Industrial Security Annex (ISA): The Industrial Security Annex (ISA), signed between India and the U.S. at the second 2+2 dialogue in Washington, will open the door for U.S. defence companies to partner with the Indian private sector for several multi-billion dollar deals in the pipeline, including the one for 114 fighter jets.
Kashmir issue: U.S. officials in Delhi have also raised the issue of continuing restrictions in Kashmir, including the detention of political leaders, as recently as last week, and have made requests repeatedly to the government to allow U.S. Embassy diplomats to visit Jammu and Kashmir.
In what could become the first step towards legislative action by American lawmakers against India on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations has added an appeal to end what it calls a “humanitarian crisis” in Kashmir in its report ahead of the annual Foreign Appropriations Act for 2020.
In the wake of the passage of the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in the Lok Sabha, the U.S. International Commission on Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has expressed concern over it and considered recommending sanctions against Home Minister Amit Shah and other top leaders.
‘U.S. rejected 1 in 4 H-1B visa petitions’
In a speech that railed against his friends and foes, U.S. President Donald Trump said that the Paris Agreement would require the U.S. to ‘pay countries’ such as India [for technology and support to fight climate change], justifying his withdrawal from the climate treaty.
Indians seeking asylum in the U.S.: Over 22,000 Indians, including nearly 7,000 women, have applied for asylum in the U.S. since 2014, according to the latest official figures. The reason behind Indians seeking asylum in the U.S. can be unemployment or intolerance or both in India.
India is set to amend its ground-handling regulations for foreign airlines after the U.S., in a retaliatory action, recently barred Air India from performing ground operations on its own at American airports.
Howdy, Modi Event: With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, U.S. President Donald Trump’s participation in the September 22 “Howdy, Modi!” diaspora event in Houston has been confirmed.
India-U.S. 2+2 meeting being held in California: Since their first 2+2 Dialogue in September 2018, India and the U.S. have had intense engagement albeit with mixed results in the trade, strategic and defence aspects of their relationship. Since August 5, the U.S., including President Donald Trump, have engaged with the administration of both countries at the highest levels.
Maritime Security Dialogue: During Maritime Security Dialogue, the two countries discussed maritime developments in the Indo-Pacific and the strengthening of bilateral maritime security cooperation.
S-400 Vs CAATSA: However, the threat of U.S. sanctions under CAATSA over S-400 air defence purchases from Russia remains a sticking point.
