India-Africa Forum Summit 2015

The ongoing India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) 2015 from Oct 26^th to Oct 29^th reinforces India’s rejuvenated interest in expanding ties with its African fraternity. Indo-African kinship dates back to history when the first man believed to have originated in Africa migrated to Mesopotamia and subsequently to the Indian subcontinent. But greatest binding factor has been torment of atrocities suffered by both under the imperialistic European rulers. India and Africa were sojourners in raising their voices against exploitative colonialism. No sooner India obtained independence it strongly advocated decolonization and passed a resolution in the UN against apartheid in South Africa. It always lent support to the causes and concerns of the African countries. Indeed when the World was deeply polarized by the superpowers during the Cold war India could objectively push forward the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) because of the active participation of the independent African nations. In 1961 Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, President Tito of Yugoslavia and President Nasser of Egypt spearheaded the creation of NAM which evolved into a powerful forum for international cooperation, peace and development. But for NAM, majority of the nations would have been sucked into two ideologically divergent camps ordained to face an impending nuclear war threat. Thus continued cooperation between India and Africa fostered a sense of mutual trust and solidarity.

India Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) has evolved from a deeply cherished vision of enabling synergistic cooperation in 2008. First IAFS was held in New Delhi wherein heads of state and government of India held summit meetings with 14 countries of Africa chosen by the African Union of which only 12 state heads participated. It was decided that summit should be held every three years alternatively in India and Africa. Second IAFS witness participation by 15 countries was held in Addis Ababa. The third summit scheduled for 2014 was cancelled due to the Ebola outbreak and Indian general election. The Third IAFS, is truly phenomenal for India has extended invitation to all the 54 countries of Africa and it is biggest diplomatic outreach program of India so far. It will be largest gathering of international leaders since Indira Gandhi’s efforts to host NAM Summit in 1983 when 51 leaders from 91 countries have participated. Till now the US, China and Japan conducted summits with African leaders. With 52 countries participating in the IFSA, Indian summit will go down history for hosting largest African delegation so far by any other country. In all the 52 countries which are represented 41 are heads of state and rest are high-level officials. As the itinerary indicates India will host top officials of African countries on 26^th, on 27^th External Affairs minister will host African counterparts. The summit meeting with heads of states will be held on 29^th and 30^th is reserved for bilateral meetings. Issues of major focus would be boosting trade, strengthening security cooperation to combat terrorism and extending cooperation on poverty alleviation programs and disease eradication.

Historically, World had a bigoted vision of Africa inimically referring to it as Dark Continent. Even now Africa dominates the headlines for its negative spots- like outbreak of diseases, pirates’ issues, drug peddling, terrorism, hunger and starvation. Ironically, The Economist magazine in 2000 ran a cover story on Africa titled “The hopeless continent” casting aspersions about its developmental capabilities. By 2013 things changed dramatically forcing the magazine to come up with an issue focusing on “Africa rising: A hopeful continent”. Africa is no longer recalled for its vast resources and bountiful treasure of flora and fauna but for the emergence of highest number of middle class families.

Realizing the potential of largely untapped resources countries like the US, EU, China and Japan started making huge investments to flag off their enterprises. India is historically well connected to Africa. Recorded history of Indus Valley Civilization refers to the trade connections between Indian traders and African countries along the East Coast. Consequently Indian currency or Sikka continued to exist as a currency in the East African countries till the early colonial era. The impact of the Indian influence can be found in the Swahili language that has traces of Hindustani and Arabic words. During early 19^th century apart from Indian traders a large contingent of Indian indentured labor were forced to work in Africa to build rail roads. They made Africa their home. Now the whopping 2.16 million strong population of Indian- origin have integrated well into the main stream occupying the top tier of the society. Indian investments and business interests have been persistent in the continent for more than a century. But India is yet to capitalize on its long history and deep social networks. Bilateral trade was a modest $1 billion in 1995 slowly risen to $38 billion in 2008 is now $70 billion. While Indian exports to Africa are increasing at a rate of 23.6% Africa has managed to record trade surplus with India registering a 32.2% increase annually. The top six countries Nigeria, South Africa, Angola, Egypt, Algeria and Morocco makeup for 89% of total Indian imports that include oil, natural gas, ores and Gold and contribute to Africa’s trade surplus. India imports 15% of its oil from Nigeria. Aside these countries India runs a trade surplus with 40 African countries. In contrast China’s investment is booming in Africa and its bilateral trade volume has reached $210.2 billion. While massive scale of Chinese investments in infrastructure dwarf those of India’s in Africa, India is much ahead of China in terms of private corporate investments.

India and Africa share several commonalities which make them truly unique-the matchless diversity in terms of language, ethnicities, cultures, traditions and customs make the regions truly iconoclastic. The saga of the both are run down by the debilitating issues of rampant poverty, poor health care, lack of educational facilities and employment opportunities etc. Interestingly both are young nations and endowed with bountiful demographic advantage. Just as coastal India is much more developed than the land-locked states coastal Africa is more developed. Africa with 1.17 billion people is home to population of India’s size has 54 countries is about 10 times larger than India in terms of land mass. Africa with a current of 2.38 trillion is now registering 5% annual growth. If Africa can sustain its current growth it will be a middle income country by 2025 and the projected GDP by 2050 is $29 trillion. These projected incomes are on par with Indian projections which are in the range of $33- $55 trillion depending upon the economic policies followed. Besides, India’s resource requirements will only tend to rise as it aspires to reach faster growth trajectories. Africa a home to 30 % of all minerals found in the World is a tremendous resource partner India can hardly ignore. Further Africa’s geographical proximity, historical connect and shared aspirations warrants extended cooperation and engagement.

Though India’s connect with Africa predates most others India has squandered its opportunities for various reasons and till now the cooperation has been high on rhetoric and low on action. Consequently India has to now compete with the US- Africa Leaders’ Summit and Forum on China- Africa Cooperation to take its relation with Africa to the next level. With unlimited finances at its behest China provided generous assistance to Africa as it does to strategically important and natural resource rich countries. Interestingly, findings of African Development Bank suggest that core Chinese financial investments are bestowed on countries with which it has political connections like Egypt, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Mali and in resource rich countries like Angola, Algeria, Congo, Nigeria, Sudan and Zambia where it has strategic interests. Its engagement in poverty alleviation and education was found to be limited. The US, on other hand is working in Africa through strategized multilateral institutional partnerships wherein it is working on grass root level programs like accessibility of power to rural areas etc. Besides its large scale investment infrastructural network the US has been a valuable partner in developmental program.

Between 2009-2014 India’s investments in green fields is 6% compared to 3% of China. While the US and EU is almost 50% of investment in infrastructure projects their dominance is slowly declining and that of India and China are increasing. India has a distinct advantage over China in Africa since Beijing’s investment are perceived to be an opportunistic, mercantile exercise espousing traces of racial discrimination. Indian engagement with Africa has been different and its contribution towards capacity building, skilling youth, IT training programs and providing scholarships has been hailed by African community.  Its policy of deliberately staying away from political interventions despite its close connection with African leaders enabled it to find greater connect with African counterparts. Africa with its burgeoning middle class has emerged as market for Indian investments and India’s resource requirement to replenish its growth cycle has been on rise. Thus a rising India and an aspirational Africa has more in common and should work together on several global issues.

India and Africa have extra-ordinary biodiversity of flora and fauna which are threatened by over exploitation and climate change. In order to safe guard the vast biodiversity both have to coordinate their positions and approaches in deliberations under Biodiversity Convention. Similar kind of cooperation should be extended in negotiations on climate change during the Paris Climate Summit and have to push hard for transfer of clean energy technology to the third world promised by the developed countries. The Doha round of multilateral trade negotiations have been stalled with the first world raising objections to the agricultural subsidies. Both India and Africa need to rope in more countries to revive the Doha round. Moreover with Pacific countries and East Asian countries inching closer to seal a mega trade agreement easing trade restrictions through Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) which is likely to be followed by Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) between the US, EU and Japan countries like India and Africa are largely left out. China in the meanwhile is on verge of sealing a free trade agreement with Japan and Republic of Korea. It is time India and Africa contemplate on a trade agreement that can bolster their growing economies.

Besides focus on economic, political, strategic partnership another most important dimension of this massive diplomatic outreach program of India is to boost its security cooperation. Africa currently warrants greater international attention not only its rapid economic strides but also for the violent extremism pervading in the Northern Africa. The scourge of the Middle- East is now slowly creeping into North Africa as a result latent extremist groups in various parts of Africa are emboldened. Currently Africa facing multitude of threats, is looking forward for cooperation in defence, security and counter-terrorism operations. Africa during its post-colonial phase approached Delhi for training its armed forces and India too accepted several mission. But India’s interest steadily waned. It is time Modi government takes bold initiatives to rejuvenate security cooperation which will be of great strategic consequence to India as well.

Moreover India’s one-size-fits all approach should change India should rightly calibrate its strategy towards different African countries. Nearly 21 countries in Africa have per capita income more than India and citizens of eight countries have four times more income than their Indian counterparts. Rapid economic strides and democratic stature of certain African countries is now stirring up the case of non-representation in UNSC. India too had made fervent call during the opening session of the IFSA for a permanent seat in the UNSC for the combined population of India and Africa which comprise of 2.5 billion and questioned the exclusion of these people from equitable representation in international democratic structures. Modi government’s proactive engagement with African continent besides offering excellent opportunities to revive and extend cooperation on wide range of issues can offer plausible solutions for global challenges like economic stagnation, flaring up of endemic conflicts, mass destruction and international terrorism too.

 

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The Strategic Dynamic Calculus Between the US and Pakistan

Despite repeated flip-flops by Pakistan the US advertently seems to be enticed Islamabad’s famed mastery of duplicity and circumvention. Recent bilateral talks between Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and President Obama and the subsequent joint statement reiterates Washington’s renewed coaxing of Pakistan. Moreover in an effort to bolster the long standing friendship between both countries the US government has proposed to sell eight F-16 fighter jets to Pakistan.

Earlier in August this year Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in collaboration with Stimson Institute released a report titled “A Normal Nuclear Pakistan”, recommending Pakistan’s candidature for a nuclear deal. Hence speculations were rife that Sharif would pitch for a civil nuclear agreement with the US similar to Indo-US civil nuclear agreement sealed in 2008. But Pakistan made it absolutely clear that it wouldn’t compromise on its tactical nuclear weapon build up which is India-centric. While attributing unbridled tactical weapon development as strategic defence mechanism (full spectrum deterrence) against India’s Cold start doctrine. Pakistan is unapologetic about its massive weapons escalation. By 2025 reports suggest that Pakistan will emerge as the fifth largest nuclear weapons power. Relentless arm building and weapon acquisition under a guise of seeking parity with its larger neighbor would critically endanger regional security. Additionally, Pakistan is a safe haven of jihadists and hasn’t ever offered guarantee of no-first use. Ideally Pakistan chose to postpone talks on nuclear deal. Consistently, the US too ruled out “any India-type civil nuclear deal with Pakistan” allaying India’s fears. The Sharif-Obama summit included talks on strategic stability in South-Asian region, nuclear security, non-proliferation, Afghanistan, trade and investment.

Interestingly, amidst burgeoning Taliban attacks on Afghanistan which even seized control of the second largest city Kunduz, US blissfully chose to ignore covert Pakistani intervention in sudden escalation of attacks. Official reports indicated that Taliban Chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour is very close to Pakistan’s security establishment which continues to extend military and logistical support to the Talibans. While officially Pakistan seems to facilitate peace talks between Afghan Talibans and government it begrudgingly patronizes covert operations whereby jihadists can reassert their control over Afghanistan following withdrawal of the US forces. The sudden spike in Taliban attacks has indeed now forced President Obama to reverse his decision of pulling off troops from Afghanistan.

During the talks, Sharif asserted that Pakistan will crackdown all the terrorist organizations designated as terrorist organizations by the UN. Ironically, the great discontent with speech and action seems to be hallmark of Islamabad. Pakistan distinctly maintains two different strategies (counterterrorism operations). While it impetuously extricates Pakistan Talibans and those against China, it relentlessly trains, arms and supports Afghan Talibans, Haqqani network and terrorist forces that target India like the Laskar E- Taiyyaba (LeT) and Jamaat-ud-Dawaa (JuD). Sharif during his current visit promised to take action against the perpetrators of terrorism in India. With both Hafeez Saeed and Lakhvi roaming freely and Pakistan successfully managing to veto the UN resolution against Zaki ur Rahman Lakhvi through its all-weather friend, empty promises hold the ground. It is worth recalling that US too hasn’t raised objection to Pakistan granting bail to Lakhvi violating the UNSC and FATF (Financial Action Task Force) requirements.  Indeed a steep increase in the unprovoked firings across the LoC in a way is an outcome of Pakistan’s inaction. While Pakistan continues to insist that it will not allow use of its territory against any country, the terrorist attacks continue unabated. The most recent Gurdaspur terrorist attacks on a police station established Pakistani involvement in areas beyond Kashmir. In fact the night-vision devices recovered from the terrorists bear US government markings warranting serious investigation regarding the procurement of the equipment.

As expected Pakistan’s interaction would be incomplete without raising K-bogey and Sharif cannily blamed India for backing off from a constructive dialogue. The US expressed its concerns about suspension of “sustained and resilient dialogue process” and called for effective mechanisms for confidence building measure and promised support. Washington reiterated the need for more bilateral engagement between the countries. Sharif during his meeting with Senator Bob Corker, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and its members discussed about his four-point peace proposal (he enunciated in UN General Assembly) towards resolution of disputes with India. India had earlier made it stand clear at UNGA using “right of reply” that it intends to resolve all the outstanding issues between countries bilaterally. Undermining India’s equivocal commitment, Sharif advocated that the US is the most relevant third party to intervene on Kashmir issue. Meanwhile he deliberately avoided discussion on the brutal atrocities perpetrated in the Gilgit and Baltistan region. Conversely, Pak officials briefed the US about destabilizing role of Indian agencies in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, Balochistan and Karachi. Pakistan has earlier submitted a dossier to the UN about India’s intervention in subversive activities. Sartaz Aziz, the foreign secretary announced that three dossiers will be shared with India during its next bilateral meeting with India. While Pakistan has been aggressively violating cease fire violations along the LoC to facilitate infiltration of terrorists into India, it is levelling baseless allegations against India when none actually exists.  In fact Pakistan’s clandestine activities stood exposed when 166 civilians including citizens of over 12 countries were killed during the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Global countries condemned the brutal attack and concurred with India’s concerns of state-sponsored terrorism exported into its land from across its western border. 

In the joint statement US acknowledged Pakistan as a vital counter terrorism partner and recognized the sacrifices made by Pakistani civilians, military personnel and law enforcement agencies. But the most distressing aspect about the Joint statement is America endorsing Pakistan’s efforts to secure finances for the construction of hydro-electric Daimer Basha and Dasu dams in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Sushma Swaraj in her UN General Assembly address categorically expressed India’s serious reservations about CPEC and reiterated that PoK is part of Indian Territory, illegally occupied by Pakistan. Pakistan has been pushing hard for construction of 4500 Megawatt hydroelectric Daimer Basha Dam as it can effectively eliminate Pakistan’s shortfall for electricity and can irrigate millions of acres of dry farmlands. When Pakistan tried to raise finances ADB, China and Russia asked Islamabad to produce a no objection certificate from India. China has tactfully kept itself away from the massive project as it will not yield immediate results and is wary of triggering water disputes between India and Pakistan. Instead China chose to build 720 MW hydropower plant in Karot, Pakistan.

Over the years Pakistan excelled art of diplomatic heralding and effectively milked the US seeking parity with India. Since 1950 Pakistan received $40 billion from the US and $23 billion after 9/11 attacks towards counter terrorism. With perpetual aid pouring in from the US, Pakistan heavily invested in bolstering insidious activities against India, accumulated conventional military weapons and built tactical nuclear weapons. Pakistan ignited America’s interest by accommodating its troops in their fight against Soviet Union in Afghanistan. US realizing the strategic importance of Pakistan turned a blind eye to its illegitimate activities and gradually it has turned into a veritable den fostering terrorism. Over the past 13 years several US soldiers were killed by the Afghan Talibans and Haqqani network that is trained and patronized by Pakistan. Alarmed by sudden spurt in terrorist massacres US tried to subvert Pakistan through diplomacy and inducements. Pakistan shrewdly utilized all the financial emoluments from US and eschewed the promise of cleansing off its territory of terrorist activities. Despite these false pretexts of Pakistan, the US continues to offer aid.

Intriguingly though Pakistan has a democratically elected Prime Minister, he is now left to fend with nominal powers. Hence the formal summit meeting between the leaders of two countries is a mere prelude to the Chief of Pakistan Army General Raheel Sharif slated visit to Washington next month and might be inconsequential too. Gen Sharif has become a cult hero in Pakistan for his gusty counter terrorism operations against Pakistan Talibans. Besides being more powerful he commands greater approval from Pakistani public. Buttressing his position Gen. Sharif pronounced that he started assuming greater role since Pakistan lacks good governance. It is an open secret that unlike India, military has an upper hand over the civilian government in foreign policy, security and sovereignty issues. While Pakistani politicians assert that prime minister is in control recently there has been spurt in military courts trying civilians for terrorism. Indeed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Lone directly drove from airport to meet the General on his first visit to Islamabad even before meeting civilian head. Defence establishment looms large over Pakistan and they dictate the foreign policy strategies. Even Pakistan’s refusal to cut down its tactical nuclear weapons has been a unanimous decision of Gen. Sharif. When Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was elected in 2013 people believed that civilian authority will be in absolute control. But all attempts of Sharif to revamp the deteriorating situation of Pakistan has been cut short with the opposition raising tirade against Sharif over allegations of vote-rigging. The agitation in 2014 has paralyzed the country in a bargain to retain his power, Sharif had to relinquish some of his powers. Thus military is now in control of defence and foreign policy. Further to strengthen army’s control over civilian authority, a recently General Naseer Khan Janjua is appointed as National Security Adviser. Once again the assertions of upholding democracy in Pakistan as envisaged in the recent Joint Statement too becomes null and void.

The bilateral talks between Sharif and President Obama might be another photo-op and so the outcomes might be misguiding. Incidentally Washington knows that its interests will be better served in charming and rewarding the decorated military heads of Pakistan. Military rules the roost. It is beyond any iota of doubt that Pakistan has consciously chosen “terrorism as instrument of state policy”. Comprehensive dialogue with civilian heads may be inconsequential in resolving outstanding issues with Pakistan.

 

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Strategic Importance of Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Part-2

In 1950’s Pakistan in order to woo China has not only voted for its permanent membership in the UNSC but through the Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement in 1963 had ceded large tracts of the PoK to China under the guise of resolving territorial disputes (1). While the agreement will have no legal binding whatsoever, Pakistan ceded 5180 sq km of Northern areas of PoK which is the Trans-Karakoram tract. Entire sequence of events are the crux of the Pakistan’s foreign policy, intent on fostering deeper engagement with China, that has territorial dispute with India and convincingly won a war over India. By sealing the controversial boundary agreement with China, Pakistan not only ramped up its cooperation with Beijing but also became first non-communist nation to seal such an international agreement.

PoK because of its strategic geographical location has a great bearing in leveraging power play between Pakistan and China. The region shares borders with the Punjab and North Western Provinces of Pakistan in West, India’s Jammu and Kashmir to East, Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan in North West and Xinjiang province to the North. It has a potential of being the connecting bridge between Pakistan and China. Realizing strategic importance of PoK, Pakistan has deliberately refrained from granting it legislative autonomy.

PoK assumes immense significance with President Xi of China announcing plans for developing China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to improve the infrastructure connectivity and energy connectivity between the two countries. China has also pledged $46 billion for developing this link which forms the vital part of One Belt One Road (OBOR). Under the Karmay declaration of August 2015 representatives from China and Pakistan have pledged to “strengthen bilateral cooperation for jointly promoting economic corridor to build, harmonious better and prosperous future” (2). Reports indicate that now Russia expressed its willingness to join the board propping up Pakistan’s aspirations to increase its Eurasian influence.

While enhanced Sino-Pakistan engagement is not anew but the magnitude of the project and inherent advantages it confers on China beyond economic prosperity is an issue of serious concern. CPEC will connect Kashgar city of China in Xinjiang province to Gwadar port in Balochistan in Pakistan. CPEC is not mere connectivity link carrying crucial oil supplies to China but greatly facilitates Beijing’s access to Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean via Gwadar port auguring its ambitions of strategic encirclement of India. CPEC thus graduates from a contrivance of cooperation for economic prosperity to an instrument of security interests. By cementing strong relations Sino-Pakistan engagement is akin to the touted US- Israel friendship. It is believed that besides proposals of constructing railways, highways and oil pipes China has stationed its army to protect its construction personnel in Gilgit and Baltistan. Defence analysts believe that presence of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have greater strategic implications for India. Karakoram highway runs perilously close to the Siachen glacier perched at a height of 18,000 to 20,000ft. Indian troops scripted a landmark victory during the Kargil war by capturing the heights and denying Pakistan of the strategic advantage. Pakistan armed troops for long have been keen on claiming the glacier and its diplomatic wing too is working hand in glove raising the issue of demilitarization of peaks at every possible international forum. Indian defence officials had warned government of dire consequences of vacating troops from the heights. Accordingly Indian government remained obdurate under International pressure (3).

India has five mountain ranges that guard its northern frontier- Karakoram ranges, Zanskar ranges, Ladakh ranges, Himalayan ranges and Pir Panjal ranges. Karkoram ranges are the highest ranges in the north and form major part of the de facto Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. But it is appalling as how India failed to raise objections when Pakistan has ceded strategically significant geographical territory to China in 1963. Subsequently by 1966 Pakistan and China jointly began construction of the Karakoram High way which was completed by 1979 and was opened for public in 1986. Currently work is under way to upgrade the road into an all-weather express way by laying optic fiber cable along the entire length of 1300km. This region is developed into a Karakoram corridor with trans-karakoram rail lines and oil pipes running in parallel. The fortified Chinese military presence in the region under the guise of offering security to its construction officials, India can hardly afford to ignore the latest developments. It is pertinent to recall that China has transferred fissile material for the production of nuclear arsenal to Pakistan along this highway. Conversely Pakistan used the highway to send American weapons to China for reverse engineering. This route was used to arm the Talibans fighting Soviet Union (4). Karakoram highway constructed at an altitude of 15,397 ft is highest paved strategic international road that crosses Khunjerab Pass. The highway harbors tunnels that provide greater security to missiles stationed for deployment and effectively shield their detection by International and Indian surveillance systems. Recently Sharif has inaugurated five Pakistan- China friendship tunnels constructed by China’s Road and Bridge Corporation (CBRC) over the Attabad Lake in Gilgit- Baltistan’s Hunza Valley (5). These tunnels were reconstructed after they got submerged by a massive landslide in 2010.

Pakistan signed first border trade agreement with China in 2003 to strengthen transport cooperation. China began investing huge amounts of money in the region after the earthquake in 2005 and in 2009 it invested $300 million towards developmental projects in PoK. As per MoU signed between the China’s state-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) and Pakistan’s National Highway Authority (NHA) in 2006, Karakoram highway is widened from 10 mts to 30 mts increasing its operational capacity. Further in 2010 an agreement was reached between NHA and CBRC of China to extend start Phase-2 of highway connecting Thakot Bridge to Sazin and for widening of Jaglot-Skardu Road (6).  Indus and its tributaries flowing through bestow PoK it with perennial water supply. Several MoU were signed between the two countries building dams and hydroelectric units in the region. But environmentalists raised severe objections to construction of hydroelectric power generation stations since PoK falls in seismically very active zone.

Though Prime Minister Modi raised this issue with President Xi during his visit to China in May 2015 the issue was largely undermined. Modi has expressed his concerns over recent developments in the Gilgit-Baltistan region at BRICS Summit and appealed to China to refrain from unveiling of the mega project in CPEC scheduled to be completed in three years.

Pakistan’s scheme of events for amalgamating PoK should be a cause for major apprehension for India. In 2009, it changed the nomenclature of the Northern Areas to Gilgit- Balitistan (GB) under the Empowerment and Self-rule order. In furtherance to it long term strategy of “camouflaging its forced occupation”, it conducted mock elections to schematically merge GB into Pakistan as its fifth province. But this move of Pakistan may not gain sizeable traction as major political parties in GB and All Parties Hurriyat conference (APHC) are against Pakistan’s move of merging it as a province. Kashmiri separatists demanded that GB cannot be merged until unless Kashmir issue is resolved.

In the meanwhile China is drawing plans to set up its consulate in GB. Pakistan in a bid to give push to its larger aspirations of extending its influence into Eurasia has generously offered land-locked countries of the SCO (Shangai Cooperation Organisation) to use Pakistani ports. Islamabad has initiated its efforts to renew Quadrilateral Agreement on traffic in Transit signed in 1995 with China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan (6). According to the new pact supposed to be inked on December 25^th, all four nations will waive-off transit fee and toll charges. Under the aegis of the, Central Asian Regional Economic Cooperation program (CAREC) initiated by Asian Development Bank to promote inter-regional connectivity and promote economic cooperation between central Asian nations plus Afghanistan, Pakistan and China, Pakistan is seeking a special Trade Transit Agreement (TTA) with Afghanistan (7). Pakistan is now party to International Transport of Goods (TIR) convention, a legal framework implemented by International Road Transport Union (IRU) Geneva, waives payment of custom duties, and taxes for traffic-in-transit goods across borders of contracting parties. As many as 68 countries and EU are party to this convention (8).

PoK is a safe haven for Afghani Talibans and Indian Home Ministry report of 2008 confirms presence of military camps in the region. After disastrous earthquake of 2005 in GB which claimed 1,00,000 lives Pakistan expressed its inability to carry out relief and rescue operations in this region. This gross neglect made it a fresh breeding ground for many foreign mercenaries. PoK was a Shia dominated region but the Sunni majority Pakistan government spurned the residents. In a state-sponsored brutal pogrom locals Shias and Ismailis were mercilessly executed by Sunni tribes. Consequently PoK, which had diverse ethnic groups speaking multiplicity of languages is now experiencing state-mediated ethnic cleansing of Shias altering the native demographic composition (9). PoK has already turned into an epicenter for militant camps clandestinely patronized by ISI and Pakistan. Especially Muzaffarabad, capital of Gilgit- Baltistan is known to harbor militant camp where critical planning and execution of the 26/11 attacks was carried out.

Apart from deriving greater economic benefits by allowing Chinese presence in the PoK region, Pakistan intends to capitalize on Chinese presence in the region as a counter balance to India. China despite knowing that the region is infested with militants and might fortify Uighur militancy is working in tandem with Pakistan for its own geostrategic goals. While China vociferously lashed out at India over joint oil explorations with Vietnamese counterparts in the South China Sea, it is skittish in explaining growing PLA presence in PoK. Though India has raised PoK issue with China reiterating the invalidity and illegality of the boundary agreement since the region is integral part of India, Beijing continues to aggressively pursue its strategic calculus.

 

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sino-Pakistan_Agreement
2. http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/regional/2015-08/12/content_21666323.htm
3. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/community/china-pak-corridor-a-threat-to-india-s-assets/71356.html
4. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/karakoram-highway-a-security-challenge-for-india/
5. http://www.dawn.com/news/1206911
6. http://www.sunday-guardian.com/analysis/china-makes-its-presence-felt-in-pak-occupied-kashmir
7. http://archives.dailytimes.com.pk/business/19-Dec-2003/pakistan-china-kazakhstan-kyrgyzstan-transit-trade-four-way-trade-agreement-likely-to-be-inked-on
8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Asia_Regional_Economic_Cooperation_Program
9. http://tribune.com.pk/story/892814/smooth-trade-tir-convention-gets-approval-for-legal-framework/
10. http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/kpsgill/2003/chapter3.htm

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India’s Pitch for Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) Part-1

Last fortnight shocking videos of the atrocities committed by Pakistani Armed forces against the protestors in the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) surfaced ringing alarming bells for the international community. The brutal use of force to quell protests has exposed the tyranny of Pakistan. Till now PoK has been inaccessible to the International Media and even Indian Media failed to gain entry into the territory. Sealing of the region from the external agencies with an iron hand indirectly speaks volumes of the atrocities committed by Pakistan on the ill-fated residents of the Northern areas of Kashmir. As the disturbing images became viral hope the international human rights authorities would wake up to the brutalities.

The violent protest in the PoK region coincidentally surfaced (erupted) with the annual address of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s address at the UN General Assembly. Smitten by the annual itch syndrome of raking up the Kashmir issues at the global platform, he lashed out at India for fomenting instability in Pakistan and lamented at the inability of the UN to resolve the Kashmir issue for the past 67 years. Quite characteristically, adhering to characteristic Pakistan’s trend of diplomatic articulation, Sharif crafted a new four point peace initiative for resolving the Kashmir. These are- firstly, formalizing and respecting the 2003 understanding for complete ceasefire across LoC, reaffirmation from both parties  to refrain from use of force under any circumstances, third demilitarization of Kashmir and finally withdrawal of forces from Siachen Glacier. While Pakistan was smug scoring initial brownie points at the international forum attended by representatives from 193 countries, voices in the social media quickly backed India’s position. Rightly so for the first time Indian government displayed its verve and resoluteness in taking the razing Indo-Pakistan dispute to a new dimension. Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj during her address used the right to reply option and gave a behooving reply asking Pakistan to vacate the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir which it has illegally occupied in 1948. Swaraj in specific reference to the issues pertaining to J&K assured that India is all set to resolve to ready all the outstanding issues if Pakistan is willing to resolve. While the assertive posturing of Modi’s government was hailed for infusing new strength to India’s claim over Kashmir, aggressive stance must be backed by assiduously carrying out a sustained agenda on the PoK (which has long transformed into Pakistan Administered Kashmir or Azad Kashmir).

Till now Indian governments have shied away from vociferously expounding its legitimate claims over the PoK region. Past Indian governments rarely displayed a conviction to assert India’s claims over the territory of PoK which was part of former Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. Right after partition in 1947, accession of Jammu and Kashmir issue triggered of major conflict between India and Pakistan. Incidentally when spurt of local rebellion was brewing under the regime of Hari Singh in Kashmir and Pakistan with the help of Northern tribesman and Pashtuns raided towns of Muzaffarabad and Baramulla and just 20 miles away from plundering Srinagar. Maharaja Hari Singh signed Instruments of Accession after partition and handed over the control defence forces, external affairs and communications to government of India. As fighting ensued India and Pakistan armies stabilized at the current Line of Control (LoC) region. Later misguided Indian administration approached UN for dispute resolution. In the meanwhile nearly one-third of J&K was lost. Pakistan now administers the whole area which is divided into a narrow 400km long Southern Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan (Federally Administered Northern Areas, FANA) comprising of 72,496 sq km areas to the North West of Kashmir valley. Pakistan in 1963 under Sino-Pakistan Frontier Agreement had ceded 5180 sq km of territory of PoK to China which has become Trans Karakoram tract. This treaty for all practical reasons is null and void as Pakistan has occupied the territory and hence has no authority to cede it to a third party.

Post 1948 PoK region has no trace of democracy and people were not even entitled to choose representatives. Repressed voices of the PoK residents don’t see light of external world as people’s liberalities are suppressed with an iron hand by the Pakistan Armed Forces. PoK is administered under the Azad Kashmir Interim Constitution Act passed in 1974. While the region has a Prime Minister and its council even smallest decision process is referred to Pakistan establishment. Government of Pakistan has a complete bearing over the region as per Karachi Agreement that completely annihilates the provincial autonomy of the region. In sharp contrast a normal democratic process is in vogue in Indian Kashmir region. The growth process of the region is more or less streamlined and Kashmiris have access to national assets and facilities like basic health, education, employment opportunities. The situation in PoK is deplorable as basic human, constitutional and political rights of the residents are curtailed (2). But vainly the Kashmir valley is in news for wrong reasons due to constant escalation of hostilities by the Pakistan and duplicities exaggerated by separatists. Pakistan indeed never gave up its obsession for Kashmir and hence three wars were waged so far. Apart from the conventional wars, Inter Service intelligence (ISI) besides clandestinely funding the separatists started infiltrating armed militants to keep Indian Kashmir on constant boil. India for vague reasons remained a soft-state and engaged in peace talks with its neighbor all these decades.

After Narendra Modi assumed charge as Prime Minister, he recalibrated India’s stance towards Pakistan and raised serious objections to the Pakistan’s insidious tradition of involving separatists in the bilateral talks between the nations. Modi even ordained the paramilitary to give a befitting response to the unprovoked firing of the Pakistani’s along the LoC. Modi while keen on reaching out to the Pakistan for peace talks was unabashedly determined to expose scandalous attacks of Pakistan. Indeed the latest edition of the peace dialogue between the NSA’s of both countries was purposely sabotaged by Islamabad by setting a precondition of involving separatists during the bilateral dialogue. India has sharply rejected any such third party interjection. Swaraj’s hard posturing at the UN asking Islamabad to vacate Pakistan from the PoK is a right approach to resolve the Kashmir Issue. To this end, India made a right decision in interdicting Hurriyat interference during NSA level talks. Instead of reducing the POK issue as to a knee jerk reaction, India should buttress claims over Northern areas of Kashmir allegedly occupied by Pakistan. India must hasten its efforts for reintegration of PoK in India for this region is plays a pivotal role in nurturing the Sino-Pakistan composite dialogue and engagement. PoK, a crucial part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is of immense importance for the sheer magnitude of its strategic, political and economic relevance.

 

1. http://zeenews.india.com/news/india/pak-pm-nawaz-sharif-rakes-up-kashmir-at-un-proposes-four-point-peace-formula_1804574.html
2. http://www.indiandefencereview.com/news/pakistan-occupied-kashmir-the-future-trajectory/0/

 

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Indo-German Bonhomie

Prime Minister Narendra Modi fresh from the recent warmth incumbent of the recently concluded G-4 summit at New York welcomed German Chancellor Angela Dorothea Merkel on her three day visit to India. Merkel accompanied by six of her cabinet ministers was in India to attend third India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGCs) which comprehensively reviews the areas of cooperation between the two countries and prepares guidelines for deepening bilateral engagement (1). Germany is the largest trading partner of India in the EU with bilateral trade valued at Euro 15.96 billion. It is eighth largest foreign investor in India. India- Germany strategic relationship started off in 2001 was further strengthened by the IGC.  Merkel visited India in 2007 and again in 2011 to attend the first IGC, a second round of it was held in 2013 at Berlin. Modi was in Germany in April 2015 to flag off India’s participation as a partner country at the Industrial Exhibition at Hannover Messe. The current visit of Angela Merkel marks the third meeting between the leaders of both countries in the past six months. Germany is the only country with which India hold biannual joint cabinet meetings.

Both countries have setup several institutionalized agreements to discuss issues of bilateral and global concern like Strategic Dialogue, Foreign Office Consultations, Joint Commission on Industrial and Economic Cooperation, High Technology Partnership Group, High Defence Committee, Joint Working Group on Counter- terrorism, Indo-German Energy Forum, Indo-German Environmental Forum, Indo-German Consultative Group (2). Besides both countries are working closely in pushing ahead the reforms for an expansive UN Security Council.

Indo-German relations are presently the strongest with no remnants of the past hovering over the relationship. West Germany a staunch ally of US has always viewed India with suspicion for its closeness with the Soviet Union. But with collapse of the Soviet Union and integration of both Germany the logistics have largely changed. Further just like Post war Japan, Germany preferred to stay away from the geopolitical strategies. The reemergence of these nations after establishing themselves as economic powers in their respective regions aptly coincides with India’s rejuvenated interests to pursue its developmental agenda.

India and Germany having realized their mutual complementarities bolstered cooperation in areas ranging from technology, economic investment, agriculture, education, science and technology for the past 15 years. While Germany has surplus capital, modern technology and ageing population India has deficit capital, meagre technology and bustling with demographic dividend. Merkel during her visit has returned a stolen 10^th century idol of Goddess Durga spotted in the Museum at Stuttgart. Merkel’s candid discussions with centered around deepening bilateral engagement in defence, security, renewable energy, education, trade and investment. The meetings between the leaders New Delhi and Bengaluru, (fondly described as Asia’s Silicon Valley by Merkel) concluded on a positive note with as many as 18 MoU’s and agreements inked.

These predominantly include cooperation on skill development. Germany vocational education system is highly valued and lessons from it can kick start Skill India initiative. Another significant area of cooperation is renewable energy. In the aftermath of the Fukushima Nuclear reactor explosion Germany has ordered for closure of Nuclear reactors in its country. Subsequently it dependence on fossil fuels has escalated which drew ire from environmentalists Worldwide. Following the hue and cry Germany shifted its focus on renewable energy sources and developed reliable technologies even. Other areas of cooperation include- security, disaster management, science and technology, declaration on protection of plant products, railways, manufacturing, promotion of Germany as foreign language in India, setting food safety standards and supporting participation of Indian young scientists in Natural sciences for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings.

During candid discussions German industrial contingent expressed disappointment with Indian investment climate. India has announced setting up of Fast- Track System for German companies in India to expedite regulatory clearances including security and environmental clearances (3).

The most significant outcome has been Merkel’s assurance of providing $2.5 billion as assistance to India’s clean energy corridor and solar projects. This comes at a time when India reiterated its commitment to UN Frame Work Convention on Climate Change to increase its renewable energy capacity four fold to 175 GW. India is also third largest emitter of carbon and has recently pledged to cut down emissions by 35% by 2030 compared with 2005 level. Previously in 2014 Germany committed a financial assistance of $1.5 billion to India towards mitigation of carbon emissions.

There are over 1600 Indo-German collaboration and 600 Indo-German joint ventures providing jobs to 400,000 Indian employees. The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce is the largest foreign bi-national chamber abroad. India investments in Germany are valued at $ 6 billion against Germany’s $8.25 billion. It is also largest chamber of Commerce of India with over 7000 Indian and German member companies. While the potential for bilateral trade between countries can reach up to Euro 20 billion riddled by several asymmetries it is hovering around Euro 16 billion for the past few years.

Emphasizing tremendous business potential of India as a lucrative and growing market Modi enthused prospective German industrialists. In the meanwhile Chancellor commended Modi for the pace of reforms in the last 15 months. Liberal doses of positive encomiums for Modi at a time when first phase of Bihar polls is just days away is a good news for the BJP camp. Further Modi has enunciated 11 reforms to improve ease of making business in India during his tour to the Bosch Vocational Facility at Bengaluru with Merkel. He promised to conduct transparent auction and allocation of spectrum, fast track clearances and licenses for industries to provide a level playing field. He also listed opportunities for investments for foreign investors in terms of building 50 million houses, setting up 100 smart cities, modernization of railways, construction of national high ways, bridges, metro rails, setting up of railway corridors and in generation of renewable energy. Modi informed that India is targeting at inflows of 20,000 crores annually through a professionally managed India Investment and Infrastructure Fund. He indicated government’s intention of protecting the Intellectual Property Rights of the innovators and investors in India and mentioned about finalization of a comprehensive national IPR policy (4). Further the much-hyped up issue of termination of teaching German language in the Kendriya Vidyalay was also deftly handled by making study of German optional under the modern language category in schools. Both countries have agreed revive the stalled negotiations on India and EU free trade pact. The much anticipated formalization of the free trade agreement that topped the agenda during Modi’s visit to Germany earlier in April were stalled as EU imposed ban on 700 Indian generic medicines.

India and Germany has agreed to strengthen collaboration to thwart the global menace of terrorism and intensify cooperation on counter terrorism. Germany has in turn welcomed India’s engagement in Nuclear Suppliers Group, Missile Technology Control Regime, Australia Group and Wassenaar Agreement. In the joint statement issued by both leaders, countries voiced their concerns about situations Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine. In an indirect reference to the assertiveness of China in South China Sea countries underlined importance of freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.

A coercive engagement with Germany at a time when it asserted itself as economic leader of Europe will be highly valuable for India. Indeed Angela Merkel too is riding high on the popularity charts currently for her sterling role during Greek Financial crisis and benevolence lavished on the deluge of the refugees that flooded Europe. Media analysts believe that she might be a contender for the Nobel Peace Prize. At a time when smaller European nations are increasingly pulled towards China’s hegemon a strong relationship between a strong Germany in Europe and an emerging power like India in Asia can effectively checkmate the unbridled assertiveness of China. To sum up, Angela Merkel’s visit to India has not only rejuvenated India’s economic interests but strengthened its strategic aspirations.

1. http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/PM-Modi-Merkel-Chair-Indo-German-Intergovernmental-Consultations/2015/10/05/article3064082.ece
2. http://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/Germany_2015_07_09.pdf
3. http://www.firstpost.com/world/pm-modi-hard-sells-india-to-germans-merkel-describes-india-as-asias-silicon-valley-2457720.html
4. http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/India-a-Bright-Spot-for-Investments-Says-PM-Modi-at-Indo-German-Summit/2015/10/06/article3066026.ece

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Modi's rendezvous with the US

With every foreign visit Prime Minister Modi with his eloquence of expression and ease of establishing rapport is sweeping the World off its feet. While the international media showered encomiums on effortless ease of Modi is putting India on World pedestal Indian opposition overpowered by jealously dubiously downgraded the visit. It is a matter of great pride that Prime Minister Modi managed to have five eventful meetings with President Obama in less than two years of coming to power. Modi’s meticulous planning and outreach in pursuing India’s interests on foreign tours is praised by the Pakistani media that has come down heavily on their Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif questioning his insignificant itinerary.

A new era in the bilateral relations between the both countries began with the visit of President Bill Clinton to India in 2000. With Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee providing the needed impetus for an effective engagement the relationship began to flourish during the regimes of President Bush and Barack Obama. As financial conditions in India began to stabilize, the US began to view India as an “indispensable partner” and counterweight weight to the growing clout of the China. Furthermore under the thrust of the shared values the world’s oldest democracy and the largest democracy began to strengthen the engagement under the realm of the strategic partnership as well. Modi’s second visit to the US focused on clean energy, investments and digital India has come at a propitious time when the Chinese economy under the burden of the deep structural reforms began to stumble financially.

During the five day long grueling schedule to the US- Modi first landed in the east coast and assiduously pursued the strategic, commercial and financial objectives of India. Modi reinvigorated the objectives of the decade old G-4 summit. He hosted the leaders of Japan, Germany and Brazil and gave a push to India’s bid for a seat at the reformed UN Security Council. Representing India at the UN Sustainable Development Summit 2015, he stressed the need for the International partnerships for the progress of the humanity. Later he hosted a dinner for the CEO’s of the fortune 500 companies wherein he addressed the concerns of the business tycoons about the slow pace of reforms in India, exhorted more investments and promised individual attention. American business leaders who are wary of investing in China following the recent stock market crash and consequent devaluation of the Yuan are now eagerly looking forward to India.

Later Modi hopped onto the Western Coast where he was accorded a rapturous welcome. Modi inaugurated Indo US StartUp Konnect and visited offices of the Facebook, Google, Tesla and reached out to the elite of the Silicon Valley. Modi has effectively utilized the good will of the three-million strong Indian American community to build bridges between the two countries. Ironically no other Indian leader could connect up with the Indian diaspora that emerged as one of the most powerful section of people in the valley.  None of the past Indian Prime Ministers could match up to the showmanship and marketing qualities of the Narendra Modi. The august gathering of the Silicon Valley Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Bill Gates, James Chambers lined up to schmooze with him. Modi was viewed differently by the Americans who respected him for the Indian-ness he exuded, for his tech-savviness, his non-judgmental attitude and for strongly proclaiming his origins. Modi unlike the past Prime Ministers of India reveled in his Hindu origins and was able to reach out to the Americans who draw inspiration from the vedantic values. With a right mix of soft and hard powers, Modi enthused the Americans and could a mark of his own.

Disgustingly while opposition party of India was busy accusing Modi of faking poverty and spending millions of tax payers’ money for his personal aggrandizement during foreign trips, international media hailed Modi for conquering the technological Mecca. Interestingly implications of Modi’s visit too were largely debated in the US media as the two influential Asian leaders Modi and President Xi visited them at the same time. Both Modi and President Xi were in the US wooing the technocrats and business leaders for investments to their respective countries. Interesting similarities were drawn between the leaders and Western media carried out unapologetic and unbiased reviews of these two visits. While President Xi was in Seattle carrying out high profile dialogue with the Boeing Company who queued up to meet him, Modi too was in the West Coast visiting the technocrats at their work places elaborating about his twin projects Digital India and Skill India. Modi’s presence drew lot of public interest in the US as compared to Xi.

Days before Modi’s visit to the US an affidavit signed by the academicians in the US (which included high profile Indo-US professors) addressed to the techno giants of the Silicon Valley warned them of the risk of doing business with the Indian government threatened to cast an ominous shadow. Together the agitation by the Patels pressing for reservation portended to spoil the visit. But all these accusations and boycott calls died down with business men ignoring the negative overtures propagated by motivated leftist groups.

Incidentally just as Congress raised a tirade against government questioning Prime Minister’s foreign trips, data released from FT data services indicated that India topped the foreign direct investment league table (1). India attracted $3 billion more than China and $4 billion in excess of US FDI. This data is believed to ensure that India moves up the ranking of ease of doing business calculated by the World Bank. India has moved 16 places in the Global Competitive Index to 55^th position. Further with investors in the Silicon Valley taking keen interest in investing in India and crude oil price falling experts believe that India might surely touch the 8% growth rate in the current fiscal year. During his meetings with bigwigs of the West Coast Modi has managed to catapult their interest in his pet projects of the Digital India and Skill India Mission. Five important announcements in the Silicon Valley has boosted Modi’s dreams of Digital India initiative.

Google will provide to set up 500 free Wi-Fi networks in Railway Stations, Microsoft announced initiatives to work on low-cost internet technology that will reach 5 lakh villages and start of cloud computing services from the data centers in India, Qualcomm promised to set up a $150 million fund for Indian startups. Apple expressed willingness to be part of Digital India initiative Facebook to work for universal internet access by 2020. Modi logged off majestically from the valley after addressing the 18,000 strong Indian community at the SAP Centre. Modi emotionally stirred the Indian Diaspora and appealed them to invest in India and contribute towards empowerment of 1.25 billion Indians. With his mesmerizing oratory skills he exulted that what was lamented as “brain drain” few decades is now a  tremendous “brain deposit”, all set to power the innovative engine of India. His fervent appeals and passionate dreams of driving India along the path of growth and development practically enthused the techies of Silicon Valley who are now assured of a vibrant India.

The first India-US Strategic and Commercial Dialogue that concluded a day before Modi’s visit to the US laid a firm ground for discussion on issues of bilateral interest. So on the final day of Modi’s trip he met President Obama for the fifth time in less than two years and underlined India’s commitment towards climate change and thanked US for backing India’s bid for permanent membership in the reformed UNSC. Further Modi requested US to extend financial and technological help to India in its efforts to go green. Accordingly India has announced its Intended National Determined Contributions (INDC) a mandatory promise made by countries before the Paris Summit on Gandhi Jayanti.

Besides Modi met several of the World leaders in the New York giving a final push to 20 –year long India’s efforts to get into the Security Council. Prime Minister met leaders from several countries- Guyana, St. Vincent and Gernadines, Egypt, Mexico, Jordan, Palestine, Cyprus and Sweden. While China, Italy and Pakistan are busy stymying India’s entry Prime Minister Modi left no stone unturned to brighten India’s chances at the UN by meeting Prime Minister of UK David Cameron and President of France Francois Hollande. Riding high on neighborhood first paradigm Modi meet the leaders from Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh along the sidelines of the UN.

Before leaving for India, Modi attended the UN Peace Keeping Force Summit where he waved at Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and reiterated India’s valuable contribution. India has so far contributed 180,000 troops to 48 UN peace keeping mission and trained about 800 officers from 82 countries. Expressing concern over the non-inclusion of the Troop Contributing Countries in decision making process Modi paid homage to the 24,000 troops who have lost their lives. In short, as an emerging nations India’s growth interests are fuelled by the flow of dollars from a strong economy and an innovative hub like the US. While India is the 11^th major trading partner of the US, India’s stock market fortunes are essentially reliant on the foreign exchange flows from the US. Further Indian fortunes are inextricably tied with the US as it is still the most favored destination for higher education for Indian students. Despite the ambiguous stand of the US towards the Pakistan, with NATO pulling troops from Afghanistan India can vainly ignore the importance of the strategic ties with the super power for the control in wields in this region. Undoubtedly Modi during his recent trip to US has deftly pushed ahead India’s interests at various fora and generated enough momentum for the brand India.

1. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-pips-US-China-as-No-1-foreign-direct-investment-destination/articleshow/49160838.cms
2. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech/tech-news/PM-Modi-in-US-5-key-announcements-made-by-technology-CEOs/articleshow/49125820.cms?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=timesofindia

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