New Delhi: New Delhi made a sarcastic dig at neighbour Pakistan, saying it looks forward to US President-elect Donald Trump addressing what it referred to as Pakistan's "most outstanding of outstanding problems." Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "We have seen the reports of the conversation (between Trump and Pak PM Nawaz Sharif) that were one-sided and claimed the President-elect promised to help Pakistan with all outstanding issues." He added, "We look forward to the President-elect helping Pakistan address the most outstanding of its outstanding issues- terrorism."
The statement came in response to Pakistan saying Trump heaped praise on Sharif during a telephone conversation. He purportedly told Sharif that he feels like he's "talking to a person I have known for long" and that Pakistanis "are one of the most intelligent people." The Republican, who has remained rather vocal of his antipathy towards Muslims called Sharif a "terrific guy" with a "very good reputation" as per a Pakistan government press release of a phone conversation between the two, after Nawaz called him to congratulate him. Trump also purportedly urged Sharif to "feel free" to call him at "any time even before 20th January that is before I assume my office." The release further quoted Trump as saying, "Please convey to the Pakistani people that they are amazing and all Pakistanis I have known are exceptional people."
Meanwhile, Trump team issued a statement countering Sharif's account of their telephone conversation. A Trump adviser said it was necessary to cut through the "flowery" account of Sharif's customary phone call to the president-elect to congratulate. Sources from the billionaire's office said the Pakistani readout of the conversation seemed to have committed him to more than he meant. In a rare read-out of the president-elect's conversation with a foreign leader, the Trump transition team said, "President-elect Trump and the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Nawaz Sharif spoke today and had a productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future." The statement also added, "President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif."
The transition team called Pak's account of the conversation "inappropriate", and a Trump adviser said Sharif had made a customary phone call to the president-elect to congratulate him on his election win.
Another Indian in Trump's cabinet
Seema Verma, founder and CEO of a health policy consulting firm SVC Inc was nominated to serve as administrator of the Centres for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Announcing the Indian-American nominee for a key government position, Trump released a statement saying, "She has decades of experience advising on Medicare and Medicaid policy and helping states navigate our complicated systems. Together, chairman Tom Price and Seema Verma are the dream team that will transform our healthcare system for the benefit of all Americans."
Verma is the second Indian-American to be called upon to serve in the Trump team, after South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who has been named US ambassador to the United Nations. Meanwhile, the president-elect also met with Chicago real estate executive Sandeep Mathrani amid speculation that he will also be named for an administration position. Mathrani, 54, is the chief executive officer at General Growth Properties.
Indiana resident Verma is known for her work on Medicaid issues and her close ties to vice president-elect Mike Pence. She designed his Obamacare Medicaid expansion model known as Healthy Indiana Plan 2.0.
