India and the United States never so united on economy, defense, counter-terrorism and China
Repeated handshakes and hugs between Trump and Modi. Symbolic gestures mask real political intentions. US support in the dispute between Delhi and Islamabad on Islamic extremism. The chief of Kashmir separatists included in the list of terrorists worldwide. Sale of 22 Drones at $ 2 Billion. Sharing information in the naval field.
Washington (AsiaNews) - "The relationship between India and the United States has never been stronger, never been better ". Donald Trump said during the final press conference that he definitively sealed his friendship with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on official visit to the White House.
In public, the two leaders gave way to cordial gestures - three hugs and numerous handshakes - that show a mutual sympathy and above all a common line on the major issues of international politics. In essence, they have defined strategies for economic development, defense and security, the fight against international terrorism, and how to curb Chinese expansionism on the seas.
The visit had long been one of the most important of Modi's career. Several analysts in India today point out that symbolic gestures of "friendly" courtesy, which characterized the meetings from both sides, were merely a means of achieving their goals. Under the mantle of cordiality, billionaire contracts are concealed and the desire to face their own electorate as strong leaders, despite the strangeness of politics.
On the Indian side, Modi assured a total support for the opposition to Islamic terrorism, identified in the military power of rival Pakistan and the Kashmir separatists. As far as Islamabad is concerned, in the joint statement the two leaders have called on "Pakistan to ensure that its territory is not used to launch terrorist attacks on other countries." This statement is a striking success for Delhi, which has long been trying to isolate its neighbor from a diplomatic point of view, painting it as the origin of all the evils of Islamic extremism. They also connect Pakistan with the separatist struggles of Kashmir. Modi obtained from the US Department of State the inclusion of Syed Salahuddin, supreme leader of Hizbul Mujahideen, on the special list of "Global Terrorists". This implies a strong setback for the local population, as all forms of funding will be blocked by the United States.
For his part, Trump has signed more economical contracts. The administration has decided to "provide India with the best defense technology". So the State Department approved the sale of a $ 366 million C-17 military airplane and offered 22 drones at $ 2 billion for more effective surveillance of the Indian Ocean.
To this end, India's willingness to cooperate on maritime security is summed up with the clear intent of balancing the expansion of Beijing in the South China Sea. Indeed, Delhi will participate in trilateral naval exercises with the addition of Japan. The Indian Ocean Naval Symposium will be present as an observer; it will share naval information in the "White Shipping" program. All these advances in defense, the White House said, "will increase bilateral trade by up to $ 19 billion, benefiting thousands of jobs in the United States." Finally, India confirms its support for the US government in the war in Afghanistan, where it would send 5,000 troops and in sanctions on North Korea.
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