Historic meetings of Modi with Trump and Netanyahu
The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi deserves all the accolades for showing amazing global leadership qualities by engaging with leaders of big and small nations alike, from the US to neighbouring Nepal. His recent visits to Israel and the United States of America is a highpoint in the three year old NDA Government, with both countries laying out the red carpet. Prior to his US visit, Prime Minister Modi had embarked on a fournation tour to Germany, Spain, Russia and France, the focus being enhanced bilateral cooperation in defence, science and technology and nuclear fronts, besides seeking increased foreign direct investment (FDI). Importantly, Modi has been talking about the need to increase global cooperation to fight terrorism, including cross-border terrorism.
In this issue, we have extensive coverage of the Prime Minister’s overseas visits. In a first, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in a path-breaking move. There was more than camaraderie between Modi and Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, indicating of the strong bonding that is likely to evolve. India, as such, has deep defence trade ties with Israel, but with this visit it is going beyond that.
The visit to US was marked by visible bonhomie between the two heads of States. In fact, the unpredictable President Trump hailed Modi’s achievement and termed himself as a ‘true friend’ in the White House and that the ties between the two countries were never stronger and better than now. The good news is that, just prior to the Prime Minister’s visit, the Indian delegation had firmed different deals, including an agreement between Lockheed Martin and Tata Advance Systems to produce F-16 Block 70 fighters in India; Sale of 22 Predator drones from Geral Atomics; the US designating Syed Salahuddin, Hizb-Ul Mujahideen (HuM) as a ‘global terrorist’. Lt General P.C. Katoch (Retd) and Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) in two separate analysis have talked about the impact of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to the US and other nations, not just on India’s economy but also on global markets.
This historic meeting between the two leaders is expected to propel the relationship between the two to greater heights. Rightly, the Chief Executive of US and International Strategic Development, General Atomics, Dr Vivek Lall has said ‘Given the Sea Guardian’s capabilities such a US offer demonstrates a major change in US policy because this type of aircraft capability is only exported to a very select few of America’s closest defense partners. Such an offer represents tangible implementation of United States Congress’ designation of India as a ‘Major Defense Partner.’”
In this issue, we have an exclusive interview with Rockwell Collins Senior Vice President, International & Services Solutions, Colin R. Mahoney who talks about how the company is strategising its plans to expand its footprint in India and other markets.
We also have an appeal to all sane thinking people by Lt General V.K. Kapoor (Retd) not to drag the Indian Army in to politics and controversy. This comes in the backdrop of the Army Chief being criticized by a few political outfits and pseudo liberals on the handling of terrorism and law and order in Kashmir.
Happy reading on a happy note !
Jayant Baranwal Publisher & Editor-in-Chief