Fourth India-US strategic dialogue held in New Delhi; United States tries to ease India's concerns about the impending withdrawal of US troops from war-torn Afghanistan; US Secretary of State John Kerry: If some “impediments” in trade between India and th
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  • (June f24-30)

    India and the United States held fourth round of annual strategic dialogue in New Delhi on June 24. A joint statement issues after the dialogue noted that External Affairs Minister of India Shri Salman Khurshid and Secretary of State John F Kerry met in New Delhi and co-chaired the fourth India-US Strategic Dialogue. During their first meeting, they reviewed the extensive transformation of the bilateral relationship and identified key sectors of cooperation that will continue to add strategic depth to the partnership. The two co-chairs expressed satisfaction at the consistent progress being made in the annual Strategic Dialogues towards deepening the India-US partnership. 1

    Meanwhile, reports noted that US Secretary of State John Kerry on June 24 tried to ease India's concerns about the impending withdrawal of US troops from war-torn Afghanistan as he embraced a greater role for the regional power. In a speech after he arrived in New Delhi on June 23, Kerry said that the United States was "very realistic" about the difficulties in Afghanistan and acknowledged that a final settlement "may be long in coming". "Afghanistan cannot again become a safe haven for international terrorism,", he said. Kerry embraced India's role in Afghanistan, saying that the world's largest democracy should assist the country in 2014 elections which will choose Karzai's successor just ahead of the departure of foreign troops. 2

    According to reports, US Secretary of State John Kerry has said that if some “impediments” in trade between India and the US were removed, the two-way trade could surpass $100 billion. “There are always mutual concerns that we have. Trade between India and the US has grown five-fold just in the years of the Obama Administration. Investments between our countries have grown by a factor of 10. Last year, we almost topped $100 billion in two-way trade in goods and service and we are on track to do even better in 2013. We can do even more, we can break down trade and investment barriers.” Kerry said at a press conference with External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid in New Delhi on June 24 after concluding the fourth India-US Strategic Dialogue. Emphasising on the outcome of the dialogue, Kerry said he and Khurshid are “eager and committed to take the relationship to new heights”. 3 Meanwhile, Secretary Kerry also announced that US Vice President Biden will be visiting India in late July. US President Barack Obama visited India in 2010. 4 Secretary Kerry also met Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on June 24 evening.

    India and the United States have stressed on collaborations and partnerships in technology driven education to meet the challenges in skill development and knowledge sector. “We need to focus on providing education and skills to the children. I strongly feel that technology could be used as a tool to instil values in children, “the US Secretary of State John Kerry said at the India-US Higher Education Dialogue in New Delhi on June 25. The dialogue discussed various enhanced two-way student mobility, research collaborations, faculty development, establishment of community colleges, collaborations for cyber system and technology enabled learning like the Massive Open On-Line Courses (MOOCs). Emphasising on the need for new collaborations Kerry said that US was willing to forge partnership in various fields. Meanwhile India’s Human Resource Development minister Pallam Raju said that education and knowledge is a key pillar of the India-US strategic partnership.” The partnership offers a huge opportunity to use and share the experience and best practices in the development of institutions of higher learning and research,” he said. Apart from signing four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), eight Joint research partnerships, 126 Raman fellows who will travel to the US for post doctoral research, and ‘Connect India’ programme aimed at inviting students from US universities for short term courses in India, were announced. 5

    In another development, reports noted that US President Obama visited Senegal, South Africa, and Tanzania to meet with leaders from government, business, and civil society, and to reinforce U.S. commitment to expanding economic growth, investment, and trade; strengthening democratic institutions; and investing in the next generation of African leaders. 6 According to reports, White House officials expressed hope that Obama's three-nation tour of Africa - his first substantial visit to the continent since taking office in 2009 - will compensate for what some view as years of neglect by America's first black president. 7

    Meanwhile, President Barack Obama has called for African leaders to follow Nelson Mandela’s example of putting the country before self. Speaking June 29 in Johannesburg, President Obama stated, “We as leaders occupy these spaces temporarily and we don’t get so deluded that we think the fate of our country doesn’t depend on how long we stay in office.” 8 Earlier, in Dakar on June 27, Obama said, “He is a personal hero… I think he’s a hero for the world and if/when he passes, we know his legacy will linger on throughout the ages. 9

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