India emerging as leading global power: US
WASHINGTON: The United States said that India is one of the “most important partners in the Indo-Pacific region” and welcomed its emergence as a “leading global power” in the region.
“India is one of the most important partners in the IndoPacific region to us. We welcome India’s emergence as a leading global power and its role as a net security provider in the region,” said US State Department spokesperson Ned Price during a press briefing on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the US also expressed concern at China’s attempts to “intimidate its neighbours” against the backdrop of the India-China border standoff. The US will stand with friends and partners to advance security and prosperity across the IndoPacific, Price said in response to a question on the Biden administration’s position on China’s efforts to encroach on India’s territory.
Key members of the Biden administration, such as secretary of state Antony Blinken have identified China as one of the main concerns for the US while supporting the strong position taken against China by former president Donald Trump.
However, they have signalled the new administration’s handling of the issue will not be as confrontational as the approach adopted by Trump.
Price said the US is closely monitoring the India-China standoff.
“We are concerned by Beijing’s pattern of ongoing attempts to intimidate its neighbours. As always, we’ll stand with friends, we’ll stand with partners, we’ll stand with allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values in...the Indo-Pacific,” he said.
NEW DELHI: The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) — an umbrella body of around 40 farmer groups — on Wednesday announced a nationwide “rail roko” programme on February 18 as it decided to scale up its agitation against three contentious farm laws at a meeting of its senior representatives.
SKM also said it will hold a candle march and other programmes on February 14 to remember the 40 troopers who were killed in the 2019 Pulwama terror attack; and on February 16, observe the birth anniversary of Sir Chhotu Ram, a prominent pre-Independence Jat leader.
“Rail stop programmes will be held on February 18 from 124pm across the country. From February 12, all road toll plazas in Rajasthan will be made toll free,” farmer leader Darshan Pal said in an SKM statement that gave details about their plans.
The decisions came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in Lok Sabha that the government has “great respect” for farmers, and attacked the Opposition for “misleading” them on three laws that aim to liberalise the farm sector. Modi, while backing the laws, also reiterated the government’s stand to discuss them clause by clause and make changes, if needed.