An instant chemistry, a few laughs, and warm camaraderie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, was dripping with palpable warmth as both the leaders demonstrated bonhomie. As the world glued their eyes to the much-awaited meeting between the two, Modi's innate charms were well-expected, what surprised, was the usually frigid US Prez's softening towards the Indian PM.
What was seen was extraordinary. Given Trump's rendezvous with world leaders in the past couple of months since he took up office, his sheer body language, gesture, and behaviour towards Modi was that of impeccable grace and unmissable respect. An epitome of hospitality, Trump made sure his “true friend” was taken good care of, offering an “intimate toast” to the PM, and giving him a tour of his residence (the White House for the uninformed). Modi returned the gestures with his characteristic hugs, and extended cooperation in areas where the US seeks greater participation from India.
As cute as the meet was, it was just that. Cute. Yes, there were talks about terrorism, yes, there was a warning to Pakistan about “adhering to principles,” yes, promises of mutual cooperation were made, yes, both sides shared concerns about China's growing military power. But none of the statements held enough substance. We can hardly picture Nawaz Sharif or China fretting. Talking about Pakistan, without a single mention of Kulbhushan Jadhav was a lapse of judgment. Counting disappointments, the biggest was when we heard nothing about H1B visas for the IT industry, where Indian software majors have been facing a whole new wall of enhanced American protectionism. Talks of a “comprehensive review” of trade to make it fair and free sounds musical, alright, but the possibilities of them being either are very low especially when Trump wants to cut in trade deficit and Congress pulls the plug on Indian service exports.
The US cleared the sale of 22 unmanned Guardian drones to India, in what is being termed as a “game changer” deal as both the leaders held bilateral talks for well over 40 minutes. Sources said the deal, estimated to be worth $2-3 billion, was approved by the State Department.
Pledge mutual cooperation, trade, and fight against terrorism
In a joint statement given at the Rose Garden, Trump said, “During my campaign, I pledged that if elected, India would have a true friend in the White House, and that is now exactly what you have - a true friend. The friendship between the United States and India is built on shared values, including our shared commitment to democracy.” He added, “I look forward to working with you, Mr Prime Minister, to create jobs in our countries, to grow our economies, and to create a trading relationship that is fair and reciprocal. It is important that barriers be removed to the export of US goods into your markets, and that we reduce our trade deficit with your country.”
“I was pleased to learn about an Indian Airlines recent order of 100 new American planes, one of the largest orders of its kind, which will support thousands and thousands of American jobs. We’re also looking forward to exporting more American energy to India as your economy grows, including major long-term contracts to purchase American natural gas, which are right now being negotiated, and we will sign them. Trying to get the price up a little bit.” The President said, “the security partnership between the United States and India is incredibly important. Both our nations have been struck by the evils of terrorism, and we are both determined to destroy terrorist organisations and the radical ideology that drives them. We will destroy radical Islamic terrorism. Our militaries are working every day to enhance cooperation between our military forces. And next month, they will join together with the Japanese navy to take place in the largest maritime exercise ever conducted in the vast Indian Ocean.”
Meanwhile, Modi said, “Our robust strategic partnership is such that it touches upon almost all areas of human endeavour. In our conversation today, President Trump and I have discussed all dimensions of India-US relations at length. Both nations are committed to a bilateral architecture that will take our strategic partnership to new heights.”
“We consider the USA as our primary partner for India's social and economic transformation in all our flagship programs and schemes. I am sure that the convergence between my vision for a 'new India' and President Trump's vision for 'making America great again' will add new dimensions to our cooperation.” Modi also said, “ Today, during our meeting, we discussed the serious challenges of terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation, which are the major challenges facing the world today. And we have agreed to enhance our cooperation in fighting against these scourges. Fighting terrorism and doing away with the safe shelters, sanctuaries, and safe havens will be an important part of our cooperation.”
“We also spoke at length on regional issues. The increasing instability, due to terrorism, in Afghanistan is one of our common concerns. Both India and America have played an important role in rebuilding Afghanistan and ensuring its security. In order to attain our objectives for peace and stability in Afghanistan, we will maintain close consultation and communication with the US to enhance coordination between our two nations.”
The two leaders later proceeded to a cocktail reception hosted by the First Lady Melania Trump, and to the Blue Room for official dinner held in Modi's honour. The two were joined by the First Lady, Vice President Mike Pence, along with Trump's top Cabinet members at the dinner- Defence Secretary James Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin and National Security Advisor Lt Gen HR McMaster.
Seated in the Blue Room, Modi said, “I am indeed also grateful to the First Lady. She has organised this reception in my honour, and this honours not just me, but 1.25 billion people of India. So, once again, let me thank you and express my gratitude.”
Silicon Valley can't get enough of Modi
In contrast to their open dissent with Trump, top tech executives of America did not miss the opportunity to meet with the Indian Prime Minister as he touched down on June 25. Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Apple's Tim Cook, and Google's Sundar Pichai were just some of the 20 CEOs who held talks with Modi, once again establishing India as a prime investment destination.
The Silicon Valley leaders stressed how much India had helped build their businesses, and the extent to which their companies had contributed to India. In their meeting with Modi in Washington, they furthered commitment to increase their engagement with India. Cook said Indian app developers had created almost 100,000 apps for the App Store in 2016, a growth of 57 per cent over the previous year. He also added that the company had begun assembling iPhones in the country, the first of which hit Bengaluru market last week.
Bezos called the roundtable meeting “terrific”, also tweeting that he was “always impressed, energised by optimism and invention in India. Excited to keep investing and growing.”
Modi invited the CEOs of global giants to invest in India, stating that India has now emerged as a business-friendly destination, more so with the upcoming implementation of the GST. He said India attracted the largest foreign direct investment as a result of the NDA government policies in the last three years. “The whole world is looking at India. Seven thousand reforms alone were carried out by the Government of India for ease of business and minimum government, maximum governance. The growth of India presents a win-win partnership for India and the United States both. US companies have a great opportunity to contribute to that,” he said.
“‘Keep the bridge with India open”
The crème de la crème of the Indian diaspora packed in at the reception held in the honor of PM Narendra Modi by Indian Ambassador to the United States Navtej Sarna, at the classy Ritz Carlton. Modi praised members of the audience and promised them opportunities to succeed unlike anyone has ever imagined. He asserted that India has been successful in convincing the world about “the face of terrorism that is destroying peace and normal life” in the country.
“When we talked of terrorism 20 years back, many in the world said it was a law and order problem and didn't understand it. Now terrorists have explained terrorism to them so we don't have to.” Speaking up about the surgical strikes demonstrated by India, he said, “When India carried out the surgical strikes, the world realised our strength and saw that while we exercise restraint, when the need arises, India can also show its strength and might in dealing with terror and protecting itself.”
“It is a different matter for those who had to suffer due to the surgical strikes,” he grinned, amid laughter from the audience. Modi, looking across the ballroom, said, “I see both a mini-India and a mini-USA. People from all the states of both the nations are represented here today. Keep the bridge with India open. Your younger generations must continue your strong bond with India.” He urged the youngsters to stay engaged with India.
Modi in Portugal: Partnership from outer space to the seas
Modi began his three-nation tour on June 24. He first arrived in Lisbon, capital of Portugal, where he was honoured with a ceremonial welcome. The first-ever bilateral visit by any Indian PM to Portugal, the trip saw the signing of 11 pacts. Modi held talks with Portugese PM Antonio Costa, later issuing a joint press statement. Costa is known to have Goan roots, and had earlier this year, travelled to Goa to visit his relatives in Margão where his father had a house.
In the joint statement, Costa said, “17 cooperation projects have been identified, we are working with institutions. Our talks have covered wide variety of areas.” He said the number of agreements signed between the two countries will have a “great impact in future”. The signed pacts include cooperation in outer space, double taxation avoidance, nano technology, improving cultural ties, youth and sports, higher education and scientific research, and Portugal-India business hub and Indian Chamber of Commerce.
Addressing the media, Modi first condoled the deaths of people in the forest fire that raged through Portugal last week. “We thank Portugal for your consistent support for India's permanent membership of UNSC, and of Multilateral Export Control Regime. We have agreed to set up a joint Science and Technology fund of 4 million euros. New agreements in the field of taxation, science, space, youth affairs and sports outline expanding scope of our partnership,” Modi said.
He also thanked the host government for sharing the digital version of 12,000 17th century documents comprising exchange of letters between Goa and Portugal. A special Gujarati vegetarian meal was prepared for Modi's lunch, including typical dishes from the cuisine like 'Aakhu Shaak'.
Meeting with the Indian community
During his visit, Modi interacted with the Indian community settled in Portugal. “I feel proud of you. You are the real ambassadors of India. You have not only enriched the culture of the country you have home, but have also carried your culture with them,” Modi said as he hailed the contributions of over 65,000 Indians in the country.
He cited the diversity of language and taste in India to point out that Indians can adapt to the culture of the country they live in. “You have effortlessly gelled with the culture of the country.” Modi also highlighted how technology connects Indians in India and abroad. “Everyone here might be using the Narendra Modi mobile app. I live in everyone's pocket,” he quipped after performing a prayer at the Radha Krishna temple in Lisbon. “The Radha Krishna Temple is the symbol of social conscience in Portugal. People here do not discriminate, and that is the identity of Indians, the diversity of India.”
Modi also promoted yoga and thanked Costa for promoting wellness movement through yoga as a holistic health care practice. Both the leaders also visited the Champalimaud Foundation in Lisbon. The private biomedical research foundation provides cutting-edge cancer treatment and supports “ahead of the curve” cancer research.
Modi in The Hague
Calling the Netherlands India's “natural partner” in its economic development, Modi said bilateral ties with the country's major trading partner will grow rapidly. After holding talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte, both the sides signed three MoUs in the fields of social security, water cooperation, and cultural cooperation. During their meeting, both leaders had reaffirmed their commitment to climate change accord and strengthen cooperation in developing renewable energy.
In the joint address, Rutte said India's emergence as a global power is a “welcome development from both political and economic point of views.” “Political because of the values we share with respect of rule of laws and security,” he said. The Dutch PM commended India for its commitment to renewal energy and to the Paris Climate Agreement. “The Netherlands is a key partner to help India achieve its goals. India is now a global economic power. It is world's biggest economy and Indian market has a lot of potential. We have a plenty to offer to India too,” he said.
Modi addressed the Indian community in Netherlands, the second largest in Europe, greeting them with “Kaa Haal Baa”. Nearly 48 per cent of the Indian community settled in the country are Hindus, with most of them speaking Bhojpuri. “People who live here may have different coloured passports, but a different passport cannot change blood relations. I am here in a land which is home to Europe's second largest Indian diaspora. You are all diplomats here. Every Indian abroad is a diplomat. Government has embassies and ambassadors. They are babus, but you know them as diplomats,” Modi said amid cheers.
“The government works with the assistance of Jan Bhaagidari. On its own, development or good governance cannot fulfil aspirations, a combination of both is required.” Modi also thanked people for coming, especially the 3000 who came all the way from Suriname. “It's wonderful to see a strong Indian population even in the Hague. I would like to especially thank the people who have come from Suriname.”
