Donald Trump Praises India's Economy After Shift in US-India Relations US President Donald Trump has recently praised India's economic performance, highlighting its robust growth and calling for lower interest rates to sustain progress. In a televised interview, Trump stated that India’s economy is experiencing significant growth, with rates around 7-8 percent, and emphasized that the United States should avoid using high interest rates as a benchmark for economic success. He argued that countries like India and the US should be allowed to grow without restrictive financial policies. This marks a notable shift from his earlier criticism of India’s economy, which he had labeled a “dead economy” during the previous year. The change in tone comes amid evolving dynamics in US-India trade relations. Trump previously imposed a 25 percent tariff on Indian goods in July 2023, citing concerns over India’s trade ties with Russia. This followed reports that Indian companies had imported Russian oil despite US sanctions. However, recent developments indicate a thaw in tensions. Both nations have reached near-agreement on a trade deal, with only a 1 percent gap remaining in negotiations. The Indian government has stated that the deal will be finalized by December, pending legal reviews. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the US to finalize the agreement, with US officials indicating that Trump plans to visit India in early 2024. Trump’s recent praise for India’s economy contrasts sharply with his earlier remarks. Last year, he had criticized India’s economic policies, accusing it of engaging in “dead economy” practices. The shift appears linked to India’s economic resilience, which has outpaced global averages.#trade_deal #india #donald_trump #narendra_modi #us_india_relations
US Religious Freedom Panel Recommends Targeted Sanctions on RSS, R&AW The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has recommended targeted sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), citing concerns over their alleged violations of religious freedom. The report, released recently, highlights the organizations’ roles in perpetuating discrimination and undermining minority rights in India. The external affairs ministry has not issued a formal response to the latest findings, but it has previously dismissed similar reports as “biased,” emphasizing its stance that such claims lack credibility. The recommendations come amid ongoing tensions between India and the U.S. over human rights issues, including the treatment of religious minorities and the use of state intelligence agencies. While the Indian government has consistently rejected allegations of systemic discrimination, the USCIRF report argues that the RSS and R&AW have been instrumental in fostering an environment of intolerance through their influence on policy and public discourse. The panel’s findings are part of a broader U.S. effort to hold countries accountable for human rights abuses, though India has historically resisted external scrutiny of its internal affairs. The report’s release coincides with a period of heightened diplomatic activity between the two nations, including recent discussions on trade and security. However, the issue of religious freedom remains a contentious point, with the U.S. frequently raising it during bilateral talks.#rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #us_commission_on_international_religious_freedom #research_and_analysis_wing #external_affairs_ministry #us_india_relations
