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10th India and United States Trade Policy Forum

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/na...licy-for-emphasis-on-indo-us-ties/515737.html

New Delhi, December 19

India on Tuesday appreciated the strategic importance given by the US to bilateral ties in its new National Security Strategy and said that the two countries share common objectives, including combating terrorism.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said a close partnership between India and the US contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region as well as to the economic progress of the two countries.

"We appreciate the strategic importance given to India-US relationship in the new National Security Strategy released by the US. As two responsible democracies, India and the US share common objectives, including combating terrorism and promoting peace and security throughout the world," he said.

Describing India as a "leading global power" in its newly unveiled National Security Strategy, the Trump administration has said it will deepen US' strategic partnership with India and support its leadership role in maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region.

The 68-page document also said the US will seek to increase quadrilateral cooperation with Japan, Australia and India. PTI
 
http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...y-in-the-us/article22500356.ece?homepage=true

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Kumar Mangalam Birla. File photo: Paul Noronha


Two-lakh tonne unit in Kentucky slated to open by 2020
Aditya Birla Group firm Novelis Inc. plans to build a $300-million automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility in Guthrie, Kentucky.

The greenfield facility, with an annual nameplate capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, will include heat treatment and pre-treatment lines, which prepare aluminum for use in vehicle parts such as body-in-white, hoods, doors, lift gates and fenders, the company said in a statement.

The company expects to break ground in early spring and create approximately 125 jobs at the new facility, which is slated to open in 2020. “Today’s announcement by Novelis to expand its capabilities in North America is a strategic decision fully supported by the Aditya Birla Group to maintain the group’s leadership position in the global metals sector and its ongoing commitment to serve both upstream and downstream customers,” said Kumar Mangalam Birla, chairman, Novelis Inc. and chairman, Hindalco Industries Limited.

‘Demand to rise’
Demand for automotive aluminum is expected to rise according to the 2017 Ducker Worldwide survey projection that aluminum content in North American passenger vehicles, particularly light trucks and SUVs, will increase 42% from its 2015 level by 2028.

The new facility will be in close proximity to Logan Aluminum Inc., a Novelis joint venture in Russellville, Ky., the company added.
 
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/na...ndia-starts-importing-lng-from-us/553645.html
New Delhi, March 6

After crude oil, India on Tuesday began importing natural gas from the US, with the first shipment of LNG under a 20-year deal being flagged off from Louisiana.

State-owned gas utility GAIL India has contracted 3.5 million tonnes per annum of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Cheniere Energy's Sabine Pass liquefaction facility in Louisiana.

“The cargo has been loaded on-board GAIL's first chartered LNG ship 'Meridian Spirit'. This LNG cargo originated from Cheniere Energy's LNG export facility at Sabine Pass LNG project," GAIL said in a statement.

“The cargo will discharge LNG at Dabhol terminal of GAIL (in Maharashtra) on or around 28th of this month."

Last October, India imported its first shipment of crude oil from the US. The US had stopped oil exports in 1975, a ban lifted by former US President Barack Obama in 2015.

GAIL had signed a sale and purchase agreement (SPA) with the US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy in December 2011.

The SPA went into effect March 1. Under terms of the agreement, Cheniere will sell and make available for delivery to GAIL about 3.5 million tonnes a year of LNG.

Cheniere's LNG is based on natural gas sourced from the US market, which provides access to abundant and low-cost gas resources. The ship set sail after a ceremony to mark the occasion at Sabine Pass in the presence of Cheniere CEO Jack Fusco and GAIL Chairman and Managing Director B C Tripathi.

“The commencement of this agreement marks the start of a long and productive relationship between Cheniere and GAIL,” said Fusco. GAIL is one of the foundation customers of Cheniere having signed the contract in 2011 and India remains an important market for LNG, the statement said.

“With supplies commencing from the US, GAIL will have a diversified portfolio both on price indexation and geographical locations," Tripathi said. "This long-term agreement would go in a long way in strengthening relationship between GAIL and Cheniere and reinforcing India-US trade ties."

Cheniere Energy, Inc is the leading exporter of US LNG. It is currently operating and constructing its Sabine Pass LNG facility in Louisiana and is constructing a second liquefaction facility near Corpus Christi, Texas.

When both projects are complete, it is expected to be a top-5 global supplier of LNG. GAIL is India's biggest natural gas transportation and marketing company.

It is expanding pipeline network by 4,000 km at an investment of over US$ 3 billion to operate over 15,000 km by 2020. GAIL commands 75 per cent market share in gas transmission and has a gas trading share of over 50 per cent in India. PTI
 
Cabinet
21-March, 2018 20:25 IST
Cabinet approves formation of 100% owned C Corporation of Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL) in USA

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval forformation of 100% owned C Corporation of Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd.(TCIL) in USA as per the details given below:

  1. Formation of C Corporation of Telecommunications Consultants India Ltd. (TCIL) in the state of Texas, USA with authorization for registering in other states of USA for doing business subsequently.
  1. TCIL's Equity Investment of 100% in the C Corporation amounting to USD 5 Million (equivalent to INR 33.84 crores taking the exchange rate as Rs. 67.68)in a phased manner.
  1. TCIL's submission of Counter Guarantees amounting to USD 5 Million to Lenders of Loans/ Facilities / Vendors and also client for Bid bonds / Advance/ Performance Guarantees etc. required in connection with the execution of Projects in USA.
C Corporation will be earning precious foreign exchange for the country and increasing profitability of TCIL which is a Government PSU.

C Corporation is formed in the state of Texas, USA in connection with the execution of Projects in USA.

The newly formed C Corporation shall earn an estimated profit of around 10% in the initial years with turnover of USD 10 Million, which may get increased subsequently depending upon the volume of work.

Formation of C Corporation in USA shall help TCIL to expand its business/ turnover/profits and ultimately result in increased dividend to the Government being a State PSU.

Total investment of USD 5 Million will be made by TCIL in the form of Equity from its internal resources. TCIL may also be required to provide Counter Guarantees of around USD 5 Million for getting finances in US for expansion of business and also Bid Bonds/ Advance Payment Guarantees/ Performance Bank Guarantees to Govt. authorities/ Final client on behalf of C Corporation. As such there will be no financial implication on the part of the Government.

Background:

TCIL is a leading ISO - 9001: 2008 and ISO 14001:2004 certified, Schedule-A, Mini Ratna Category-l, 100% owned Govt. of India Undertaking. It has executed projects in more than 70 countries in the domain of Telecommunications and Information Technology. It provides consultancy and turnkey project execution service from concept to completion, in the field of telecommunications, IT and civil infrastructure.

The consolidated networth of the company as on 31.03.2017 was Rs.2433.66 crore. The standalone networth of the company was Rs. 588.92 crore. Company has paid/declared cumulative dividend of Rs. 192.99crore to Government of India till 31.03.2017.

'Google Fiber' is Google's 'fiber-to-the-Premises Project' in the United States for providing high capacity Broadband Internet and cable television to all the cities. M/s Google have selected few international Companies as their technical partner like M/s. Ericsson, M/s Mastec, M/s AT&T, M/s Zoya etc. who in turn have further subcontracted the works to various companies for different activities. M/s Teletech is one of the companies who have signed Master service agreement with M/s Mastec and M/s Ericsson for execution of network rollout works in Austin (Texas) and San Jose (California). M/s Teletech Team approached TCIL for providing full techno commercial and logistic support for three projects. M/s Teletech Team have signed a MoU with TCIL on 13.04.2016 followed by a Joint Co-operation Agreement on 27.05.2016. TCIL being a foreign entity needs to form a C Corporation which is recognized as a separate tax paying entity. This would also enable TCIL to have L-1 Visas for its manpower resources.



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Ministry of Science & Technology
21-March, 2018 19:29 IST
Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) celebrates its 18th Foundation Day

The Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF) celebrated its 18th Foundation Day on 21st March 2018 in the presence of the Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, and the Ambassador of the United States to India, Mr. Kenneth Juster.

The genesis of IUSSTF can be traced back to the year 2000, when after nearly five decades of the India-U.S. relationship in S&T, the Governments of India and the United States of America decided that it was time to create a more formal mechanism to take this long history of productive engagement to the next level. This led to the formation of the binational Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum. IUSSTF’s mandate is to promote, catalyze and seed bilateral collaboration in science, technology, engineering and innovation through substantive interactions amongst government, academia and industry. The Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India and the U.S. Department of the State are the two nodal agencies of the respective Governments handling matters related to IUSSTF.

In his Presidential address Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, “Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum has contributed immensely in bringing both our countries closer together and has clearly demonstrated that cooperation in science and technology is driven by leveraging intellect, innovation and technological strength of both our countries that directly contributes to global knowledge economy of 21st century”.

In 18 years of its existence, IUSSTF has developed an evolving program portfolio largely conceived and driven by the scientific community from both countries. IUSSTF-supported activities have led to the direct interaction of over 20,000 Indian and American Scientists and Engineers. IUSSTF currently implements a portfolio of “four” broad program verticals - Scientific Networks, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Research and Development and Visitation Programs.

Scientific Networks comprise of short-term engagements such as Bilateral Workshops/Conferences/Symposia as well as medium-term arrangements through Virtual Networked Joint Centers that aim to encourage collaboration in topical areas of mutual interest. More than 340 Workshops and 78 Joint Centers have been supported thus far.

The Innovation and Entrepreneurship vertical comprises primarily of the hugely popular U.S.-India S&T Endowment Fund (USISTEF) that provides grant-in-aid support (upto INR 25 Million / USD 400,000 approx.) through a highly competitive process, to commercialize S&T-based innovations with significant societal impact. USISTEF has supported 27 projects over the last 6 years at a total investment of approximately INR 609.69 Million / USD 94, 00,000, in the areas of affordable healthcare, safe drinking water, clean energy and environment, livelihood enhancement, women’s empowerment and financial inclusiveness, amongst others. 12 products have since been commercially launched.

In the Research and Development space, IUSSTF has been entrusted to administer strategic bi-national initiatives that include the Indo-U.S. Joint Clean Energy Research and Development Center; Grand Challenge on Affordable Blood Pressure Measurement Technologies for Low-Resource Settings; PACEsetter Fund to accelerate the commercialization of innovative off-grid clean energy solutions; Real Time River Water and Air Quality Monitoring and Partnerships for International Research and Education.

In an effort to address the issue of skill development and capacity building in all areas of science and engineering, IUSSTF currently administers 15 Visitation Programs across disciplines and stakeholder levels and close-to 1500 Interns and Fellows have been trained over the last 10 years. More details about IUSSTF and its programs can be accessed at www.iusstf.org

The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan and the US Ambassador to India, Mr. Kenneth I. Juster at the 18th Foundation Day of Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), in New Delhi on March 21, 2018. The Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Prof. Ashutosh Sharma is also seen.
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The Union Minister for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Harsh Vardhan at the 18th Foundation Day of Indo-U.S. Science and Technology Forum (IUSSTF), in New Delhi on March 21, 2018.

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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a meeting with the Governor of the State of Texas, USA, Mr. Greg Abbott, in New Delhi on March 28, 2018.
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The Governor of the State of Texas, USA, Mr. Greg Abbott calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on March 28, 2018.
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The Governor of the State of Texas, USA, Mr. Greg Abbott calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on March 28, 2018.

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Prime Minister's Office
29-March, 2018 11:01 IST
Mr. Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, calls on PM

Mr. Greg Abbott, Governor of the State of Texas, who is currently on a trade mission to India, called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on Wednesday.

Noting the strong growth in India-US strategic partnership, Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of growing linkages with Texas in the fields of trade and commerce, energy, industry, education and people-to-people contact. The two dignitaries agreed to further strengthen these ties.

Governor Abbott expressed appreciation for the contribution of people of Indian origin living in Texas to his State and to the United States.


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Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs
17-April, 2018 18:25 IST
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal administers ‘Swachhata Pledge’ to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs

Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal administered the ‘Swachhata Pledge’ to the officers and staff of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs today, in connection with Swachhata Pakhwada being observed by the Ministry from 16th to 30th April 2018.

At the outset, Shri S.N. Tripathy, Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs read out the messages of the Hon’ble Speaker, Lok Sabha and Hon’ble Chairman, Rajya Sabha on Swachhata Pakhwada in the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs. Dr. Satyaprakash Khatana, Joint Secretary, Parliamentary Affairs informed about activities planned to be undertaken during the Swachhata Pakhwada.

An interactive session was also held in which Shri Meghwal and the officers and staff of the Ministry shared their experiences and views about the importance of cleanliness for healthy and prosperous life.

As a part of the Swachhata Pakhwada, a special cleanliness drive has been launched in the Ministry yesterday. Shri Tripathy visited every section and office of the Ministry to assess the state of cleanliness and instructed officers and officials to observe cleanliness and hygiene at work place and surrounding areas.


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The Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan along with the Secretary of Energy, US, Mr. Rick Perry briefing the media on Indo-US Energy relations, in New Delhi on April 17, 2018.
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The Moody’s representatives calling on the Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Subhash Chandra Garg, during his ongoing visit to Washington DC to participate in the Spring Meetings of World Bank & IMF, in Washington DC, USA on April 18, 2018.
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The CEO, CISCO, Mr. Chuck Robbins calling on the Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology and Law & Justice, Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad, in New Delhi on April 26, 2018.
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The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu lighting the lamp to inaugurate the U.S. - India Aviation Summit, in Mumbai on May 10, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri R.N. Choubey and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu releasing the project book at the inauguration of the U.S. - India Aviation Summit, in Mumbai on May 10, 2018. The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri R.N. Choubey and other dignitaries are also seen.
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The Union Minister for Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation, Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu addressing the U.S. - India Aviation Summit, in Mumbai on May 10, 2018.
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The Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri R.N. Choubey briefing the media after inauguration of the U.S. - India Aviation Summit, in Mumbai on May 10, 2018.
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Revise trade laws, tariffs: U.S. Ambassador

NEW DELHI, August 18, 2018 22:27 IST
Updated: August 18, 2018 22:28 IST

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Kenneth Juster
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/revise-trade-laws-tariffs-us-ambassador/article24727269.ece


Kenneth Juster says you can’t attract investment and build industry by creating higher duties or more regulation

Calling upon India to rethink trade barriers, tariffs and regulations in order to become a “hub” for innovation and production, U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Juster says that India and the U.S. need to see trade relations as an “important strategic element” of their ties.

“I still think there’s a notion here that you can attract investment and build industry by creating higher tariffs or more regulation, or by directing resources in a certain direction,” Mr. Juster said at a function in the capital to talk about the bilateral relationship.

He made a particular mention of barriers for the technology industry, including a Reserve Bank order telling technology companies to base all their servers in India.

“I worry now with this talk of data localisation. There is a legitimate concern over data privacy, but do not construct these laws in a way that will make it more difficult for India to be a hub for technology companies all over the world,” Mr. Juster warned over the issue that has become one of a growing number of economic differences between New Delhi and Washington over the past few months.

Intense negotiations
After rounds of intense trade negotiations since June, India agreed this month to put off until late September its plan to hit the U.S. with retaliatory tariffs worth $ 235 million on 29 American products.

The action was in response to the U.S. raising tariffs on steel by 25% and aluminium products by 10%, which India has failed to get a waiver on. The U.S. is also taking a decision on whether to cancel India’s Generalised Systems of Preferences (GSP) status over the tariffs issue.

The U.S. Ambassador’s comments are an indicator that trade issues will be highlighted during next month’s “2+2” ministerial engagement between India and the U.S., though the main purpose of the talks is the inaugural engagement of Defence and Foreign Ministers on both sides.

On visa policy
In an answer to Parliament last month, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj made it clear that she would raise the US’s proposed legislation to cut down H-1B visas during the talks as well. “We are already raising the issue formally at various fora... We will raise it humbly at the 2+2 dialogue on September 6 in New Delhi,” Ms. Swaraj said in the Rajya Sabha, admitting that the government had several “apprehensions” about the U.S. visa policy.

Countering those concerns, Mr. Juster said the problem was that India’s economy was not “open” enough. “There is simply no reason there shouldn’t be more innovation and entrepreneurship taking place in India, rather than having 300,000 Indian entrepreneurs doing their work in the United States,” Mr. Juster told a gathering at the American Centre in Delhi.

‘Why?’
“It doesn’t make sense to me, and I ask myself why. And I truly believe it is because the Indian economy needs to open up further to get the full benefits of this innovation and entrepreneurship,” he said, comparing restrictions on the Indian economy unfavourably with those prevalent in smaller countries such as Israel and Estonia.
 
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Cabinet
29-August, 2018 13:27 IST
Memorandum of Understanding between India and USA in insurance regulatory sector

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and the Federal Insurance Office, USA.


Impact:


The MoU provides a framework for cooperation and coordination, including for the exchange of information and research assistance with respect to each Authority’s overview and other lawful responsibilities. Under the agreement, both the countries intend to share their experiences on various regulatory functions and to provide mutual assistance including training activities. India andUSA have also agreed to continue to facilitate cooperation on international standard-setting activities, financial stability and the development and implementation of consumer protection through sound prudential regulation of the insurance sector.


Background:


IRDAI is a body set up under the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 1999 to regulate, promote and ensure orderly growth of the insurance and re-insurance business in India. Similarly, in USA, Federal Insurance Office (FIO) is vested with the authority to monitor all aspects of the insurance sector and to represent the USA on prudential aspects of international insurance.

India and USA have strong business relations with each other and both the countries have been in regular discussions at various political and official levels. Various institutional mechanisms have also been put in place over time to strengthen bi-lateral cooperation on wide ranging multi-sectoral issues between the two countries.


USA is one of the major contributors of foreign direct investment in India and many insurance companies have set up joint venture with USA based insurance companies. With increase in foreign investment cap to 49%, there is further scope for foreign investments in Indian insurance sector particularly from USA based companies. Hence the bilateral MoU between IRDAI and FIO, USA holds lot of potential for the two countries.

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Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
17-October, 2018 18:37 IST
Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh meets Ambassador of USA in India Mr. Kenneth I. Juster,

Main objective of the meeting was to create new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership with USA so that Indian economy could be strengthened: Shri Radha Mohan Singh

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The US Ambassador in India Mr. Kenneth I. Juster called on the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare Shri Radha Mohan Singh today at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi. During the course of the meeting, both the dignitaries discussed ways and means to reinforce trade and bilateral relations in agriculture.

The Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that the main objective of this meeting was to create new opportunities for mutually beneficial trade and economic partnership with USA so that Indian economy could be strengthened.

Shri Singh stated that USA expressed its satisfaction towards the systematic approach adopted by India for production of grapes and assured to expeditiously finalize the legislation related to the access of Indian commodities in USA markets so as to be able to export Indian table grapes to USA by November 2018 season.

Union Agriculture Minister pointed out that during the course of discussion, the issue of the sanction imposed on the import of Indian pomegranate arils by USA was brought up. Shri Singh requested US Ambassador for immediate removal of this ban assuring him that India has made necessary improvement in the production system related to these exports.

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare stated that these discussions will reinforce the bilateral relations resulting in the enhancement of the trade in agriculture and allied commodities between the two sides for improved outcomes in the future.

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