New Delhi: Respected American political scientist Michael Kuglemen while confirming Newsroom Post story that the United States had given no assurances on removing US Sanctions either on Iran or Russia, said that Washington should waive the sanction given the history of Indo US relations.

Michael Kugelman is deputy director for the Asia Program and senior associate for South Asia at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C.

In an article for BloombergQuint he said it would send a powerful message from Washington. He also pleaded for Donald Trump to accept India invitation for the Republic Day parade which is being considered a feather in Prime minister Modi’s cap before the 2019 elections.

At this stage Indian officials having invited Trump for the Republic Day parade on November 26 2019, are not very enthusiastic given the drubbing he is being given by the mainstream media in the United States. While there is talk of impeachment it is believed that although he may be bruised after the US midterm polls, he would survive. For Prime Minister Modi his visit to India would be a boost. Trump also may like the pomp and extravangza that goes with the Parade.

But that as of now remains just a hope. Far from the public bonhomie in the US 2 +2 meeting, both sides are worried worried about how tough the US would be on the sanctions. Only Donald Trump has the answer say sources.

Kugleman contradicted stories from the “official” media in New Delhi that claimed the talks went off well. He said “U.S. officials didn’t give clear assurances that India won’t be penalised for its pending missile defence system deal with Moscow.” On Iran sanctions too, with a deadline on November 4, the top officials did not seem to be budging.

Knowledgeable sources say that Donald Trump may compromise on the Russian missile deal but is unlikely to budge on India’s imports from Iran. The US may look in another direction about the development of the Chabbhar Port a, a joint project with Iran.

The US India relations have dipped somewhat and the long awaited 2 plus 2 dialogue restore some kind of steadiness. According to Kugleman “the bilateral relationship had arguably sunk to its lowest point in several years, perhaps since the infamous Devyani Khobragade affair of 2013.”

He has praised the CMOSCA agreement that would pave the way for Navies of the United states Japan and India to take part in joint exercise.

Doing away with sanctions is, according to him, a great move to restore some degree on mutual respect in the relations.

In his article he pointed out that “Such a move would not exactly be a heavy political lift for U.S. policymakers. In Washington, there is a deep, bipartisan consensus in favour of strong U.S.-India partnership. On Capitol Hill, the India caucus is the second-largest country-specific caucus. Pompeo himself has strongly telegraphed a desire to move in this direction. In New Delhi on Thursday, he said the United States does not intend to “penalise great strategic partners like India.”

Diplomatic Correspondent

The News Room Post

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