Geeta Mohan: US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, in an exclusive chat with India Today, confirmed ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first state visit to the US, that the deal to manufacture the 98 kilo-newton thrust GE-414 is common at home. There is consent. engine in India in collaboration with the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and a select private defense entity.
On the question of the GE-414 jet engine being a major deliverable, but whether the US Congress would give the green signal, Ambassador Garcetti said, “Absolutely. In a country where we are often divided on so many issues, this great thing unites us.” The House, the Senate, the Republicans, the Democrats and the President are united in being a close and close friend of India.
The India-specific GE-414 INS6 engine will power the LCA (Light Combat Aircraft) Mark II. A report states that it will be launched by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) early next year and will take to the skies by the end of 2024.
“Democracy is tough. It’s tough in any country, but it’s much better than the alternative. India is the largest and America is the oldest democracy. We share from a place of humility. Settle differences and move on,” Garcetti said when asked if there could be obstacles on the foreign policy front.
Read this also | ‘I should get your autograph’: Biden on PM Modi’s popularity in US
Before assuming the New Delhi mission, Ambassador Eric Garcetti told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in December 2021, during his confirmation hearing, that he would bring human rights and discrimination such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) to the fore as a “core” . piece of her engagement rather than a liability.
“It’s a two-way street on these, but I intend to engage directly with civil society,” he said. “There are groups that are actively fighting for the human rights of the people on the ground in India, who will get a direct connect from me.”
american religious freedom report line
Asked about USCIRF’s country report on India, which painted a very grim picture of India’s human rights record and New Delhi dismissed the report as “inspired” and “biased”, the US envoy Said, “This is not my report, this is an independent commission and it only lists the facts that happened. We will continue to work on them, but will engage as friends.”
Read this also | Flawed, motivated, biased: Government rejects US religious freedom report criticizing India for ‘attacks’ on minorities
Adding, “We will continue to connect as friends. We have hate crimes, religious hate… It’s not about the things that happen, it’s about how we react to them. In a democracy there is a mature discussion about how people should be related. This independent report comes out every year on events and learnings.
worry about china
On concerns about China and increasing Chinese aggression, Ambassador Garcetti said, “It’s not about finding a common enemy, it’s about finding a common purpose… Never be overly dependent on one location. We would love to welcome China in a peaceful approach, better relations, as I am sure India would. But, our relations are not dependent on any third party. We are bound by friendship.”
The United States announced a new policy restricting US visas to those seeking to undermine the democratic election process in Bangladesh, as a direct attack on the government of Sheikh Hasina.
On a specific question about the scenario when Hasina’s government is toppled and BNP comes to power, it could push Bangladesh back into China’s lap and raise India’s security concerns in the north-eastern states. The US envoy said, “The US is not just concerned about having good relations with India but that India feels safe in the region and globally. The Indo-Pacific is bound together because of the way we Quad is an example… whether it is in Bangladesh, whether it is China, interested in the Indian Ocean and looking at India’s leadership, sometimes we will lead from the front, sometimes shoulder to shoulder.”
India America relations
“We have also told our Indian counterparts that wherever you lead, we are ready to follow… Our relationship has a depth that really lies in friendship and understanding and mutual respect,” he said. is about.”
Read this also | How Indian Navy’s fighter jet deal enters crucial phase with Modi’s upcoming US, France visits
Regarding the first state visit by an Indian prime minister, Ambassador Eric Garcetti said it would reflect the “warmth of the people”, not just the leaders.
“It’s a natural relationship that we have that has really evolved over a couple of decades now. It draws our people together and now our governments come closer together on everything from defense and strategic partnership to our economy, our people. And I will work to protect this plan,” Garcetti said.
Prime Minister Modi will be visiting the US from June 21-24 from New York, where he will participate in the International Day of Yoga celebrations at the United Nations Headquarters, followed by a state visit to Washington DC.