India - Partner In Growth
Greetings from the Embassy of India in Washington D.C.!
Welcome to the  August 30, 2018, edition of our weekly newsletter, bringing you important policy and high-impact news about India.
I hope you find it useful.
-- Shambhu Hakki, First Secretary, Press, Information and Culture

YouTube
Facebook Twitter
KEY POLICY DECISIONS
U.S. Calls India 'All-Weather Partner' Ahead of 2+2 Dialogue
 
Describing India as an "all-weather partner," the U.S. has said the upcoming 2+2 dialogue with the country is an important opportunity to enhance engagement on a range of diplomatic and security issues and discuss how to operationalize India's status as a major defense partner. U.S. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and Secretary of Defense James Mattis will travel to New Delhi in September for the 2+2 dialogue.



FM Jaitley: India Has Achieved Financial Inclusiveness Faster than any Other Country

"No doubt we will continue to retain sweet spot of fastest-growing economy," said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, speaking to a bankers' conference. "Macroeconomic fundamentals are strong. Our challenges are really external." 


 
Govt. OKs $6.9 Billion for Made-in-India Defense Purchases

In what can be termed as the biggest push to the "Make in India" program of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the efforts at modernization of armed forces, the Defence Acquisition Council has approved procurement for services amounting to around $6.9 billion.


 
India to Pursue International Ban on Terror Chief Masood Azhar with U.S.
 
India will pursue its case with the United States for an international ban on Jaish-e-Muhammed chief and Pathankot airbase attack accused Masood Azhar during the upcoming 2+2 dialogue with the U.S. Defense Secretary and Secretary of State.

 
PM Modi Offers Condolences on Passing of Sen. John McCain

Prime Minister Modi wrote on Twitter: "Deeply saddened by the demise of Senator John McCain. People of India join me in sincerely condoling the loss of a steadfast friend. His statesmanship, courage, conviction and understanding of global affairs will be missed."


 
HIGH-IMPACT NEWS
Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Invests in India's Paytm

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway has made an investment in India's One97 Communications Ltd., the parent company of digital payments firm Paytm, a spokeswoman confirmed.


 
Make in India: Indian Firm Delivers More Chinook Chopper Parts to Boeing

In another boost to Prime Minister Modi's "Make in India" program, American defense contractor Boeing and India's Dynamatic Technologies have announced delivery of another set of aft pylon and cargo ramp components for Boeing's H-47 Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.



FDI Into India Grows 23% in April-June 2018 Quarter

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in India grew by 23 percent to $12.8 billion during the April-June quarter of 2018-19, Government data show. Key sectors that received maximum foreign investment during the first quarter include financial services, trading, telecommunications, computer software and hardware and power ($969 million).




Amazon India's Fintech Play

Jeff Bezos's e-commerce behemoth is making strategic investments to build an ecosystem of financial products and services to take on Flipkart and Paytm in India.




Minnesota's NLDC to Make $30 Million Investment in Haryana Transport System

U.S.-based Northern Lakes Data Corporation (NLDC) has offered to invest $30 million in the state of Haryana's transport system to strengthen public transport and mobility. The investment is expected to create 2,000 direct and indirect jobs.




TRANSFORMING INDIA
Girls Playing Cricket: Enfranchising Everyone in India's Great Game

Hundreds of thousands of pupils in schools across India are getting lessons in the art of cricket. But for a country which counts the sport as a national passion, these classes are not about finding another cricket superstar such as Virat Kohli.Instead the aim is to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality between the sexes.

 

Have a business problem with India you need fixed?
Email us at: [email protected] or  [email protected]