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| US consul-general Katherine Dhanani at Ravenshaw University. Picture by Badrika Nath Das |
Cuttack, Feb. 1: US consul-general Katherine Dhanani said here today that the US saw India as a “natural partner” as both countries shared certain commonalities.
Speaking at a lecture on the Indo-US relations at Ravenshaw University, Dhanani said the US wanted India to improve its bilateral ties with China, which had emerged as a superpower.
“The US shares close links with India as they share commonality in different fields starting from democracy to diversity, trade and economy. Though China’s rise has been noted in the recent past, US sees India as a natural partner,” said Dhanani.
Dhanani also emphasised that there had been considerable improvement in the ties between US and India post 1990.This has helped India get closer to the US, which had changed its immigration laws resulting in active participation of Indian-Americans, who were the most endearing groups in the country and also involved in active politics.
“The focus of US is on Asia and we want to emulate India in terms of science and education. There have also been developments in areas such as food security, counter terrorism, finance, education and maritime security,” said Dhanani.
There is also a need to fulfil the past commitments to strengthen ties between the US and India in the form of UN Security Council endorsement or completing the civil nuclear partnership and the bilateral investment treaty.
The US also saw India as an Asian power and essential partner in the pacific, US-India-Japan trilateral consultation and engagement with ASEAN and China, she said.
“The entire world looks up to the US to solve various problems and we are trying to find ways to solve them,” Dhanani said.
On the other hand, stability in Pakistan was needed for the entire world and the US was engaging the government in a dialogue as per the international values of the United Nation, the consul-general said.
“There are some elements in Pakistan who want to see stability in the country which is also in the interest of India. There has been a considerable improvement in the Indo-Pak dialogue which is essential for a peaceful world,” Dhanani said.
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