US President’s Visit to India

Why in News?

The United States of America’s (USA) President Donald Trump visited India on February 24 and 25, 2020.

What were the MoUs signed?

• Only three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed: Two on health care, and one Letter of Cooperation.
• A MoU was signed on mental health between the health departments of the countries.
• Another MoU on the safety of medical products was signed between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization with the US Food and Drug Administration.
• A Letter of Cooperation on LNG pipeline infrastructure was signed between Indian Oil Corporation Limited and Exxon Mobil India LNG Limited and Chart Industries Inc, US.

What was the agreement signed?

• An agreement has been signed for defence purchases worth $3-billion, including American helicopters.
• This agreement has led to both sides signalling more cooperation in defence, military exercises and technology sharing.

What could have been done?

• The visit’s concrete outcomes were not dramatic or historical.
• The two leaders shared strong language in references aimed at China’s hegemony in the South China Sea as well as the Belt and Road Initiative.
• But, they could have introduced the steps in the Indo-Pacific partnership including,
  1. Possible militarisation and
  2. Joint funding to counter the challenge from Chinese loans in the region.

What could be done?

• The two governments must now strive to complete the unfinished agreements.
• They should set the course for their newly designated ‘Comprehensive Strategic Global Partnership’.
• More immediately, with the political backing of both leaders, negotiators must move towards the much anticipated yet elusive trade deal.

Source: The Hindu, The Economic Times.