Is Congresswoman Ross Optimistic About the Revival of India-US Trade Talks?

Washington, September 12 (NationPress) Congresswoman Deborah Ross, who serves as co-chair of the Congressional Study Group on India (CSGI) and is a fervent supporter of India-US relations, voiced her optimism about the potential for the diplomatic connection to be 'restored'.

In a unique interview with IANS in Washington on Thursday, Ross, a Democratic Representative representing North Carolina, expressed her hope that the relationship will regain momentum as trade discussions commence anew.

“I feel quite encouraged that the dialogue has recommenced. After three decades of positive exchanges and a robust educational and business relationship, we stand as the two largest democracies globally. We must not drive India closer to Russia and China,” she elaborated, emphasizing that her hope is for the relationship to be rejuvenated.

This statement aligns with remarks from Sergio Gor, the Trump administration's nominee for US Ambassador to India, who referred to New Delhi as a “strategic partner” during his Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. He also indicated that both nations are nearing a trade agreement.

Ross posited that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he interacted with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, served as a “wake-up call” to the US administration, making a significant impact in Washington to “revitalize this relationship” with India.

She remarked that it was a “wise decision” for PM Modi to convey to the United States that “he has alternatives.”

“I perceive it as a smart strategy on his part, showcasing that he has options. Unfortunately, those options are not favorable; they are detrimental for both him and us,” she observed.

On the interpersonal dynamics between PM Modi and President Trump, Ross expressed hope that “advisors to the president will inspire him to revert to his previous stance.”

In July, Ross spearheaded a bipartisan coalition of 14 lawmakers urging Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address the delays Indian students face in obtaining student visa appointments, emphasizing the $9 billion economic contribution these students make to the US.

While she has not directly heard back from Secretary Rubio, she is actively engaging with affected universities and students.

“I have been in contact with numerous higher education institutions regarding their efforts to expedite visa approvals and support these students,” she stated in her interview with IANS.

Additionally, Ross discussed her advocacy for “expanding” H1B visas amid the Trump administration's proposed changes to the current framework.

“The business sector is keen on expanding these visas. The reality is that the US is not producing enough qualified individuals for many high-skilled positions. We lack sufficient doctors and engineers. We must broaden these visas, as no single nation monopolizes innovation,” she asserted.

Ross emphasized that India is the “ideal partner” for this exchange due to its status as a transparent democracy.

“Establishing cooperation with India is crucial, as you embody a transparent democracy. We would prefer this relationship over those with more authoritarian regimes, which compromise our intellectual property and pursue different agendas,” she stated.

In August 2023, Ross participated in a congressional delegation to India, visiting the Mumbai-based Western Naval Command headquarters with Representative Ro Khanna to promote robust bilateral defense relations.

She suggested that the current India-US trade tensions might only have a temporary effect on other collaborative efforts.

“I remain optimistic that with the resumption of talks, we can initiate some reparative measures. I hope this will not have long-term repercussions,” she added.

Ross also revealed that another bipartisan delegation is scheduled to visit India in February next year.

“I aim for a strong relationship with Congress, which motivated my recent visit to India with Representative Khanna. My prior visit to India as a state legislator further solidifies my commitment, and I look forward to returning,” she stated.

Addressing the rise in targeted attacks on Hindu temples and other places of worship in the United States, the Congresswoman remarked that some “individuals are attempting to incite division, blaming others for their circumstances.”

“In response, I have taken two key actions. First, I ensured that places of worship can access grants for security enhancements. Second, we have a federal law protecting places of worship and facilitating federal protections; however, Republicans have attempted to repeal this law since it also safeguards access to abortion clinics. I have been vocally opposed to the repeal of this law,” she concluded.