USA Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to India (Oct. 2017)
This post tries to capture important aspects of USA Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to India over the past few days, as reported in social media and mainstream media.
Secy Tillerson meets Indian External (Foreign) Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485040048278686 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
[To open pics in higher resolution, right-click on pic followed by open in new tab/window, and in new tab/window click on pic to zoom in.]
Given below are some extracts (slightly edited) from "Press Availability" of Secy. Tillerson with India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/10/275091.htm [Note that Sushma Swaraj spoke in Hindi, which would have been translated to English simultaneously and made available to USA team through headphones. Here's a video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EShBI77PWAg, 28 mins 5 secs.]
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SWARAJ: (Via interpreter) Secretary of State Secretary Tillerson, and friends from the media, I’m delighted to welcome Secretary Tillerson on his first visit to India as Secretary of State. I would like to welcome [extend] on behalf of the Government of India, the people of India, and myself, a very warm welcome to the Secretary of State.
This visit of Secretary Tillerson has been a very fruitful visit. He has been to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. And after visits to these countries, he has come to India, which means that he has covered six countries in five days. But what I’m very happy to note is that – and the final destination has been to the country of – a very close country. And you say that when you visit a friend’s country, you take care – you get rid of all your fatigue. And I hope that you are feeling a little relaxed. I hope that you’re not feeling tired, but will take back new energy with you.
Friends, in the last – over the month, this is our second meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting Secretary Tillerson in New York last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Our strategic partnership with the U.S. is of high priority for us. As Prime Minister Modi has said, we consider the U.S. as an indispensable partner in every sector of India’s march forward. Secretary Tillerson, we appreciate the clear vision that you have presented of the India-U.S. global partnership in your speech in Washington last week. I would like to tell you that we fully share your strong desire to strengthen this relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.
I’m very happy to let you know that considerable progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. Our defense engagements have intensified. We are consulting closely on security and counterterrorism issues, and commencement of U.S. crude oil purchase by India has added a new dimension to our energy partnership. I wish to express my appreciation to Secretary Tillerson’s individual efforts in this regard.
...
We also discussed the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and connectivity issues. During prime minister’s visit, both our countries had agreed on a set of principles that would guide connectivity initiatives in this region, particularly the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce in accordance with international laws in order to achieve a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Tillerson and I agreed that we will work together and with other partners to promote cooperation based on these principles.
We have also agreed to hold the inaugural meeting of the 2+2 dialogue mechanism at an early date. We agreed to encourage industrial partnership between our defense companies. We believe that further liberalization of the legal framework and full implementation of the bilateral understanding on India’s major defense partner status will facilitate co-production and co-development. We appreciate the intent that U.S. administration has shown under President Trump to make available to India advance(d) defense platforms. We look forward to making further progress in this area.
Friends, we have also deliberated on our vibrant economic partnership and agreed to work more closely to unlock the immense potential in our bilateral economic cooperation. The sustained growth of the Indian economy will unleash more opportunities for great India-U.S. economic engagement. Our cabinet colleagues will hold in-depth discussion in Washington, D.C. over the next two days.
Friends, people-to-people contacts have played a critical role in the development of India-U.S. relations. This is in part – this is most evident in our mutually beneficial digital partnership, driven by our skilled professionals. Secretary Tillerson has very correctly pointed out that no two countries encourage innovation better than the U.S. and India. In this regard, we discussed the very significant contribution to the U.S. economy of Indian-skilled professionals who travel and work under H-1B and L-1 visa programs.
I have also sought Secretary Tillerson’s support for resolution of the long-pending issue of totalization, and I have asked that no – nothing by the U.S. should be done which will affect or adversely affect India’s interests. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic partnership have been an important foundation of our relations. Our economic innovation partnership will be further strengthened by the Global Entrepreneurship Summit that India and U.S. will co-host next month. We look forward to welcoming the U.S. delegation led by Ms. Ivanka Trump, advisor to the President.
Friends, I thank Secretary Tillerson for the continued U.S. support to India’s membership of the multilateral export control regimes and permanent membership of the UN Security Council. We both agreed that enhanced global role – we must take forward the agreements made between our two leaders, and this trip has enhanced it.
I now invite Secretary Tillerson to give his remarks. Thank you.
...
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Modi and Minister Swaraj for their very warm welcome to India. It is a real pleasure to return to India, a vibrant democracy that shares so many values with the United States.
India and the United States have had close relations now for more than 70 years and we are natural allies, in the words of Prime Minister Modi. We are grateful for his friendship and his vision of a closer U.S.-India relationship and a vision we certainly share. The United States supports India’s emergence as a leading power and will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region. In this regard, we are willing and able to provide India advanced technologies for its military modernization efforts. This includes ambitious offers from American industry for F-16 and F-18 fighter planes. I’m grateful to my friend and colleague, Secretary of Defense Mattis, that he was able to visit India last month, and he and I both look forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue early next year.
...
In addition to our partnership on regional and global stability, India and the United States continue to benefit from our strong economic bonds. Our two countries have a history of trade that dates back to the 18th century, long before the independence of either of our nations. We are pleased that recently, we celebrated an important milestone of our deepening economic relationship. The first shipment of American crude oil arrived in India at the beginning of this month, marking the first U.S. oil export to India in more than four decades. Continued oil sales have the potential to boost bilateral trade by up to $2 billion per year.
In fact, the U.S.-India trade relationship, which reached nearly $115 billion last year, touches many parts of the lives of both of our citizens. U.S. companies and products are an everyday presence in the lives of Indians and we see increasing investments from Indian companies in America, including a Mahindra vehicle plant that will open this month in Detroit, the first ever Indian automobile manufacturing plant in the United States. India and the United States also share a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, including the dynamic Indian American community. We’re proud to cohost the Global Engagement [Entrepreneurship] Summit in Hyderabad next month, where the spirit of private enterprise will be on full display. GES, the first ever to be hosted in South Asia, will be an important opportunity for India and the United States to showcase the entrepreneurship of our people, advance women’s economic empowerment, and harness the power of young innovators in both of our countries.
But at the core of our strong bond is our shared values. Our democracies were founded on a commitment to individual liberty and the rule of law. It’s this foundation that underpins all that we work together on, from combating terrorism and safeguarding a rules-based Indo-Pacific region to increasing free and fair trade even as we look for more areas of cooperation. As President Trump said during Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United States in June, and I quote, “The future of our partnership has never looked brighter.” India and the United States will always be tied together in friendship and respect. We look forward to an even brighter future. Thank you very much, Excellency, for hosting me and for the very fruitful and useful dialogue we’ve had. Thank you.
--- end extracts from Press Availability statement----
Ravi: Happy to see the warmth and co-operative tone between USA Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. As an Indian citizen based in India, I fully support this warmth and co-operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Secy. Tillerson meets Prime Minister Modi
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485182388264452 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
Given below are extracts from Press Release note 171939 of Press Information Bureau, India, dated 25th Oct. 2017 titled "US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson calls on Prime Minister" (http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx; choose "Prime Minister's Office" and Date of 25 Oct 2017 in Left Menu; then click on above title entry):
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 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.
--- end extracts from Press Information Bureau Release Note 171939 ----
Ravi: Once again, nice to see the warmth and co-operation tone in above note.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Secy. Tillerson visits Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi memorial)
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485093398273351 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
Such a simple man: Rex Tillerson at Mahatma Gandhi memorial, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/such-a-simple-man-rex-tillerson-at-mahatma-gandhi-memorial/articleshow/61222791.cms, 25th Oct. 2017
The above article states that Tillerson visited the room in which Gandhiji was staying and remarked, 'Such a simple man.' On being told about the stone footsteps covered with rose petals in the memorial, being symbolic of the last steps Gandhiji took before he was assassinated, Tillerson said, "Gandhi was one of the ten global leaders who changed the world."
Tillerson also circumambulated the martyr's column as a mark of respect to Gandhiji.
Ravi: I am so happy to know that USA Secy. of State was so respectful of Mahatma Gandhi. In today's age, weapons of enormous mass destruction have proliferated across the world, and there is so much deadly enmity in some parts of the world. I think Gandhi's example of leading a non-violent struggle over decades to free India, is an inspirational and very relevant to this age example, for those in other social justice and freedom struggles to emulate. Gandhi inspired Rev. Martin Luther King in the USA to lead a non-violent struggle for African-American civil rights. Gandhi inspired Nelson Mandela of South Africa to give up the path of violent fight against apartheid and achieve victory over apartheid through non-violent means.
Former USA President Barrack Obama has effusively praised Gandhi. In his 2015 visit to the Gandhi memorial, President Obama wrote in the visitor's book: "What Dr Martin Luther King Jr. said that remains true today: The spirit of Gandhi is very much alive in India today and it remains a rare gift to the world. May we always live in this spirit of love and peace among all people and nations" (ref: http://www.firstpost.com/india/barack-obama-pays-tributes-mahatma-gandhi-calls-rare-gift-world-2063557.html).
Ravi: I am so happy that USA Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, found the time to visit Gandhi memorial, as that sends a message that he too values the spirit of love and peace among all people and nations.
---------------------------------------------------
[I thank USA Secy of State Rex Tillerson, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, state.gov, pib.nic.in, Facebook user U.S. Embassy India, indiatimes.com and firstpost.com, and have presumed that they will not have any objections to me sharing the above extracts from/references to their press release notes/website (very short extracts from indiatimes.com and firstpost.com) and pics (U.S. Embassy India) on this post which is freely viewable by all, and does not have any financial profit motive whatsoever.]
Secy Tillerson meets Indian External (Foreign) Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485040048278686 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
[To open pics in higher resolution, right-click on pic followed by open in new tab/window, and in new tab/window click on pic to zoom in.]
Given below are some extracts (slightly edited) from "Press Availability" of Secy. Tillerson with India's External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj, https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/10/275091.htm [Note that Sushma Swaraj spoke in Hindi, which would have been translated to English simultaneously and made available to USA team through headphones. Here's a video of the event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EShBI77PWAg, 28 mins 5 secs.]
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SWARAJ: (Via interpreter) Secretary of State Secretary Tillerson, and friends from the media, I’m delighted to welcome Secretary Tillerson on his first visit to India as Secretary of State. I would like to welcome [extend] on behalf of the Government of India, the people of India, and myself, a very warm welcome to the Secretary of State.
This visit of Secretary Tillerson has been a very fruitful visit. He has been to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan. And after visits to these countries, he has come to India, which means that he has covered six countries in five days. But what I’m very happy to note is that – and the final destination has been to the country of – a very close country. And you say that when you visit a friend’s country, you take care – you get rid of all your fatigue. And I hope that you are feeling a little relaxed. I hope that you’re not feeling tired, but will take back new energy with you.
Friends, in the last – over the month, this is our second meeting. I had the pleasure of meeting Secretary Tillerson in New York last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Our strategic partnership with the U.S. is of high priority for us. As Prime Minister Modi has said, we consider the U.S. as an indispensable partner in every sector of India’s march forward. Secretary Tillerson, we appreciate the clear vision that you have presented of the India-U.S. global partnership in your speech in Washington last week. I would like to tell you that we fully share your strong desire to strengthen this relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.
I’m very happy to let you know that considerable progress in the implementation of the decisions taken during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the U.S. Our defense engagements have intensified. We are consulting closely on security and counterterrorism issues, and commencement of U.S. crude oil purchase by India has added a new dimension to our energy partnership. I wish to express my appreciation to Secretary Tillerson’s individual efforts in this regard.
...
We also discussed the security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and connectivity issues. During prime minister’s visit, both our countries had agreed on a set of principles that would guide connectivity initiatives in this region, particularly the respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We also reaffirmed the importance of freedom of navigation, overflight, and unimpeded commerce in accordance with international laws in order to achieve a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. Secretary Tillerson and I agreed that we will work together and with other partners to promote cooperation based on these principles.
We have also agreed to hold the inaugural meeting of the 2+2 dialogue mechanism at an early date. We agreed to encourage industrial partnership between our defense companies. We believe that further liberalization of the legal framework and full implementation of the bilateral understanding on India’s major defense partner status will facilitate co-production and co-development. We appreciate the intent that U.S. administration has shown under President Trump to make available to India advance(d) defense platforms. We look forward to making further progress in this area.
Friends, we have also deliberated on our vibrant economic partnership and agreed to work more closely to unlock the immense potential in our bilateral economic cooperation. The sustained growth of the Indian economy will unleash more opportunities for great India-U.S. economic engagement. Our cabinet colleagues will hold in-depth discussion in Washington, D.C. over the next two days.
Friends, people-to-people contacts have played a critical role in the development of India-U.S. relations. This is in part – this is most evident in our mutually beneficial digital partnership, driven by our skilled professionals. Secretary Tillerson has very correctly pointed out that no two countries encourage innovation better than the U.S. and India. In this regard, we discussed the very significant contribution to the U.S. economy of Indian-skilled professionals who travel and work under H-1B and L-1 visa programs.
I have also sought Secretary Tillerson’s support for resolution of the long-pending issue of totalization, and I have asked that no – nothing by the U.S. should be done which will affect or adversely affect India’s interests. Innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic partnership have been an important foundation of our relations. Our economic innovation partnership will be further strengthened by the Global Entrepreneurship Summit that India and U.S. will co-host next month. We look forward to welcoming the U.S. delegation led by Ms. Ivanka Trump, advisor to the President.
Friends, I thank Secretary Tillerson for the continued U.S. support to India’s membership of the multilateral export control regimes and permanent membership of the UN Security Council. We both agreed that enhanced global role – we must take forward the agreements made between our two leaders, and this trip has enhanced it.
I now invite Secretary Tillerson to give his remarks. Thank you.
...
SECRETARY TILLERSON: Well, let me begin by thanking Prime Minister Modi and Minister Swaraj for their very warm welcome to India. It is a real pleasure to return to India, a vibrant democracy that shares so many values with the United States.
India and the United States have had close relations now for more than 70 years and we are natural allies, in the words of Prime Minister Modi. We are grateful for his friendship and his vision of a closer U.S.-India relationship and a vision we certainly share. The United States supports India’s emergence as a leading power and will continue to contribute to Indian capabilities to provide security throughout the region. In this regard, we are willing and able to provide India advanced technologies for its military modernization efforts. This includes ambitious offers from American industry for F-16 and F-18 fighter planes. I’m grateful to my friend and colleague, Secretary of Defense Mattis, that he was able to visit India last month, and he and I both look forward to the inaugural 2+2 dialogue early next year.
...
In addition to our partnership on regional and global stability, India and the United States continue to benefit from our strong economic bonds. Our two countries have a history of trade that dates back to the 18th century, long before the independence of either of our nations. We are pleased that recently, we celebrated an important milestone of our deepening economic relationship. The first shipment of American crude oil arrived in India at the beginning of this month, marking the first U.S. oil export to India in more than four decades. Continued oil sales have the potential to boost bilateral trade by up to $2 billion per year.
In fact, the U.S.-India trade relationship, which reached nearly $115 billion last year, touches many parts of the lives of both of our citizens. U.S. companies and products are an everyday presence in the lives of Indians and we see increasing investments from Indian companies in America, including a Mahindra vehicle plant that will open this month in Detroit, the first ever Indian automobile manufacturing plant in the United States. India and the United States also share a spirit of entrepreneurship and innovation, including the dynamic Indian American community. We’re proud to cohost the Global Engagement [Entrepreneurship] Summit in Hyderabad next month, where the spirit of private enterprise will be on full display. GES, the first ever to be hosted in South Asia, will be an important opportunity for India and the United States to showcase the entrepreneurship of our people, advance women’s economic empowerment, and harness the power of young innovators in both of our countries.
But at the core of our strong bond is our shared values. Our democracies were founded on a commitment to individual liberty and the rule of law. It’s this foundation that underpins all that we work together on, from combating terrorism and safeguarding a rules-based Indo-Pacific region to increasing free and fair trade even as we look for more areas of cooperation. As President Trump said during Prime Minister Modi’s trip to the United States in June, and I quote, “The future of our partnership has never looked brighter.” India and the United States will always be tied together in friendship and respect. We look forward to an even brighter future. Thank you very much, Excellency, for hosting me and for the very fruitful and useful dialogue we’ve had. Thank you.
--- end extracts from Press Availability statement----
Ravi: Happy to see the warmth and co-operative tone between USA Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. As an Indian citizen based in India, I fully support this warmth and co-operation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Secy. Tillerson meets Prime Minister Modi
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485182388264452 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
Given below are extracts from Press Release note 171939 of Press Information Bureau, India, dated 25th Oct. 2017 titled "US Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson calls on Prime Minister" (http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx; choose "Prime Minister's Office" and Date of 25 Oct 2017 in Left Menu; then click on above title entry):
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 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.
--- end extracts from Press Information Bureau Release Note 171939 ----
Ravi: Once again, nice to see the warmth and co-operation tone in above note.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Secy. Tillerson visits Gandhi Smriti (Gandhi memorial)
Above pics are courtesy: https://www.facebook.com/India.usembassy/posts/1485093398273351 (of Facebook user U.S. Embassy India).
Such a simple man: Rex Tillerson at Mahatma Gandhi memorial, https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/such-a-simple-man-rex-tillerson-at-mahatma-gandhi-memorial/articleshow/61222791.cms, 25th Oct. 2017
The above article states that Tillerson visited the room in which Gandhiji was staying and remarked, 'Such a simple man.' On being told about the stone footsteps covered with rose petals in the memorial, being symbolic of the last steps Gandhiji took before he was assassinated, Tillerson said, "Gandhi was one of the ten global leaders who changed the world."
Tillerson also circumambulated the martyr's column as a mark of respect to Gandhiji.
Ravi: I am so happy to know that USA Secy. of State was so respectful of Mahatma Gandhi. In today's age, weapons of enormous mass destruction have proliferated across the world, and there is so much deadly enmity in some parts of the world. I think Gandhi's example of leading a non-violent struggle over decades to free India, is an inspirational and very relevant to this age example, for those in other social justice and freedom struggles to emulate. Gandhi inspired Rev. Martin Luther King in the USA to lead a non-violent struggle for African-American civil rights. Gandhi inspired Nelson Mandela of South Africa to give up the path of violent fight against apartheid and achieve victory over apartheid through non-violent means.
Former USA President Barrack Obama has effusively praised Gandhi. In his 2015 visit to the Gandhi memorial, President Obama wrote in the visitor's book: "What Dr Martin Luther King Jr. said that remains true today: The spirit of Gandhi is very much alive in India today and it remains a rare gift to the world. May we always live in this spirit of love and peace among all people and nations" (ref: http://www.firstpost.com/india/barack-obama-pays-tributes-mahatma-gandhi-calls-rare-gift-world-2063557.html).
Ravi: I am so happy that USA Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, found the time to visit Gandhi memorial, as that sends a message that he too values the spirit of love and peace among all people and nations.
---------------------------------------------------
[I thank USA Secy of State Rex Tillerson, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, state.gov, pib.nic.in, Facebook user U.S. Embassy India, indiatimes.com and firstpost.com, and have presumed that they will not have any objections to me sharing the above extracts from/references to their press release notes/website (very short extracts from indiatimes.com and firstpost.com) and pics (U.S. Embassy India) on this post which is freely viewable by all, and does not have any financial profit motive whatsoever.]
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