New Delhi: During a significant discussion on Indo-US relations and India’s neighbourhood, held at the India International Centre, New Delhi, on October 23, 2024, Ambassador Jayant Prasad, remarked “India has built a $40 billion investment footprint in the US, and our student population there continues to grow. However, the US has failed to extend the totalization benefits that India deserves.”
The panel, featuring Ambassadors Kanwal Sibal, Shyam Saran, and Jayant Prasad, with Lord Rami Ranger CBE serving as the Chief Patron, focused on the growing strategic partnership between India and the US.
Ambassador Prasad highlighted India’s successful navigation of defence and technology partnerships with the US. “India will soon provide a logistics, repair, and maintenance facility for mutual benefit,” he noted. However, he expressed concern over the US’s ongoing support for Pakistan, accusing it of fostering terrorism in the region through substantial financial aid.
Ambassador Kanwal Sibal stressed the importance of the convergence of interests between the two countries, especially in countering China’s influence. “While the strategic partnership has strengthened, we must remain mindful that global relations can shift quickly, depending on political circumstances,” he warned.
Lord Rami Ranger echoed the theme of evolving alliances, pointing out that external forces, including Canada, manipulate India’s internal conflicts to weaken the nation. “It’s essential that we form alliances based on shared interests, not opportunism,” he remarked. He also emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment as a foundation for a more resilient society.
Lord Ranger is among the top 100 richest Indians in the UK and was awarded a record eight times by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth for taking British supermarket products to Europe, Africa and the Middle East
The event was hosted by the Shaheed Nanak Singh Foundation in collaboration with the Alumni Association of Post Graduate Govt. College, Chandigarh. The discussion was moderated by Shri Hardayal Singh and Shri Navneet Son.