INDO-US Relation And Its Future

The India Foundation held a discussion on the subject of the critical relation between India and the United States recently. The topic of the evening was ‘The Future of INDO-US relationship’. Present on the stage was Mr. Kanwal Sibal, Former Foreign Secretary and Ms. Tulsi Gabbard, Member of the US House of Representatives.

Ms. Tulsi Gabbard Answering a question

Ms. Tulsi Gabbard spoke on various issues ranging from the sensitivity of the India-US relationship to the terror threat the world is challenged with.

She started with the East-West centre. She said, “It’s a wonderful institute based in Hawaii. It has been a tremendous asset not only to the United States but really in building bridges between United States and different countries”. She said that she recently met with Mr. Ratan Tata, Former Head of Tata Group. She said that he is back on the governing board in the East-West Centre. With his presence and leadership there would be a continuous focus on India’s importance.

Kanwal Sibal with his speech

She then talked about the challenges in a Democracy. She said that democracy is complex. They are a great forum for people to speak their voice which leads to wonderful, colourful and sometimes heated debates. Those debates are the beauty of democracy. Sometimes the process is messy and requires patience. She then said that the United States faces more or the same challenges as India. She then congratulated India on meeting those challenges head on and outlining both the challenges as well as the opportunities. She also said that as we look at the relation between India and United States, we also have to recognise that we are working in a democracy. Dissent is inevitable but taking that into account a relationship has to be developed. We need to see how we set ourselves up for success heading into the next generation.

Ms. Tulsi Gabbard

She further added about the Immigration Bill. She said, “There were many issues that were contentious. One of them was comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill, which is something we will be taking up in the new congress where we will be sworn in on January 6th.

She then talked about the investment cycle and Prime Minister Modi’s visit. She said, “Look, there was a lot of interest and impact when Prime Minister Modi had come to the United States. The transparency, the bridges, the conversation and the connection that are being formed will be key in allowing for greater investment. Allowing for those in the US who are very interested to come here and to bring business. To have the certainty and stability that they know.”

The Introduction of the speaker and the chairn

She then went onto talk about terrorism and the threat that the world is facing. She said, “The problem of terrorism is a great one. Both Prime Minister Modi and President Obama have spoken about it. This is an area that I have been very vocal on, especially in the recent months as we have been dealing with a growing threat of ISIS and other Islamic extremist terrorist groups regardless of what name they go by.” She further added that we have to recognise the threat they pose to us all and we must be very focused on the mission to defeat that threat. One has to have a specialised military strategy to do so and to work with partner and allies to achieve the same. The threat has grown. There has been a space that’s created to allow for groups like ISIS to recruit more and train better. Regardless of country and region, world leaders need to recognise the threat that these terrorists provide and stand together to defeat their terror.