Washington sources have stated that Modi and Trump joint statement is shorter, sharper and more focused, unlike the India-US joint statements issued in the last three years with the Obama administration. Meanwhile the “major defense partner” status to India, the element of “Make-in-India” initiative and the concept of co-production is currently missing. This is exactly what the Trump administration’s focus on “America first” policy entails.
Moreover there is emphasis on free and fair trade. The issue of market access and job creation, both priorities of the Trump administration, is reflected. The topic which is found to be missing and unaddressed is about the issue of non-immigrant visas (H1B, H-4), climate change, Defense Technology and Trade Initiative, Make-in-India, US investment in Smart Cities and Swachh Bharat.
Trump welcomed India’s contributions to promote Afghanistan’s democracy,
stability, prosperity and security and enhanced diplomatic consultations, and
increase tangible collaboration with partners in the Middle East. India has
international cooperation, but is there unity among politicians in the country.
It is a big question.
