in the Kerala floods, but I must also applaud the Indian military’s role in saving so many lives in the midst of that tragedy. Even today as we sit here, our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones.

In our two nations, as reservoirs of religious, cultural, and ethnic diversity, and as proud maritime peoples, we see the U.S.-India relationship as a natural partnership between the world’s two largest democracies, a partnership that is based on convergence of enduring strategic interests and shared respect for the rules-based order.

Our discussion today is a testament to the power of free peoples. I note that over seven decades ago this week, the United States established diplomatic relations with India, prior to its formal independence. Today, our partnership has become one of the most consequential in the region and in the world.

As Prime Minister Modi said at Shangri-La last June, “A commitment to common values must be shared…the foundation upon which we build a shared destiny.” The U.S. and India already have that foundation in our commitment to a safe, secure, prosperous, and free Indo-Pacific region, where sovereignty of all nations is respected, international norms are upheld, disputes are resolved peacefully, and nations freely transit international waters and airspace, and further to borrow Prime Minister Modi’s words again, nations are free from impossible debt burdens imposed by others.

We welcome your insights on how to uphold our shared commitment to the rule of law in the Indo-Pacific, and certainly counterterrorism looms large. We note that 2018 marks 10 years since the Mumbai attacks, where innocent citizens from both of our nations as well as 10 other nations perished at the hands of international terrorism, and we do not forget.

India’s leadership in the world supports our shared democratic values regionally and globally. We also recognize the increasing connectivity between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, renaming U.S. Pacific Command to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. With India as a major defense partner, we are elevating our defense relationship to be on a par with our closest allies as we deepen the broader U.S.-India relationship, enhancing our interoperability, our defense trade, our technology innovation and industrial collaboration, and bolstering our people-to-people bonds.

I appreciate the transparency in our interactions because it reflects the trust we must share for both our nations to benefit from this relationship, and you will not find our military operating outside the framework of our diplomatic – set by our diplomats.

To conclude, fellow ministers, thank you again for your initiatives in seizing this unique moment with us, and I look forward to hearing your vision for our strategic partnership, and we are ready to work alongside you to take it upon a higher trajectory. Thank you.

MINISTER SWARAJ: Thank you

India, US make Defence new driver in bilateral ties: Pompeo sees greater role in Indo Pacific

India and the United States on September 6 (2018) leaped forward to a new level of relationship by making defence cooperation a "key driver" of overall bilateral relationship and both sides also saw a lot of convergence vis-a-vis their role in the Indo Pacific region.
The visiting Secretary of State Michael Pompeo, who along with US Secretary of Defence James Mattis took part in an historic and the inaugural 2 Plus 2 Dialogue with Indian counterparts Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman here, said both sides discussed about how "we can cooperate for a free and open Indo Pacific". He said both India and the US actually have a "responsibility" to promote a free and open Indo Pacific and the values both the nations value - like "the rule of law and national sovereignty".

Modi: With Pompeo & Mattis

The Indo Pacific reference in as many words and more do reflect America's anxious moments vis-a-vis China's influence in the Indo Pacific region. The words from Mr Pompeo, therefore, should be weighed in that context.

Mr Pompeo mentioned about the need to promote good governance, the protection of fundamental freedoms, rights and liberties, free air and reciprocal trade relationship and peaceful resolution to territorial and maritime disputes.

"We know our people's ability to exercise their economic and personal freedom is based on strong, stable and secured environment," he said to that end both the countries through the deliberations under the aegis of 2 Plus 2 Dialogue has embarked on an ambitous plan to "elevate our security cooperation across a number of areas".
It is worth mentioning that experts in China too has been keeping an eye on growing Indo-US ties.
"The subtext of this strategy of the United States is that it hopes India can play an essential role in balancing the rise of China," commented a Chinese observer in a recent article.  
"Does India really want to play the role that the US expects? Don't forget that this strategy has a strong military stance against China. At the very least, it is re-dividing Asia-Pacific with Cold War thinking," the article had said.

Secretary Pompeo - for his part said - "Today our countries entered into an ambitious plan to elevate our security cooperation across a number of areas. The Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement is a major step forward in our defence collaboration and coordination. It will allow us to better protect freedom in the Indo-Pacific.”

Just two days before the inaugural Indo-US '2 Plus 2 Dialogue', a top Indian official had said on Tuesday that: "On Indo-Pacific we (India and the US) may not have complete identical views, there are several similarities however".

India, he said, sees Indo Pacific as key to its future from "economic and security sense".

"The Indo-Pacific as such is not a mechanism or even an architect ....... It is concept and an idea in which the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and this government believe is linked to India's future in an economic and security sense....Because this is going to be the growth corridor of 15 or thirty years," the official has said.
In her remarks, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: "The defence cooperation has emerged as the most significant dimension of the strategic partnership between two sides".
This will be also a "key driver of our overall bilateral relationship", she said.
"The momentum in defence partnership has given an immense positive energy that has elevated India-US relationship to unprecedented heights," she said.
In this context, she also referred to the remarks made by Mr Modi during his address to the US Congress that the relationship between the two countries has "overcome the hesitation of history".

"Nowhere this is more true than the defence," she said.

Sushma cites Modi-Trump friendship for a favourable response on H1B Visa

The US delegation during the crucial 2 Plus 2 Indo-US Dialogue on Thursday acknowledged the growing role being played by the Indian diaspora in the American polity even as

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj forcefully gave a push urging the US administration to appreciate Indian stance on the vexed Visa issue.

“I have mentioned to Secretary Pompeo that on the basis of the friendship which exists between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, Indian people believe that the US administration will not work against their interest. I believe the the trust of Indians will be upheld,” Ms Swaraj said later.

Sources said US representatives in general appreciated India's stance that the diaspora in the US have been playing key role in the American society and politics. The Indian side was assured that there is a 'review' process on the entire US immigration system and the Visa issue is not yet settled or closed.

The issue was raised by Ms Swaraj underlining the importance of Indian diaspora and she pointed out that addressing the issue will be crucial for people to people relationship.

India, US to establish hotline connections between Defence and Foreign Ministers

New Delhi, Sep 6 (UNI) India and the United States on Thursday agreed to establish a hotline between their Foreign Ministers and Defence Ministers and also worked out a move to undertake tri-services joint military exercises off India's eastern coast in 2019.

"We have agreed to closely monitor the implementation of the decisions taken today. Secretary Pompeo and I decided to remain in touch regularly through the new hotline between the Foreign Ministers that we will establish," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the end of the first 2 Plus 2 Dialogue between two countries.

She said similarly, there will be hotline connection two defence ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and her US counterpart Secretary of Defence James Mattis.

In his remarks, Mr Mattis said both sides will  continue working together to enhance and expand India's role as "a primary, major defense partner to elevate our relationship to a level commensurate with our closest allies and partners".

Ms Sitharaman said to enhance the synergies in defence ties, Ms Sitharaman said: "We have decided to carry out for the first time a Tri-services joint exercise with the United States off the eastern coast of India in 2019".

"Our discussions were today marked by deep friendship that characterises the relations between two great democracies of the world," she said.

“The commencement of first ever ministry of 2+2 between India & US is a concrete manifestation of the work vision of our leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to take the relationship to even higher trajectory,” the Minister said.

Both the two countries were "partners" in building defense capability in the broadest sense of the term, Ms Sitharaman remarked.“We have acquired advanced defence platforms from the US," she said.She also said the two countries were putting in place an 'enabling framework' for closer cooperation between defense establishments. She invited US companies to become active partners in India’s efforts to promote local defense industry.

Indo-US talks 'purposeful', Defence the new driver in  bilateral ties: Nirmal

India on Thursday said the inaugural '2 Plus 2 Indo US Dialogue' has been "most productive, positive and purposeful" deliberations and that defence will be henceforth a key driver in the overall relationship. Speaking at the end of the talks, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said: " The defence cooperation has emerged as the most significant dimension of the strategic partnership between two sides".This will be also a "key driver of our overall bilateral relationship", she said.

"The momentum in defence partnership has given an immense positive energy that has elevated India-US relationship to unprecedented heights," she said and credited the two leaderships Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump for the same.       

In this context, she referred to the remarks made by Mr Modi during his address to the US Congress that the relationship between the two countries has "overcome the hesitation of history".
"Nowhere this is more true than the defence," she said.

To enhance the synergies in defence ties, Ms Sitharaman said: "We have decided to carry out for the first time a Tri-services joint exercise with the United States off the eastern coast of India in 2019".
"Our discussions were today marked by deep friendship that characterises the relations between two great democracies of the world," she said.

“The commencement of first ever ministry of 2+2 between India & US is a concrete manifestation of the work vision of our leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump to take the relationship to even higher trajectory,” she said. 

India endorses Trump's South Asia policy : Indo-US talks target Pak

India endorsed US President Donald Trump's 'South Asia policy' and said Washington's call to Pakistan to stop "supporting cross border terrorism" is reflective of New Delhi's stand.

"We discussed the situation in South Asia in some detail. India supports President Trump’s South Asia Policy," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in her remarks at the end of the inaugural '2 Plus 2 Dialogue' between two sides.

"His (Trump's) call for Pakistan to stop its policy of supporting cross-border terrorism finds resonance with us," Ms Swaraj said.

Both sides discussed the ongoing efforts by India and the United States in "promoting an Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan government-controlled reconciliation process", she said adding that  would bring together all ethnic groups and political formation in that country.

"Our counter-terrorism cooperation has acquired a new qualitative edge and purpose," Ms Swaraj remarked and maintained that both the countries also recognized the value of the Terrorists Designations Dialogue established last year as well as other mechanisms to promote cooperation in counter-terrorism and homeland security.

"We have agreed to deepen our cooperation in international forums like the United Nations and the Financial Action Task Force," the Minister said.

She also welcomed the recent designations of Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists by the United States and said such moves in effect "underscore the international community’s scrutiny over the threat of terrorism emanating from Pakistan".

The terrorism emanating from across the border has "affected India and the United States alike", she said.

"In the 10th anniversary of the 26/11 attacks, we recognized the importance of justice and retribution for the masterminds behind this terrorist attack," the Minister said in reference to the deadly terror attack carried out by Pakistan-supported militants in Mumbai in November 2008.

Ms Swaraj referred to the H1B Visa regime and said, "I sought Secretary Pompeo’s support to nurture our people-to-people links. Specifically, I conveyed our expectation for a non-discriminatory and predictable approach to the H1B visa regime, given its high impact on innovation, competitiveness and people-to-people partnership, all of which are a vital source of strength for our relationship".

The United States said that the visiting delegation is excited about the inaugural 2 Plus 2 Indo-US Dialogue being held here and maintained that the bilateral talks between US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj was "excellent"."Excellent meeting with Secretary Pompeo and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj on ways to strengthen US India strategic partnership," US Ambassador to India Ken Juster tweeted.Meanwhile, in his opening remarks, Secretary Pompeo said he was "excited to be in Delhi" to engage with the "strategic partner India", sources said. 

ends

written on the eve of 2 Plus 2 Dialogue

India firm on Iran policy, keen to 'know' from US on alternative sources of crude 

Sep 5 (UNI) India is firm about its policy on Iran vis-a-vis both the vexed and pressing issues of the oil import and also its nuclear programme and has time and again made its position clear that the government would take 'independent' decision on procuring oil.

Hours before the crucial inaugural of Indo-US 2+2 dialogue on Thursday to be held between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and their respective counterparts US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Defence Secretary James Mattis here, a senior official said here: "Our position has been quite clear on Iran....We have said that we would not like to see Iran become a nuclear weapon state. This is also a concern for the international community, not just the United States".

At the meeting, India would like to sensitise the US team on certain key aspects and would like the visiting term inform about other sources of crude and also the alternative payment mechanisms.

"Firstly, the US side will be sensitised that we are heavily energy-import reliant country..... Eighty three per cent of our energy comes from external sources and out of this, 25 per cent is Iranian crude," he said.

India is also keen to understand from the United States if the oil import is stopped from Iran or reduced, what would be other sources of crude.

"We would also like to know the sources and also the prices....Prices are vital because this will impact consumers and overall economic scenario too".

However, New Delhi is also firm about one thing that Iran "should have access" to usage of civilian nuclear energy.

The observations have their own significance as the India-US high level political interactions covering wide range of issues including strategic and geo-political situation would also dwell at length on Iran.

In June this year, the United States said it will impose sanctions against 'all importers of Iranian oil' by November 4. More than appearing to tough, the announcement was also surprising as it stunned the oil markets and perhaps also likely to alienate the US allies and adversaries further.

On his part, Secretary Pompeo has hinted that while India buying a missile defence system from Russia and oil from Iran would not be the primary focus of the dialogue.

"They will certainly come up, but I don't think they will be the primary focus....Those decisions [Russian missile defence systems and Iran oil export to India] are important to the relationship but I don't see us resolving those or having even intention to resolve those during this set of meetings of strategic dialogue," Pompeo said.

At the parleys on Thursday, it is understood, the Indian side would like to impress upon the visiting US delegation and top leaders that Iran is a "major relation" for New Delhi in the region.

"Our view remains that we support the UN Security Council resolution of 2015 but if there are any issues within the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (on Iran's nuclear programme) then it is for the parties who negotiated the JCPoA to work that out," the source said.

Seeking to clarify the government of India stand on the US threat of sanctions which could come into force from November this year, the source said: "it will have a global impact".

"We are not the only country....even countries like Japan, China, Kore and European Union are talking about it. Similar to them, India is also engaged in talks with the United States on it," the source said.

At the meeting, Indian side would also tell the US leaders and delegation that there are certain 'functional and technical requirements issues'.

"Some of our refineries in India are dependent on certain kinds of crude oil," the source said.

"The idea is to have a discussion with them in which Indian side would try to understand from the US side what their requirements and understanding are. What are their expectations and we explain to them what are our expectations," the official remarked.

Nirmala and Mattis: Defence Guards

'Urban Naxals' row becomes bigger: BJP targets Digvijaya, Jairam Ramesh

National Advisory Council (NAC) UNDER UPA and SONIA GANDHI was LAUNCHING GROUND OF NAXALISM, SAYS BJP

The ruling BJP on Tuesday stepped up its campaign against Congress vis-a-vis its alleged nexus with pro-Naxal elements and went onto state that even Sonia Gandhi-headed National Advisory Council (NAC) during the UPA dispensation had turned into a launching ground for Naxals.

The saffron party  also slammed two senior Congress leaders Digvijaya Singh and Jairam Ramesh for their alleged role in sympathising with the cause of Maoists' and often helping them too. "The NAC which was brainchild of former Congress President Sonia Gandhi ....that body was in fact the ground for supporting Naxalism," BJP spokesman Sambit Patra told reporters here.

Displaying some documents, BJP leader said one such letter reveals that "the Guru of Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader Digvijaya Singh had provided assistance" to some organisations who wanted to protest against the BJP government. He also said there were individuals who despite being chased or arrested by police in different states had moved into the NAC or became close to the leaders who became part of Sonia Gandhi's 'coterie'.  Mr Patra accused one such person was also close to NAC member Ashok Mander.

"In 2011, collector of Malkangiri was kidnapped and it was demanded that some Naxals be released. One such person who was released was A Padma. Who is A Padma?  She is also wife of Maoist leader Akkiraju Haragopal (alias Ramakrishna)," Mr Patra said. 

"You all will be surprised that this very person (A Padma) who was released was actually the in-charge of the orphanage Aman Vedika, which was run by a NGO - founded by Harsh Mander, one time member of National Advisory Council (NAC)," he said.

CATCH THEM YOUNG: Now, ‘Ganga Box’ – Collection of books from Germany to Clean the river

Catch them young seems to be a formula the German officials have applied in educating youngsters in the Ganga basin.

The idea is to convince the upcoming generation that Ganga water cannot be cleaned – a mission they say is ‘doable’ - without the locals and individual households not understanding the significance of reduction of waste water and its toxicity.

Photo credit: Manisha Borkotoky

German Development Bank KfW and GIZ, a service provider in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development, have prepared a 'Ganga Box' as pilot project for schools in Rishikesh areas in Uttarakhand to be introduced as part of the curriculum.

The 'Ganga Box' – collection of tales and other educative information – is aimed to target school children and ‘involve’ them in cleaning the historic river – which continues to be lifeline for millions of Indians.

"The idea of Ganga Box is in line with what was tried in Germany too. The target is to bring change in the behaviour and attitude of people of all age and social groups especially the children towards the river. We have piloted this project in government schools in Rishikesh and will be replicated in other parts of the state too," says Vikarant Tyagi, a project coordinator with GIZ.

German officials say they have a unique history of cleaning two polluted rivers Rhine and Danube.

It is on this backdrop, Jasper Wieck, Charged D' Affairs in German embassy in India – says even cleaning Ganga is “doable and achieve-able”.

"We can share with you from the experience of cleaning two rivers in Germany including Rhine is that things are doable. You can turn around a largely polluted river into a one with clean water where you can swim without any risk," he says.

"From our experience, we know we need people’s support. You have to take on board all stakeholders from government authorities, local bodies, representatives of industry and agriculture. The role of individual households is also crucial,” says Jasper Wieck.

Wieck: Who once lived along River Rhine

Therefore, German officials say the idea of Ganga Box – as an idea has gone down well.

They also insist that Germany can ‘capitalise its experiences’ vis-a-vis cleaning Ganga they made in cleaning up the rivers Rhine and the Danube.
Speaking on the similar vein, Julie Reviere, “We have started our work, but what I need to point out is that we need to bring about behaviroul changes...If they don’t really change their attitudes then things may not move”.

Here comes the importance of the Ganga Box, she says.The German officials say the Rhine river, which is half the length of the Ganga and runs through six countries as riparian states, took three decades to be cleaned. The project cost was 45 billion Euros.

It is worth mentioning here that the Modi government’s ‘Clean Ganga Project’ involves a budget of Rs 20,000 crore – making it only 2.5 billion Euros.

In 2015 the German government committed to the Indian government to invest interest subsidised loan up to 120 million EUR.

The assistance involves providing support to strengthen sewage water treatment infrastructure in Uttarakhand.

The initiative includes construction of 13 sewage pumping stations.

"Our target is to reduce the inflow of untreated waste water in River Ganga and, thus, help improve the water quality of the river," Mr Wieck says.

In broad sense, the thematic areas of GIZ in India is working are on energy, environment, climate change and biodiversity besides sustainable urban and industrial development.

German experts are helping in capacity building of Jal Sansthan and Peyjal Nigam, the twin agencies mandated execute the high-profile Clean Ganga Project in Uttarakhand.

The first idea for cooperation by Germany in Clean Ganga and Ganga River rejuvenation strategies and Capacity Support was first mooted in the Joint Statement of Chancellor Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 14, 2015 when they met in Hannover and Berlin to exchange views on upgrading and further strengthening the Strategic Partnership.

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