US Defence Secretary Carter to visit Visakhapatnam port

[Techy]

India-US Joint Press Release​

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Visit of US Secretary of Defence Dr. Ashton Carter to India (2-4 June 2015)
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During an official visit to India, Dr. Ashton Carter, the United States Secretary of Defence, met Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar and called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also met the External Affairs Minister Smt. Sushma Swaraj and the National Security Adviser Shri Ajit Doval. Before arriving in Delhi, Secretary Carter also visited the Eastern Naval Command.

Raksha Mantri and Secretary Carter discussed the India-U.S. defence relationship, and the broader India-US Strategic Partnership, and reaffirmed their commitment to expand and deepen the bilateral defence relationship. The two also reviewed the existing and emerging regional security dynamics.

Raksha Mantri and Secretary Carter signed the 2015 Framework for the India-US Defence Relationship, which builds upon the previous framework and successes to guide the bilateral defence and strategic partnership for the next ten years. The new Framework agreement provides avenues for high level strategic discussions, continued exchanges between armed forces of both countries, and strengthening of defence capabilities.

The Framework also recognizes the transformative nature of the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI). Both India and the United States have finalized two project agreements for joint development of Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Sources and the Next Generation Protective Ensembles.

In addition, building on the areas of agreement during President Obama’s visit to India in January 2015, Raksha Mantri and Secretary Carter agreed to expedite discussions to take forward cooperation on jet engines, aircraft carrier design and construction, and other areas. The two also agreed to pursue co-development and co-production projects that will offer tangible opportunities for American defence industries to build defence partnership with the Indian industries including in manufacturing under ‘Make in India’.

Raksha Mantri and Secretary Carter agreed to continue their efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as maritime security and knowledge partnership in the field of Defence.

Secretary Carter thanked Raksha Mantri for the help extended in the search for the US helicopter which went missing during the relief operations in Nepal.

Secretary Carter invited Raksha Mantri to visit US for the next meeting. Raksha Mantri accepted the invitation in principle.

________________________________________________________________ N AO/DKS/DM
(Release ID :122262)

Press Information Bureau

US encouraging its companies to set up units in India: Ashton Carter - The Economic Times

NEW DELHI: Describing India as an "important strategic partner", the US today said it was encouraging its companies to set up manufacturing units in India with transfer of technology.

This was stated byUS Secretary of DefenceAshton Carterwhen he met Prime MinisterNarendra Modihere.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister said the two Summit meetings between him and US PresidentBarack Obamaover the past year have provided new energy and momentum to the bilateral relations, a PMO statement said.

Modi expressed satisfaction at the implementation of the decisions taken during these Summit meetings.

He expressed the hope that the US companies, including those in defence manufacturing sector, would actively participate in the 'Make-in-India' initiative and set up manufacturing units in India with transfer of technology and link to the global supply chain.

Carter said the US authorities were committed to the expeditious implementation of the decisions reached between the two top leaders.

In this context, he said the US was encouraging its companies to set up manufacturing units in India with transfer of technology, the statement said.

Carter said India was an "important strategic partner" for the US and that its policy of having a rebalance in Asia Pacific complimented India's Act East Policy, it said.

Both sides also exchanged views on regional issues, including the situation in Afghanistan, and the recent developments in the Indian Ocean and the Asia Pacific region.

 

[migflug]

U.S., Indian Officials Set to Discuss Aircraft Carrier Design in June

Quote:
The head of the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier design and engineering office is set to meet his Indian counterparts later this month to discuss the design of India’s next carrier, he told USNI News last week.

Program Executive Officer for Aircraft Carriers Rear Adm. Tom Moore will lead a Navy contingent to work with the Indian navy on designing its next indigenous aircraft carrier program.

“Our two countries are working through a number of close relationships, and one of the things the Indians are interested in is learning more about aircraft carriers,” Moore told USNI News on Thursday.

“So I’m actually heading up a Navy contingent to work with the Indian navy on aircraft carrier technology to the point that we could help them with their desire to build an indigenous aircraft carrier over in the Indian navy.”

He characterized the talks as being in the formative stages, with the Indians still trying to determine what capabilities they’d want their carrier to have.

“We’ve got a series of meetings with them coming up, they are interested in obviously learning from us big picture stuff about how you start from a clean sheet of paper and what are the processes used to build a carrier,” Moore said.

“But they’re really in the process of figuring out, ‘how big do I want it to be, how many planes do I want it to carry,’ along those lines. So once we’ve had those conversations with them, we’ll certainly be happy to engage with them where it makes sense for us.”

Moore and his team will begin meeting with Indian navy officials next month, as the two countries have tightened their defense and non-defense relationships in the last several months.

The two countries agreed to “explore” sharing carrier technology and design and establish a working group under a larger January bilateral agreement.

President Barack Obama met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi in January, and Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall has made several trips to India to discuss current and potential defense partnerships.
India has begun early work on the indigenous aircraft carrier-II (IAC-II) program — the planned 65,000-ton Vishal — setting aside $5 million for early design efforts.

Vishal is thought to be a much more complex than India’s first indigenous carrier effort and could include a catapult launching system and nuclear power. The increased capability comes with an increased level of construction difficulty, which could necessitate the assistance of the U.S.

Indian officials have expressed some interest in General Atomics’ Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) being installed on the U.S. Navy’s Gerald Ford-class carriers (CVN-78).

Meanwhile, the first domestic carrier, the 40,000-ton INS Vikrant was set to be re-launched on May 28 but action was delayed due to environmental considerations, according to local press reports.

The Modi government has made carrier construction a priority and accelerated completion of Vikrant and development of Vishal.

INS Viraat — the former U.K. Royal Navy carrier Hermes — is scheduled to retire next year which will leave the Soviet era INS Vikramaditya India’s sole carrier.


Things are moving at rapidly

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
08-December, 2016 21:42 IST
Mr. Ashton Carter, US Secretary of Defence calls on Prime Minister


US Secretary of Defence, Mr. Ashton Carter, called on the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.

Prime Minister appreciated the contribution made by Secretary Carter in strengthening the defence cooperation between India and the United States.

Prime Minister recalled his successful visit to the United States in June this year. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to a robust and strong bilateral strategic partnership with the US.

Secretary Carter briefed Prime Minister on the progress in taking forward the decisions and understandings reached in June this year.

They also exchanged views on regional issues and the developments in the Asia Pacific region.

***

Ministry of Defence
08-December, 2016 20:33 IST
India-United States Joint Statement on the visit of Secretary of Defense carter to India December 8, 2016

U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter made an official visit to India at the invitation of Raksha Mantri Shri Manohar Parrikar today, marking the seventh interaction between the two leaders. Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter reviewed the tremendous progress made in bilateral defense ties and discussed the immense promise for the future of India-U.S. security cooperation.

Both sides exchanged views on regional security issues including the threat posed by terrorism. They agreed to continue further strengthening the bilateral counter-terrorism cooperation and underlined the need to ensure that terror groups receive no patronage from any State.

Citing common values and our shared desire for peace and prosperity in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean region, the two leaders reflected on the convergence of interests that have driven the strategic and technological “handshakes” between our nations, and led to historic progress in our bilateral relationship.

India-U.S. defense relations in recent years have moved along a remarkable upward trajectory. Marked progress on agreements, including the signing of a Defense Framework Agreement in 2015, have laid a blueprint for collaboration between our defense establishments and enabled deeper cooperation. Joint exchange opportunities – in both personnel and training exercises – have expanded and strengthened our bilateral cooperation. The recent signing of the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) has facilitated additional opportunities for practical engagement and exchange.

Today we finalized India’s designation as a “Major Defense Partner” of the United States. The designation as a “Major Defense Partner” is a status unique to India and institutionalizes the progress made to facilitate defense trade and technology sharing with India to a level at par with that of the United States’ closest allies and partners, and ensures enduring cooperation into the future.

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter applauded the deepened scope of India-U.S. military-to-military ties, which includes a dramatic increase in defense trade.

With regard to technology, both sides welcomed the tremendous progress achieved under the Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and committed to explore new proposals and other innovative opportunities forco-production and co-development. The emergence of DTTI as an integral and enduring component of India-U.S. security cooperation is a sign that the relationship has matured to a level of strategic importance. DTTI will strengthen India’s “Make in India” initiative and both sides committed to convening all new DTTI working groups prior to the next DTTI Group meeting anticipated for February 2017.

Raksha Mantri Parrikar and Secretary Carter agreed that the strong partnership between our countries is lasting and will thrive and grow for decades to come.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ashton Carter meeting the Union Minister for Defence, Shri Manohar Parrikar, in New Delhi on December 08, 2016.

The Union Minister for Defence, Shri Manohar Parrikar and the US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ashton Carter, at the delegation level talks, in New Delhi on December 08, 2016.

The US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ashton Carter calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on December 08, 2016.

The US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ashton Carter calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on December 08, 2016.

The US Secretary of Defence, Dr. Ashton Carter calling on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on December 08, 2016.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://zeenews.india.com/world/indi...fluence-us-pacific-command-chief_1968463.html

New Delhi: Warning India against increasing Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean region, a top American military commander on Wednesday stressed on the need to sign two key agreements between India and the US for joint tracking.


Admiral Harry B Harris, who heads the US Pacific Command (PACOM), termed Chinese submarine forays into the Indian Ocean an "issue" and said signing of the Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement (COMCASA) will help in joint tracking.

"India should be concerned about increasing Chinese influence," he told a select group of journalists.

Harris also flayed China's relationship with Pakistan and Bangladesh.

"I am not a CENTCOM guy but I think the relationship between China and Pakistan is of concern and I believe that Indian counterparts are also concerned. I believe that China's relationship with Bangladesh is also of some concern," he said.

The top American commander said both India and the US have come a long way in the last few years.

"Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) is a clear indicator of progress. There are other foundational agreements like COMCASA and Basic Exchange and the Cooperation Agreement for Geospatial Information and Services Cooperation (BECA).

"These are important foundational agreements. If we get these agreements signed, I think we will be at great place. But I do not want to punish India in the COMCASA or BECA areas i.e. before India is ready to go," he said.

Asked about the Indo-US cooperation in the Indian Ocean, Harris said, "In tangible terms, with the P8i aircraft, we will be able to do more interoperable activities".

He said the aircraft provided the best capable anti-submarine platform.

"While India has the P8i, we have the P8A, they are not completely interoperable because of different communication system. In order to really maximise the potential here in the Indian Ocean against those submarines (Chinese), we need to move this agreement forward," the US commander said.

Noting that LEMOA was signed after talks of over a decade, he hoped that the two agreements will not take the same time period.

Talking about the US's help to India in tracking of Chinese submarines in the Indian Ocean, Harris said, "We work closely with India. Malabar exercise helps us horn our ability of highly technical tracking of submarines. I think we are getting better together on our ability to track what china is doing in the Indian ocean."

"Chinese submarines are clearly an issue and we know that they are operating through the region," he added.

The senior US commander commented that a strong and prosperous China was not a bad thing.

"It is when that strength and prosperity tuns into aggression and coercion, it becomes a problem. It could become a problem for all of us," he said.

Earlier, addressing the Raisina Dialogue here, Harris said he can proudly report on the upward trajectory of cooperation between India and the US.

"With its commitment to improving its defence capabilities and modernising its forces, India has demonstrated it has skin in the game," he said.

Talking about the South China Sea, he said no one, including him, wants conflict.

"I have been loud and clear that I prefer cooperation so that we can collectively address global security challenges. But I have also been clear that we will not allow the shared domains to be closed down unilaterally - no matter how many bases are built on artificial features in the South China Sea.

"I say this often but it is worth repeating - we will cooperate where we can and be ready to confront where we must," he said.

Harris said there were many who questioned the motive behind the increasingly cooperative relationship between the US and India.

"They say that it is to balance against and contain China. That is simply not true. Our relationship stands on its own merits," he said.

He said a hindrance to free flow of navigation in the Indian Ocean can disrupt economies.

"The threat to freedom of navigation is the biggest threat," he said.

Speaking about the terror group ISIS, Harris said as the group was being eliminated elsewhere, some of the surviving foreign fighters will likely return to the countries from whence they came.

"What is worse is that they will be radicalised and weaponised. We have seen the beginning of this trend in the Indo-Asia-Pacific. It is not a theory. It is real. In the past year alone, ISIL has made its murderous intentions clear in places like Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and the United States."

"It is clear that ISIL wants to conduct its bloody attacks right here in this country. But so far, ISIL's plans for operations in India have been thwarted by the diligent work of India's law enforcement, intelligence and counter-terrorism agencies," he said.


First Published: Wednesday, January 18, 2017 - 21:22

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Defence
07-February, 2017 16:46 IST
INDO-US Logistics Exchange Memorandum OF Agreement

The Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) was signed on 29.08.2016 between Ministry of Defence of the Republic of India and the Department of Defence of the United States of America. LEMOA provides a framework for reciprocal provision of logistic support, supplies and services for activities such as joint exercises, training or humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. It does not provide for the establishment of any bases or basing arrangements.
This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Dr. Subhash Bhamre in a written reply to ShriAK Selvarajin Rajya Sabha today.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...build-defence-cooperation/article17266872.ece

This was the first conversation between the two leaders after Mr. Mattis was sworn in as the Defense Secretary.
India and the US have agreed to “sustain the momentum on key bilateral defence efforts”, as Defence Secretary James Mattis called his Indian counterpart Manohar Parrikar and expressed commitment to build upon the tremendous progress made in defence cooperation.

This was the first conversation between the two leaders after Mr. Mattis was sworn in as the Defense Secretary of the US President Donald Trump last month.

“In their first conversation, Secretary Mattis committed to build upon the tremendous progress in bilateral defense cooperation made in recent years, underscoring the strategic importance of the US—India relationship and India’s role in advancing global peace and security,” the Pentagon Press Secretary Capt Jeff Davis said yesterday.

“Secretary Mattis and Minister Parrikar affirmed their commitment to sustain the momentum on key bilateral defense efforts to include the defense technology and trade initiative,” Davis said after the phone call between the two leaders which took place on Wednesday.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...ion-with-us/story-o4K3lWMLwqXHslkU5e1AAK.html

US deputy assistant secretary of defence Joseph Felter landed in India on Monday for a two-day visit with a host of proposals to strengthen the bilateral partnership.
Updated: Sep 11, 2017 22:12 IST
New Delhi, Hindustan Times

US secretary of defence James Mattis (R) and Ukraine's defence minister Stepan Poltorak attend a welcoming ceremony in Kiev, Ukraine.(REUTERS FILE)


India and the US will further cement their bilateral defence cooperation, with Washington readying to expand the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) by jointly working on Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR), air and land systems, and hosting an Indian military liaison officer in its Hawaii-based Pacific Command.

Ahead of US defence secretary James Mattis’s first visit to India from September 25-26, US deputy assistant secretary of defence Joseph Felter landed in India on Monday for a two-day visit with a host of proposals to strengthen the bilateral partnership. This will be followed by secretary (defence production) Ashok Gupta’s September 13 visit to Pentagon to expand the DTTI, as the Modi government eyes a fruitful relationship with Mattis.

During Mattis’s visit, the two sides will discuss stabilisation of Afghanistan in the context of US President Donald Trump’s speech that sought India’s active role in the development of the war-torn country. Apart from the threat faced from Taliban, both India and the US are afraid that a weak Afghanistan could become a base for Islamic State terrorists fleeing coalition and Russian bombings in Syria and Iraq. India is prepared to contribute its share in Afghanistan by building infrastructure in support of Kabul and sharing intelligence on terrorist groups in the Af-Pak region with the US.

Apart from this, the US is willing to offer a liaison slot to Indian military at Hawaii in Pacific Command so that the two militaries remain constantly in touch with each other over developments with security implications in the region. Indian Ambassador to US Navtej Sarna visited the Pacific Command in Hawaii this month even though the American offer is still to be assessed.

India and the US are jointly working on aircraft engines and aircraft carrier technologies under the DTTI. This will be expanded to include ISR, air and land military systems so that latest technologies could be shared between two sides. While the US is willing to offer aerial platforms and unmanned aerial platforms on the hardware front, New Delhi will first finalise the Guardian long range UAV deal before turning to a new platform.

During his two-day visit, deputy secretary Felter will hold meetings with his Indian counterpart on Tuesday as well as interact with senior functionaries of the Modi government.

 

[Hindustani78]

U.S. Soldiers with Task Force Iron maneuver an M-777 howitzer at Bost Airfield, Afghanistan. File photo | Photo Credit: AP
http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...ring-firing/article19671279.ece?homepage=true

Last November, India signed a deal with the U.S. for 145 M-777 guns at a cost of $ 737 million
India’s first new artillery gun procurement in two decades, M-777 Ultra-Light Howitzer (ULH), suffered an accident early this month during field firing at Phokran, Army sources said on Tuesday

“A M-777 howitzer undergoing field firing at Pokharan field firing ranges had an accident on September 02. During the firing, the projectile which was fifth of the series, exited the barrel in multiple pieces, causing the accident,” an Army source said.

The gun manufactured by BAE Systems of the US was firing Indian ammunition and the field firing was being done for compilation of firing tables.

“The barrel of the gun has been damaged, extent of which is being assessed by Joint Investigation Team. There has been no injury to any person,” the source stated.

Further firing for compilation of firing tables shall recommence on analysis of the Joint Investigation Team which is presently on site, the source added.

Last November, India signed a deal with the U.S. under the Foreign Military Sales program for 145 M-777 guns at a cost of $ 737 million.

As part the agreement, two guns arrived in India in April for calibrating range tables and three more guns will arrive in September 2018 for training. Deliveries are slated to commence from March 2019 onwards at the rate of five guns per month and completed by mid-2021.

While 25 guns would be imported, the remaining 120 will be assembled in India by Mahindra group.

 

[Hindustani78]

Long journey: U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in Riyadh on Saturday. He will visit many countries, including India.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/intern...agenda-during-india-visit/article19897797.ece
NEW DELHI, October 22, 2017 00:05 IST
Updated: October 21, 2017 21:34 IST


The Afghan-Pakistan situation and Indo-Pacific cooperation could eclipse bilateral concerns

Regional issues could take precedence over bilateral ones, as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives here on Tuesday.

He is expected to raise Washington’s new South Asia policy with respect to Pakistan and Afghanistan and prospects for more cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, officials and diplomats told The Hindu.

“The possibility of an India-Pakistan dialogue will be discussed, and Mr. Tillerson will also brief his Indian counterparts on the outcome of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group [U.S.-China-Afghanistan-Pakistan] meeting on talks with Taliban that took place in Oman on October 16,” a source familiar with the planning for the visit said.

After meetings in Pakistan, Mr. Tillerson will arrive here the same evening. He will hold bilateral talks on Wednesday with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From Delhi, he is expected to travel to Kabul to meet President Ashraf Ghani. However, the stop at the Afghan capital is yet to be finalised given the security concerns, especially after the Kabul airport attack during the surprise visit of U.S. Defence Secretary James Mattis in September. Significantly, Mr. Ghani will visit New Delhi for a day on Tuesday before returning to Kabul.

“He is coming to meet the Indian leadership and hold a strategic consultation, particularly in the wake of the new U.S. policy for Afghanistan and South Asia,” a diplomat told The Hindu.

External Affairs Ministry officials told The Hindu that talks with Pakistan were not on the cards at present.

Envoy meets Sushma

In a development that Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed but described as purely “customary”, Pakistan’s new High Commissioner in Delhi, Sohail Mahmood, met Ms. Swaraj on October 17.

“The Minister and the High Commissioner took stock of the current state of Pakistan-India relations,” the Ministry said, dismissing reports that they had discussed the Kulbhushan Jadhav trial and the dropping of charges against LeT chief Hafiz Saeed.

Officials told The Hindu that Mr. Tillerson and Ms. Swaraj will discuss pending bilateral issues on Wednesday as well, including enhancing trade, the U.S.’s pitch to sell India UAV drones, F-16s and F-18s, and the outstanding decisions on the “foundational agreements” in defence.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
25-October, 2017 18:26 IST
US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson calls on Prime Minister


US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today afternoon.

Prime Minister welcomed Secretary Tillerson on his maiden visit to India in his current capacity. Prime Minister noted with appreciation the firm upward trajectory in the bilateral strategic partnership following the positive and far-reaching talks with President Trump in June this year.

Prime Minister shared the resolve expressed by Secretary Tillerson on taking further steps in the direction of accelerating and strengthening the content, pace and scope of the bilateral engagement. They affirmed that a strengthened India-US partnership is not just of mutual benefit to both countries, but has significant positive impact on the prospects for regional and global stability and prosperity.

In the context of President Trump’s new South Asia Policy, Prime Minister noted the commonality in the objectives of eradicating terrorism, terrorist infrastructure, safe havens, and support, while bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan.

In this regard, Secretary Tillerson exchanged views on his recent travels in the region with Prime Minister. They further discussed stepping up effective cooperation to combat terrorism in all its forms and promoting regional stability and security.

Earlier in the day, Secretary Tillerson also had detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

Updated: Oct 25, 2017 17:07 IST
Press Trust of India, New Delhi

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson at Gandhi Smriti in New Delhi on Wednesday.(PTI)

http://www.hindustantimes.com/india...atma-gandhi/story-rmHuTLDJVDjpkFvYtecZiL.html


US secretary of state Rex Tillerson visited the iconic memorial of Mahatma Gandhi in New Delhi on Wednesday and hailed him as one of the few global leaders who changed the world.

During his brief visit, Tillerson was given a tour of the room at Birla House where Gandhi spent his last 144 days.

Dressed in a grey suit, the US secretary of state paid tribute to Gandhi at the Martyr’s Column, a monument erected at the spot in the lawns of the sprawling House, where he was killed on January 30, 1948 by Nathuram Godse, when he was taking a stroll there.

The House was converted into a memorial after his assassination. A museum, an art gallery, a library and bookstore are housed in its well-kept white bungalow.

A statue of Mahatma sculpted by noted artist Ram Sutar welcomes visitors near the main entrance, in its premises which includes a manicured lawn at the back and a giant world peace gong in the front of the building.

Dipanker Shri Gyan, director of the memorial, accompanied Tillerson during his visit.

“The US secretary of state spent about 10 minutes at the memorial. He first visited the room in which Gandhiji had stayed before his assassination and was struck by its aura,” he said.

“His immediate reaction after seeing the room was -- ‘Such a simple man.’ Gandhiji’s life, indeed was simple and inspiring, two rare qualities,” Gyan told PTI.

Tillerson then while walking to the Martyr’s Column, stopped midway to enquire about the stone-made footsteps, which were covered with rose petals.

“He asked me about the footsteps, and I told him they symbolised the last steps taken by the Mahatma before he was shot dead. Tillerson then remarked -- ‘Gandhi was one of the ten global leaders who changed the world.’ He then paid homage to him at the Martyr’s Column,” Gyan said.

The US secretary of state also circumambulated the column as a mark of respect.

Charge d’Affaires at the US Embassy MaryKay Carlson and various other senior officials of the American mission were also present at the memorial.

Tillerson was to visit the Gandhi memorial around 11am. His visit was, however, delayed a bit owing to his busy schedule, and he finally arrived around 11:20am.

A senior official at the Embassy initially told the press that “The US Secretary of State would not be able to make it, as he has another meeting to attend.”

However, within minutes, the official communicated to the journalists and cameramen, from both domestic and foreign media houses, that he was coming.

The list of visitors to the memorial located on Tees January Marg, includes the who’s who of the world.

Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton had visited it in April last year.

The royal couple had spent about 45 minutes there. They also saw the exhibits and came to know that Gandhi had learned to wear a tie and play violin during his stay in London as a student.

Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India was related to the British royal family. Gandhi and Mountbatten were known to have shared bonhomie and the last Viceroy even attended his funeral.

Gandhi had stayed at Birla House several times from 1939- 1948, according to a plaque installed on a wall of the memorial.

***************




The US Secretary of State, Mr. Rex Tillerson calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The US Secretary of State, Mr. Rex Tillerson calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

The US Secretary of State, Mr. Rex Tillerson calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on October 25, 2017.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during their joint press conference on October 25, 2017.


The U.S.’ South Asia policy can succeed only when Pakistan acts on terror groups, says Sushma Swaraj.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on October 25 met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Mr. Tillerson arrived from Pakistan and started the day by meeting National Security Adviser Ajit Doval. He also laid a wreath at Raj Ghat. He will hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rex Tillerson's said:

"India and USA are natural allies. Stand shoulder to shoulder against terror.

''India and the U.S. continue to benefit from strong economic bonds. India is crucial to USA-Afghanistan strategy, back India as a leader in the region.

''Terrorist safe havens will not be tolerated. 'Too many terror groups find safe haven in Pakistan which is now threatening stability of the Pakistan government."

Sushma Swaraj in her remarks said:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her joint press conference with visiting U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on October 25, 2017. Photo courtesy: DDNews

''India and the U.S. discussed that no country in the world should provide safe heavens to terror groups. Any country backing terrorism must be made responsible; the U.S.’ South Asia policy can succeed only when Pakistan acts on terror groups.

"I am happy to inform that our defence and strategic relations have deepened after PM Modi's US visit.. Recent attacks in Afghanistan are proof that safe havens and supporters of terrorism are active. Pakistan needs to act on this.

''The important contribution of Indians working in the USA on H-1B visa has been pointed out''.

Ahead of Mr. Tillerson’s three-day visit, the External Affairs Ministry had said that there will be detailed discussions on further strengthening India-U.S. partnership.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said in Washington last week, Mr. Tillerson would meet with senior Indian leaders to “discuss further strengthening of our strategic partnership and collaboration on security and prosperity” in the Indo-Pacific region.

‘Pakistan must increase efforts to eradicate terrorists’

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrives to Pakistan's Nur Khan military airbase in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: AP
On October 24, Mr. Tillerson bluntly told Pakistan’s top leadership that it must increase efforts to eradicate terrorists operating within the country. Mr. Tillerson arrived in Islamabad on a whirlwind visit to reset bilateral ties, strained after President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorist groups.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Tillerson discussed the bilateral cooperation and partnership, expanding the economic ties and Pakistan’s critical role in the region.

Mr. Abbasi chaired an inter-agency meeting attended by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Defence Khurram Dastigir Khan, Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua, Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen. Naveed Mukhtar and other officials.

The U.S. embassy in Islamabad said Mr. Tillerson reiterated President Trump’s message that “Pakistan must increase its efforts to eradicate militants and terrorists operating within the country”.

Surprise visit to Afghanistan
During his surprise visit to Afghanistan on October 24, Mr. Tillerson said the Trump administration was of the view that India could play a positive role in creating a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He also asserted that America’s relationship with India was of strategic importance and was not limited to South Asia.

In a major India-policy speech, Mr. Tillerson said last week that the U.S. was India’s “reliable partner” at the world stage in this period of uncertainty and angst. He also referred to the rise of China, saying its behaviour and action were “posing a challenge to the rules-based international order“.

Mr. Tillerson’s visit also comes at a time when the Trump administration is “considering” India’s request for armed drones for its air force.

Earlier in 2017, the IAF had requested the U.S. government for General Atomics Predator C Avenger aircraft. It is understood that the IAF would need 80 to 100 units, making it approximately a whopping $8 billion deal.