Royce welcomes Obama’s decision to accept Modi’s invitation.
By Sujeet Rajan
NEW YORK: U.S. Rep. Ed Royce (R-CA), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, has urged President Barack Obama to push for full implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which would increase market access and lower transaction costs for U.S. and foreign companies in India, when he attends India’s Republic Day celebrations in January, as the chief guest.
“During his trip, President Obama will have the opportunity to help push U.S.-India trade relations, which are far below their potential. Some progress has been made recently, but the President needs to push for full implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, which would increase market access and lower transaction costs for U.S. and foreign companies in India,” said Royce, in a statement to The American Bazaar.
He added: “The U.S. should be encouraging Indian investment in the U.S. Progress also needs to be made on implementing the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. Given India’s significant energy needs, we need to overcome the impasse that has stalled this agreement. Too much has been invested in this critical energy area to let it languish.”
Royce welcomed Obama’s decision to accept the Indian prime minister Narendra Modi’s invitation.
“The importance of U.S.-India relations cannot be overstated. Frankly, this has been a relationship that unfortunately has struggled to find its footing in the last several years. The President’s visit could be another important step in getting this relationship back on track, following Prime Minister Modi’s very successful trip to the U.S., which I had the honor of being a part of, including welcoming the Prime Minister to Congress,” said Royce.
He added: “Given the significant threat India and the U.S. face from radicalism, the President’s visit should have a strong counterterrorism component, as well. President Obama should push for more high-level visits by each country’s various intelligence and security agencies. Our cooperation is strong, but there remains a need for greater engagement.”
Obama’s visit will mark the first time a U.S. president will have the honor of attending India’s Republic Day celebrations, on January 26th, which commemorates the adoption of India’s constitution.