IS TRUMP ANTI-INDIA OR A MODI FRIEND?
PRESIDENT Trump likes other western countries regards India as an inferior nation. Part of the colonial psyche. They will dance to Bollywood, eat chicken tikka masala and paneer tikka masala and praise Indian leaders.
However to them India is a servant meant to obey orders and salute them. Just like Pakistan, Bangladesh, African countries, the Middle East. The Chinese and Russians once were viewed in the same way but now they have flipped off the US and it’s why the US is wary about them.
At the onset, Trump claimed Modi would be buying US oil. US oil means 14% higher prices. Transportation costs and insurance costs will cost even more. Refining costs will go up. Additionally, Trump demanded that India buy the F-35 without technology transfer or the 30% minimum domestic manufacturing agreed to by Rafale recently. He literally said that.
No, no. We will be making it all at home. We will export to India and the Prime Minister will make sure tariffs are reasonable or even take them out altogether. Modi’s reaction was an uncomfortable laugh.
Furthermore, Trump will impose reciprocal tariff on all countries and India imposed an average of 22.75 tariff on all US goods against 4.75 tariff imposed by US on Indian goods.
A 20% tariff would mean Indian aluminium would in effect face 45% tariffs and would simply not be able to export aluminium anymore.
So Modi has a choice either to reduce US tariffs by 75% or face problems.
No exemptions!!
To conclude, Trump gave Modi a clear warning on BRICS.
It’s likely India has been told to pay only USD for all its trade.
He openly said “BRICS” is “DEAD” and Modi gave an uncomfortable look.
Trump believes the whole world including the EU and Japan must be submissive to the US and believes in his own deluded mind that US is responsible for all their prosperity.
Ironically, he says, China and Russia are the only nations not being propped up by the US. He delusionally said India’s nuclear technology is entirely because of the US, blissfully forgetting the Russians and Canadians.
Unfortunately, India gained no concession from the US this time around. I still feel Modi could have avoided this trip and taken another six to 12 months citing personal and political problems in India. Now if he looks to be dithering, Trump may come out at India, much harder.
—Vladimir Furtado, Panjim
WHEN DEAR GOA LEARN?
MANY aspects of life in Europe are impressive. Being courteous, caring and compassionate is a way of life and the only positive way to move ahead.
Remarkably there is not an iota of that VIP culture whatsoever. Traffic is never diverted or traffic lights switched off to make way for a VIP to despotically cruise through, while inconveniencing the public. The political class is always accountable, and they tumble at the slightest fumble. The absence of the malaise of political sycophancy is a boon towards a fair and dignified society. The all-round very high levels of transparency and accountability is what makes the difference.
One may never need to exercise the Right to Information, as those checks and balances of public scrutiny are inborn and always in place. A truly independent press that values freedom of speech also holds those with responsibility accountable in the public interest. The administration and the law enforcement authorities are totally insulated from any political meddling. And of course that institutionalised corruption is not a way of life.
Public transport is so very dependable, clean, safe and extremely user friendly. And that very essential availability of Wi-Fi on trains, buses and even in almost every café besides public places is a communication bonanza. Water, power supply and other basic amenities never falter. The resolute online services towards a digital world is commendable. There are systems in place that work and can’t be fiddled with. Daylight favouritism and nepotism is never seen, so also there is never room to jump the queue.
One can see high levels of quality control and accountability in all private and public works executed. In Goa that mind-boggling Panaji Smart City man-made fiasco at huge expense to the taxpayers and still with no accountability is something unknown in Europe. Sanity and respect for rules, regulations and service levels in public life is what makes the world of difference for the common good.
—Aires Rodrigues, London