News Analysis India

Tag: Joe Biden

  • ‘Determined to support India in COVID fight, ensure supply of vaccine raw materials’: Biden to Modi

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed solidarity with India in its fight against COVID-19 and asserted that his country was determined to support its efforts by quickly deploying resources like therapeutics, ventilators and identifying sources of raw materials to be made available for the manufacture of Covishield vaccine, according to a statement here.

    Biden expressed the support of the US to India in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which the two leaders discussed the pandemic situation in their countries, including India’s ongoing efforts to contain a second wave of COVID-19 through expedited vaccination efforts, and ensuring supply of critical medicines, therapeutics and medical equipment.

    Modi also informed Biden about India’s initiative at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for a relaxation in the norms of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries, the statement said.

    “Had a fruitful conversation with @POTUS @JoeBiden today. We discussed the evolving COVID situation in both countries in detail. I thanked President Biden for the support being provided by the United States to India.”

    “My discussion with @POTUS @JoeBiden also underscored the importance of smooth and efficient supply chains of vaccine raw materials and medicines. India-US healthcare partnership can address the global challenge of COVID-19,” Modi tweeted.

    According to the statement, Modi conveyed his heartfelt appreciation for the offer of assistance and support from the US.

    He mentioned India’s commitment to contain the COVID-19 pandemic globally through ‘Vaccine Maitri’, and its participation in COVAX and the Quad Vaccine Initiatives.

    Modi underscored the need to ensure smooth and open supply chains of raw materials and inputs required for manufacture of vaccines, medicines, and therapeutics related to COVID-19.

    Both leaders underlined the potential of the India-US partnership in vaccine development and supply to address the COVID-19 pandemic, and directed their respective officials to maintain close coordination and cooperation in their efforts in this domain, the statement said.

    The two leaders agreed to remain in regular touch.

    In Washington, the White House said President Biden pledged steadfast support of his entire administration for the people of India in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The President pledged America’s steadfast support for the people of India who have been impacted by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases,” the White House said in a readout of the call between Biden and Modi.

    In response, the United States is providing a range of emergency assistance, including oxygen-related supplies, vaccine materials and therapeutics, the White House said.

    “Prime Minister Modi expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation between both countries. The two leaders resolved that the United States and India will continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in the effort to protect our citizens and the health of our communities,” said the readout of the call.

    The US president and his Vice President Kamala Harris had earlier assured India and its people of providing all assistance, including urgently sending necessary medical life-saving supplies and equipment, to help the country combat the deadly coronavirus crisis.

    “Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Biden said in a tweet on Sunday.

    The Biden administration had earlier come under criticism from several quarters, including from members and supporters of the Democratic Party, for its restrictions on the export of key raw materials for the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccine and for not releasing its surplus vaccines to India when the country is experiencing its worst-ever public health crisis.

    Adar Poonawalla, the CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), which is manufacturing Covishield vaccine, had said earlier this month that the US needed to lift its embargo on raw material exports to help ramp up vaccine production.

    The coronavirus situation remained grim in India with the daily COVID-19 infection tally and death toll touching new peaks in the past few days.

    India recorded 3,52,991 cases, the highest so far, taking the infection tally to 1,73,13,163 while active cases have crossed the 28-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

    The death toll increased to 1,95,123 with a record 2,812 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am on Monday showed.

  • Welcome US President Joe Biden joining LeadIT climate initiative: PMO

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on Saturday welcomed the US’ decision to join the Indian-Swedish climate initiative, Leadership Group for Industry Transition (LeadIT), and said it will help meet the Paris Agreement goals.

    In his address to a virtual summit on climate change, US President Joe Biden said he is looking forward to working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a new partnership to achieve climate and energy goals, making this a core pillar of bilateral cooperation.

    “We will be joining and a partner — for the nations and efforts to decarbonise critical sectors across the board, including the industrial sector, where we’ll join with Sweden and India, and in the Leadership Group for Industry Transition,” he said.

    In a tweet, the White House said the United States is joining Sweden and India in LeadIT, an effort to promote low carbon pathways on the road to net-zero emissions for industries.

    “Working together we can build momentum for industry transition to address the climate crisis,” the White House said.

    Following the development, the PMO India tweeted, “Welcome @POTUS joining the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, LeadIT! This Indian-Swedish climate initiative takes the lead in heavy industry transition.”

    “It will help us meet Paris Agreement goals, strengthen competitiveness & create new sustainable jobs,” it said.

    Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, on his official Twitter handle, said, “Welcome @POTUS joining the Leadership Group for Industry Transition, LeadIT!” This Sweden-India climate initiative takes the lead in heavy industry transition, he said.

    “It will help us meet Paris Agreement goals, strengthen competitiveness & create new sustainable jobs,” the Swedish prime minister said.

    Earlier this week, India and the United States also announced a ‘US-India Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership’ to create stronger bilateral cooperation on actions in the current decade to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

  • US to halve its carbon emissions, India to go green by 2030

    By Express News Service
    US President Joe Biden on Thursday said America will cut its carbon emissions by up to 52% by the end of this decade, to bring them down to the levels in year 2005. 

    In his address to the Leaders’ Summit on Climate, hosted by the US, Biden said the US and other big economies have an obligation to bring down greenhouse gas emissions. 

    The announcement marks the US’ return to global climate efforts after four years of withdrawal under former president Donald Trump.

    America believes its ambitious new plan will encourage other polluting majors such as China to take impactful steps. 

    However, experts think the US may not be able to achieve the long-term target given the constantly shifting political environment. 

    Addressing the summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of India-US Climate and Clean Energy Agenda 2030 Partnership to mobilise investments and enable green collaborations. 

    “In its new nationally determined contribution, the US has set an economy-wide target of reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by 50-52 per cent below 2005 levels in 2030. As part of its climate mitigation efforts, India has set a target of installing 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030… Through this collaboration, India and the SU aim to demonstrate how the world can align swift climate action with inclusive and resilient economic development, taking into account national circumstances and sustainable development priorities,” a joint statement read. 

  • PM Modi accepts Joe Biden’s invitation to online Climate Summit 

    By Express News Service
    India on Friday confirmed PM Narendra Modi will virtually attend the Climate Summit called by US President Joe Biden on April 22. Biden had invited 40 world leaders to participate in the summit ahead of the COP26 summit in Glasgow later this year. “The PM welcomed President Biden’s initiative and accepted the invitation,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. This will be Modi’s second interaction with Biden after the two shared the stage during the first ever Quad leader’s summit last month. PMs of Bangladesh and Bhutan  are the other invitees from the regions to the Climate Summit.

    India condemns violence in Myanmar, appeals for release of political prisoners India on Friday condemned the violence in Myanmar and said it is in favour of restoration of democracy in the country. “India has urged for the release of political prisoners and supported any attempts to resolve the current situation, including through the efforts of ASEAN. We condemn any use of violence. We believe that the rule of law should prevail. We stand for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. On whether India would allow Myanmarese people to cross over,  Bagchi said: “We are dealing with it as per our laws and humanitarian considerations.”

    UNHCR notified about real nature of Sikhs For Justice following its complaint against Modi and Shah     Following the acceptance of a complaint by outlawed organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) against Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, India on Friday said it has sentitised the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. “India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva has sensitised the Office of the UNHCR about the activities of the organisation whose complaint it has accepted,” MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. The complaint was filed on March 30 in protest against alleged atrocities against Sikh farmers. Bagchi said SFJ has been involved in anti-national activities with the intention to disturb the sovereignty and integrity of India. 

  • US Climate Envoy Kerry to visit India next week on his maiden tour of Asia 

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  US Climate Envoy John Kerry will be in India next week, as a part of his tour of Asia, and hold discussions on climate issues ahead of the climate summit to be hosted online by US President Joe Biden on April 22.

    This will be Kerry’s first trip to Asia since assuming office earlier this year.

    He will be travelling to the UAE, India and Bangladesh between April 1 and 9.

    “Looking forward to meaningful discussions with friends in the Emirates, India and Bangladesh on how to tackle the climate crisis. #RoadToGlasgow,” Kerry tweeted.

    Kerry’s visit comes days after US Defence Secretary Llyod Austin came to New Delhi and close on the heels of the US President’s invitation to 40 world leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the April 22 virtual climate summit.

    The summit is aimed at setting the agenda for the COP26 Summit in Glasgow in June.

    Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Bhutanese counterpart Lotay Tshering are the other two leaders from South Asia to be invited for the two-day mega conference on climate change.  

    By the time of the summit, the US will announce a 2030 emissions target as its new nationally-determined contribution under the Paris Agreement,

    “John Kerry will travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka, for consultations on increasing climate ambition ahead of President Biden’s Leaders Summit on Climate April 22-23 and the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change later this year,” said a statement.

  • In joint article, Quad leaders reiterate vow to overcome challenges

    Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  Quad leaders joined hands to write an opinion piece in The Washington Post, where they reiterated that the four nations were committed to a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. Jointly penned by US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga and PM Narendra Modi, the article in an apparent reference to China said their shared vision for the Indo-Pacific region has been increasingly tested and this has strengthened their resolve to face the most urgent of global challenges together.

    The article was published days after the first summit of Quad leaders was held virtually, where the leaders discussed issues like climate change, Indo-Pacific region, the LAC situation and also rolled out a Covid-19 vaccine initiative where the four nations will work to increase the manufacturing capacity of India to 1 billion doses by the end of 2022.

    The Quad grouping is perceived to be a counter to China’s growing influence and assertiveness in the region, especially the South and East China Seas.

    “In this new age of interconnection and opportunity throughout the Indo-Pacific, we are again summoned to act together in support of a region in need. The governments of India, Japan, the US and Australia have worked closely for years, and Friday, for the first time in the Quad history, they convened as leaders to advance meaningful cooperation at the highest level,” the leaders wrote.

    They recalled that the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami caused the origin of the Quad.

    “With millions displaced and hundreds of thousands killed, the Indo-Pacific region sounded a clarion call for help. Together, our four countries answered it. This Quad became a diplomatic dialogue in 2007 and was reborn in 2017,” the leaders said.

    Saying that the pandemic was one of the ‘greatest risks to health and economic stability’, the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to health and safety of people.

    “We are determined to end the pandemic because no country will be safe so long as the pandemic continues,” they said.

  • PM Narendra Modi speaks to US President Joe Biden; leaders look forward to further peace, security in Indo-Pacific region

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to US President Joe Biden on Monday and discussed a host of issues, with the PM asserting that both of them are committed to a rules-based order and look forward to consolidating the bilateral strategic partnership as well as further peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.

    This was their first conversation after Biden assumed office last month.

    In a tweet, Modi said that he conveyed his best wishes to the US president, and the two leaders discussed regional issues as well as shared priorities.

    “We also agreed to further our cooperation against climate change,” he said.

    “President Biden & I are committed to a rules-based order.We look forward to consolidating our strategic partnership to further peace & security in Indo-Pacific region and beyond,” Modi said in another tweet.

    Prime Minister Modi had also spoken to Biden after his electoral triumph over Donald Trump in the US polls.

    At that time, the two leaders had discussed the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, while reiterating their firm commitment to the strategic bilateral partnership.

    Last month, Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States and Kamala Harris took oath as first woman vice president in a historic but scaled down ceremony.

    Tweeting soon after Biden’s inauguration, Modi had extended best wishes for a successful term and said the two countries stand united and resilient in addressing common challenges and advancing global peace and security.

    Noting that the India-US partnership is based on shared values, Modi had said the two countries have a substantial and multi-faceted bilateral agenda, growing economic engagement and vibrant people to people linkages.

    Biden is known to be a strong proponent of closer India-US ties since his days as a senator in the 1970s and played a key role in getting the approval of the Senate for the bilateral civil nuclear deal in 2008.

    The strategic and defence ties between India and the US witnessed major expansion during Barack Obama’s presidency and Biden, as the vice president, had played a key role in it.

  • Joe Biden in White House raises Indian outsourcing firms’ hopes

    Express News Service
    CHENNAI: With Joe Biden steering a blue wave of change in the USA, the domino effect has been clearly visible on the Indian I-T space, as hiring has picked up for skilled manpower in the West. I-T consultants in the city are on a hiring spree following the brakes applied on the recent modifications introduced by the Trump administration to H1-B visa rules.

    There are huge requirements that have come for the past one month, says PR Vignesh Raja, an I-T consultant at the Chennai-based Fusion Global Solutions Pvt Ltd. He adds that he is getting ‘positive vibes’ about simplifying the visa process. “Many of those whose H1-B visas expired and could not be renewed will now opt for it. You will see a spike in visa applications now,” claims Raja.

    The Biden administration has also been espousing for racial equality. The latest development brings to an end to years of effort by the Trump administration to rescind an Obama-era regulation that allowed a certain subset of spouses of H1-B visa holders to work in the US. Data from the US government shows that Indians had filed 74 per cent of all H1-B petitions in fiscal year 2019. Raja is positive that the cap on these visas will now be increased.

    Manoj, who works for Baltimore’s health and strategic welfare firm, says that the move would prove beneficial for many like him. He had returned home to Madurai for his wedding and is now trying to go back to the State with his wife. “I am now on an F-1 visa and would be applying for H1-B in March. It all depends on the lottery system and the visa cap,” he says.

    Many Indians residing in the US on H1-B visas have been having second thoughts before booking tickets to India. The issue being their visas won’t be stamped once they return back. “If the policy changes, those with H1-B visas will be assured that their visas will be stamped again once they try to return back to the States,” says a techie.

    Aditya Narayan Mishra, CEO of CIEL HR Services, a staffing firm, told Express that Biden’s move in overturning many policies of the Trump administration will result in a free movement of professionals between the two countries. He says that it will also be a boon for the outsourcing industry which is good for both the countries, adding that the on-site activity, which was frozen, will resume again.

    Mishra also opines that the US was impacted by the ‘reverse brain-drain’ as more Chinese and Indian nationals have been returning home due to the clamps introduced by the Trump administration. As the restrictions ease, he says there could be a return of the skilled labour force, which could fuel the US economy. While it seems that the clamp on visas may have been relaxed, the other issue the techies face is not the work permit, but the tickets to fly to the United States. “Only few seats are available for those who want to get back to the US,” says an I-T professional. She says her friend who has been trying for a ticket, is now struggling to fly back as there are only a few airlines which fly to the US.

    Meanwhile, spokesperson at the US Consulate General, Chennai, Cori Bickel told Express that the process of issuing work permits, also known as employment authorization, is managed in the United States by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). US consulates have no role in this process. That being said, the US Consulate General, Chennai, does issue H-4 visas, which permit family members of H-1B visa holders to enter the United States. Once in the United States, certain H-4 visa holders may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

    When asked if the Consulate had resumed stamping H1-B visa applications, Bickel said that at the time, embassies and consulates were able to resume visa services based on local conditions and the health and safety of staff and customers. “The US Consulate General, Chennai, is offering limited visa services, including to students and work-based visas  including H1-Bs. We will continue to expand visa services as appropriate, given the health and safety conditions,” Bickel said.

    She added that the Consulate General in Chennai currently has visa appointment availability throughout the months of February and March, in both student and petition-based categories, and their family members, including H-1B, H-4, and F-2. “We are unable to comment on specific visa applications,” she said, responding to a query on how many such visas are pending.

  • US president Joe Biden intervenes, H4 work permit visas remain

    By Express News Service
    NEW DELHI:  The Biden administration has brought an end to his predecessor’s attempts to rescind an Obama-era regulation which allowed spouses of H1-B holders to be employed in the United States. Until 2015, H4 visa holders (spouses of H1-B visa holders) could not legally hold paid employment in the US. 

    Former President Barack Obama changed the regulation. However, the Trump administration had worked during this tenure to withdraw this benefit. The Trump government justified the move, saying it is economically significant and is in line with the Buy American and Hire American executive order, which was mostly code for keeping foreign workers out of the US. 

    The decision to rescind the proposed rule came on the day Biden signed an executive order calling for the practice of racial equity in the country. US government data shows that Indian and Chinese workers account for the majority share of H1B visas and H4 visas. Indians filed 74 per cent of all H1B petitions in 2019 while the number was 11.8 per cent for the Chinese.

    The move has spread cheer among H4 visa holders back in the country.  “Ever since Trump took over, we were living on the edge as we did not know when our employment would become illegal. Now, we are more at peace,” the wife of a H1-B visa holder from Andhra Pradesh said.

    Another spouse of a H1-B visa holder said the move would bring more stability to the household. “We were unable to plan out finances over the last four years as there was absolutely no clarity on the time till when I could be employed. With this order, we now can plan our finances and future more appropriately,” she said, while giving an account of the hardship faced by her family.

  • Lady Gaga delivers powerful rendition of US national anthem at Joe Biden’s inauguration

    By ANI
    WASHINGTON: Grammy-winning musician Lady Gaga on Wednesday (local time) delivered a powerful rendition of the American national anthem at Joe Biden’s inauguration ceremony.

    According to Variety, Lady Gaga appeared to sing the national anthem in a tight black long-sleeved shirt with a golden dove on it, and a billowing bright red dress.

    Gaga sang the US national anthem with proper, Streisand-esque pronunciation in the golden microphone.

    Besides her melodious voice, her gestures also expressed pride as she raised her left fist on the word “proudly” and continued gesturing with her right hand throughout the song.

    Like most of her other performances, Lady Gaga was seen gently sobbing after finishing the national anthem with grace.

    The ‘A Star Is Born’ musician had taken to Twitter ahead of her performance to expressing that singing the “National Anthem for the American People,” is her honour.

    “Singing our National Anthem for the American People is my honor. I will sing during a ceremony, a transition, a moment of change–between POTUS 45 and 46. For me, this has great meaning,” she tweeted.

    “My intention is to acknowledge our past, be healing for our present, and passionate for a future where we work together lovingly. I will sing to the hearts of all people who live on this land. Respectfully and kindly, Lady Gaga,” she added.

    The Biden-Harris inaugural events will reflect Hollywood’s embrace of Democrats in general and Biden in particular, as per Variety.