Permanent UNSC Seat To Combating Radical Islamic Terror: Here Are The Key Takeaways From Trump’s India Visit

Yesterday, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump departed from Delhi, concluding their two-day visit to India.

The couple visited Sabarmati Ashram, the event ‘Namaste Trump’ at Motera Stadium, and Taj Mahal on the first day of the visit.

The second day of the trip started with a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan. Then President of the United States of America (POTUS) also went to Rajghat for wreath laying at Mahatma Gandhi’s Samadhi.

POTUS and Modi later met at Hyderabad House for a round of restricted dialogue as well as delegation-level talks.

Later in the day, exchange of agreements, press statements took place and the US president returned home around 10’o clock IST.

Here are the key takeaways from the trip:

1. India and US are now ‘Comprehensive Global Strategic partners’

The joint statement released designated the two countries as “Comprehensive Global Strategic partners”. The partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement of their citizens, read the statement.

US and India signed three memoranda of understanding (MoU), including a pact in the energy sector, one on mental health challenges, along with a $3 billion defence deal.

Both the leaders pledged to deepen defence and security cooperation, and look forward to conclusion of Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement.

PM Modi and President Trump also welcomed the Homeland Security Dialogue between both the countries to jointly fight international crimes like human trafficking, terrorism and violent extremism, drug-trafficking and crimes in cyberspace.

Both also welcomed a joint endeavour between ISRO and NASA for development and launch in 2022 with the world’s first dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite.

2. Cooperation in dealing with radical Islamic terrorism

The joint statement denounced any use of terrorist proxies and strongly condemned cross-border terrorism.

It called on Pakistan to ensure that no territory under its control is used to launch terrorist attacks, and to expeditiously bring to justice the perpetrators of such attacks, including 26/11 Mumbai and Pathankot.

They called for concerted action against all terrorist groups.

"We have agreed to cooperate in dealing with radical Islamic terrorism and protect our citizens. We are resolved to eliminate terror operations on Pakistan soil," Trump had said.

3. US reaffirms support to India’s permanent membership of UN Security Council

President Trump reaffirmed the support of the United States for India’s permanent membership on a reformed UN Security Council.

He also reaffirmed US support for India’s entry to the Nuclear Suppliers Group without any delay, the statement read.

India and the United States signed a $2.6 billion deal for 24 MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters which will replace India’s obsolete Sea King anti-submarine helos.

The Navy will get six of the 24 MH-60Rs contracted for today early next year and the remaining 18 will be delivered over two years.

5. India-US trade deal

"We've also agreed to start negotiations on a massive trade deal. We hope that we will get positive results, benefitting both. At the global level, our relationship is depended on the similar democratic values we share," PM Modi said.

"Our bilateral trade has witnessed double digit growth in the last three years, and has also become more balanced," he added.

US has already gone ahead of China to become India’s top trading partner so far this year.

"I'm optimistic we can reach a deal of great importance to both countries,” Trump said.

6. Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process

The joint statement called for cessation of violence in Afghanistan, elimination of terrorist safe havens; and preservation of the gains of the last 18 years.

President Trump welcomed India’s role in continuing to provide development and security assistance to help stabilise and provide connectivity in Afghanistan.

Both PM Modi and President Trump support an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation process that results in a sustainable peace.

7. Free and Open Indo-Pacific, India a net security provider for IOR

Both the leaders also committed to work together for a free, open, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

United States appreciates India’s role as a net provider of security, as well as developmental and humanitarian assistance in the Indian Ocean Region, noted the joint statement.

The joint statement also talked about strengthening India-US-Japan trilateral summits; the 2+2 Ministerial meeting mechanism of the Foreign and Defence Ministers of India and the United States; and the India-US-Australia-Japan Quadrilateral consultations.

8. Development cooperation

The US International Development Finance Corporation, a government agency, announced a $600 million financing facility for renewable energy projects in India.

The agency will also establish a permanent presence in India this year.

A new partnership between USAID and India’s Development Partnership Administration was also announced for cooperation in the third countries.