Clinton talks of new era with India, but tensions remain; Jakarta bombings suggest terrorists getting more sophisticated; Khatamai calls for Iranian referendum; Chinese admit killing Uighurs; and more
Top of the Agenda: Secretary Clinton in India
In the first visit to India by a top Obama administration official, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed a “comprehensive strategic approach” (NYT) in U.S.-India relations that covered issues as wide-ranging as education, food security, and climate change. In a major address at Delhi University on Monday, she talked about an “exciting new approach” to relations between the countries that went beyond traditional diplomacy to greater exchanges among business people, students, and activists.
Clinton is also expected to sign an agreement (AP) later today that would allow U.S. companies to sell nuclear reactors to India. She may also sign an end-use monitoring agreement (Times of India) for U.S. arms sales to India, which would entitle the United States to ensure India uses arms it purchases from the United States for their intended purposes, and that India does not allow others to obtain the technology.
But her visit also highlighted lingering disagreements between the two governments especially on the issue of climate change and U.S. push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the developing world. India’s environment and forests minister, Jairam Ramesh, argued that India is not in a position to “take legally binding emissions targets." (WashPost). Clinton responded, saying in a news conference on Sunday that the United States is not interested in undermining India’s economic growth (NYT).
Background:
This CFR Backgrounder looks at the U.S.-India nuclear deal.
Analysis:
In an Expert Brief, CFR’s Evan Feigenbaum says Clinton should focus on strengthening bilateral trade, energy, and nonproliferation ties while in India.
A Foreign Affairs article says the Obama administration has been largely neglecting its relationship with India.
PACIFIC RIM: Police Killed Uighurs During Riots
China said on Sunday that police shot 12 Uighurs to death (Telegraph) during the recent riots in Urumqi, the capital city of Xinjiang province. The announcement by a Chinese official marked the first time the government acknowledged that police fired on the crowd.
Indonesia: The Wall Street Journal says last week’s terrorist attacks in Jakarta raised fears that terrorists’ tactics are increasingly targeting Western executives, and that their tactics are becoming more sophisticated.
ELSEWHERE:
Mumbai attacker pleads guilty
Khatami calls for referendum on the recent election results
Honduras talks stall
This is an excerpt of the CFR.org Daily News Brief. The full version is available on CFR.org