US Insights - February 2024

India-US Relations

U.S. State Department approves $4bn sale of armed drones to India

The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of 31 armed MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones, related missiles and equipment to India for nearly $4 billion, the Pentagon said on 1 February, years after the two countries started discussing a deal. Click here to read... [2]

India-U.S. Senior Officials’ Homeland Security Dialogue (HSD) in New Delhi

During the dialogue, both sides reviewed ongoing cooperation in counter-terrorism and security domains, which has been a key pillar of the India-US strategic partnership. In this context, they discussed steps that can be taken to bolster bilateral efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, drug trafficking, organised crime and ensure transportation security. Click here to read... [3]

2024 is year of consolidation, focus & results in India-US ties: Richard R Verma

The US-India relationship stands on its own to send a very strong signal about the power of democracy, about the free and open Indo-Pacific, about the rules-based order, about inclusive societies where minority rights are protected. Over the years, the bilateral relationship between the US and India has only gotten stronger and more advanced and more involved and more in-depth. Click here to read... [4]

Opportune time for India, US collaboration: American delegation hails NEP 2020

The delegation from the Institute of International Education (IIE), comprising 31 provosts, vice provosts, deans, and other leaders from 17 different higher education institutions across the United States, was on a seven-day visit to India to explore and expand bilateral partnerships with higher education institutions between the two countries. Click here to read... [5]

Geopolitics & Foreign Policy

Kissinger and the True Meaning of Détente: Reinventing a Cold War Strategy for the Contest With China

Like détente 1.0, a new détente would not mean appeasing China, much less expecting the country to change. It would mean, once again, engaging in myriad negotiations: on arms control (urgently needed as China frantically builds up its forces in every domain); on trade; on technology transfers, climate change, and artificial intelligence; and on space. Click here to read... [6]

U.S. carries out retaliatory airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

The U.S. military launched airstrikes on Friday in Iraq and Syria against more than 85 targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) and the militias it backs, in retaliation for attack in Jordan that killed three U.S. troops. Click here to read... [7]

U.S. Senate confirms Asia hand Kurt Campbell as No. 2 diplomat

Campbell's selection for the position reflected the importance of the U.S.-China relationship. China poses a daunting diplomatic challenge for the United States, which wants to counter its growing military without provoking a conflict and to curb what Washington views as the country's unfair business practices while avoiding an all-out trade war. Click here to read... [8]

Eyeing China, Biden limits personal data transfers to U.S. rivals

The executive order applies to the sale and transfer of genomic, biometric and financial data, among other personal information of U.S. citizens. China is expected to be named a country of concern, along with Russia, North Korea and Iran. Click here to read... [9]

Senate passes $95 billion package with aid for Ukraine and Israel, setting up showdown with the House

The foreign aid package includes billions of dollars to support Ukraine and for security assistance for Israel, as well as humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, the West Bank and Ukraine, among other priorities. Click here to read... [10]

Bangladesh and U.S. Pursue Post-Election Reset

A senior U.S. government delegation visited Bangladesh this week with an agenda that included strengthening diplomatic ties and advancing shared interests in the Indo-Pacific region. The group comprised the National Security Council’s Eileen Laubacher, the State Department’s Afreen Akhter, and the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Michael Schiffer. Their discussions also focused on climate change, trade, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and labor rights. Click here to read... [11]

US Elections & Internal Dynamics

Biden’s Next Steps on Immigration

President Biden has come to recognize that the surge of undocumented immigration during his presidency is a threat to his re-election. He knows that most voters are unhappy about the increase. So are mayors and governors who have been left to deal with an expensive and often chaotic situation. Click here to read... [12]

A Biden Ally Wades Into the Divide Over Gaza and Emerges With a Warning

Representative Ro Khanna of California assumed the unofficial role as mediator between Democrats disaffected by Mr. Biden’s Middle East policies and Biden allies like himself. He met with students, Arab American leaders and progressive voters, many of whom said they were, at least for now, withholding their support from Mr. Biden. Click here to read... [13]

Trump Defeats Haley in Michigan, His Sixth Straight Victory

Mr. Trump’s victory over Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina, extends an unbroken streak in the nominating contests. Michigan is his sixth straight triumph, and it is his second, after Nevada, in a state expected to be a crucial battleground come November. Click here to read... [14]

How Trump’s Courtroom Calendar Collides With His Campaign Calendar

Never before has a candidate pursued the presidency while facing criminal charges. Former President Donald Trump faces 91 of them, as well as civil claims. Here is the 2024 calendar the Republican front-runner has to negotiate to fend off criminal convictions and civil liabilities and get himself into the White House throughout primary season. Click here to read... [15]

Trump says U.S. must impose more tariffs on China, possibly over 60%

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose tariffs on China again if he is elected in November and they could exceed 60%. Click here to read... [16]

Trump on NATO: Spend more on defense or Russia can 'do whatever' it wants

Trump warned NATO allies that he "would encourage" Russia "to do whatever the hell they want" to countries that are "delinquent" as he ramped up his attacks on foreign aid and longstanding international alliances. Click here to read... [17]

Mitch McConnell to step down from GOP leadership position in the Senate

McConnell has long been a towering figure in Washington, DC, and has made history over the course of his political tenure. In 2023, McConnell became the longest-serving Senate party leader in history. Click here to read... [18]