The Modi government has done a lot in terms of economic reforms, but there is “more to be done,” Kenneth I. Juster, who has been named as the U.S. Ambassador to India said on Tuesday. He described the recent implementation of GST as a “landmark” initiative of the Modi government.
India-U.S. cooperation in areas of security and stability in Asia has been making great strides, but both countries need to break the “long cycle of expectation and disappointment in bilateral ties”, U.S. Senators participating in a hearing to confirm Mr. Juster’s nomination said. The lawmakers also aired concerns related to human rights, religious tolerance, and trade imbalance.
Asked for his opinion on the H-1B visa programme, Mr. Juster pointed out that an inter-agency review ordered by the President in April is still under way. “It is not yet complete and I am not really in a position to represent the administration’s view,” he said adding that the H-1B visa has been an“important part of the India-U.S. relationship.” “I think there is a consensus that it should connected to high quality jobs... but I think the final policy on H-1B remains to be determined,” he said.
Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said in his opening statement that the rise of Hinduvta in India has added a new level of difficulty in U.S. ties with India. “…the space for civil society in India continues to shrink as Hindu nationalism rises. International NGOs face undue scrutiny,” Mr. Corker said, requesting the Ambassador-nominee to work with India on the issue.
The importance of religious tolerance and a vibrant civil society were emphasised by at least two more Senators, but nobody other than Mr. Corker spoke about Hindu nationalism as lawmakers sought to underscore the potential of the relationship in the hearing that lasted less than an hour.
Mr. Juster, who recalled his long involvement in matters related to India, said ties with India has been a bipartisan undertaking for long in the U.S. Promoting “free, fair, and balanced trade” with India will be priority during his tenure.
He said India’s role in the Asia Pacific is a key component of the ties, and it will be enhanced further by deepening defence cooperation. Democracy, pluralism and rule of law are the bedrock of India-U.S ties that are based on share values of democracy, Mr. Juster said. Stability in Afghanistan, freedom of navigation in South China sea, nuclear threat posed by North Korea, and a rule-based order in Asia are among the areas of common interest for India and the U.S, the nominee told the Senate Committee. He said increasing trade in energy, including crude and coal will be a key component of bilateral ties under the Donald Trump administration.
Mr. Corker said that India and the U.S. have been working with other partners such as Australia and Japan for stability in Afghanistan, freedom of navigation in South China Sea, and peace and stability throughout the region.
The Republican Senator said the issues related to market access for American companies and IPR issues remain concerns that the new ambassador needs to take up with India. “Both counties are struggling to meet the unrealistic expectations created by the civil nuclear deal,” the Senator said. He said the pace of reforms in India has disappointed the U.S. and the unpredictable nature of FDI regulations remain an obstacle for American companies in India.
