Washington, Jan 25: In apparent criticism of the Indian government’s crackdown on certain NGOs, US President Barack Obama said today that civil society groups that strengthen communities need to be supported and not “stifled”.
The US has been critical of the Indian government’s action against NGOs particularly Greenpeace which was barred from receiving foreign funds and whose registration was cancelled in September last.
Washington had expressed worries about the “potentially chilling effects of such actions”.
Obama made a reference to the civil society groups in the course while answering a question during an interview on his goals for the India-US relationship in the last year of his presidency.
He outlined the areas in which the ties could be put on a “new trajectory for years to come” and “lock in our gains” so far.
The President emphasized that there was much more that the US and India can do together and went on to say “India can be a strong voice in support of the universal rights and dignity of all people, regardless of background or religion.
“We need to support, not stifle, the civil society groups that strengthen communities”, he remarked cryptically.
Obama also promised during the interview to “look at” export controls to make sure Indian firms have the same access to American technologies as “closest allies” and expressed the hope that the new year will see deals for the US companies to build new reactors in India.
Welcoming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to cut red tape and make it easier for doing business in India, he said both countries can do even more to increase the trade and investment that creates jobs for people in both nations.
He said the bilateral trade “is still just a fraction of what it could be” and both countries can do more.
Bilateral trade between India and the US is now around USD 100 billion – rising five-fold in the last decade.
Obama and Modi have set a goal of taking it to USD 500 billion in the next few years.
“Under our civil nuclear agreement, we’re hopeful that this year will see deals for US companies to build new reactors, which will mean more reliable electricity for Indians…
“For our part, the United States continues to look at our export controls to make sure Indian companies have the same access to American technology as our closest allies,” Obama said.
The US, he said, continued to welcome trade arrangements that meet high standards as well as reforms to protect intellectual property and promote a predictable and a consistent business environment that truly welcomes investments.
“As leaders in science and technology, we can expand our efforts to combat disease and promote public health in Africa and beyond.
“With collaborations like Mission Innovation, we can be leaders in clean energy and spare our people the worst effects of climate change. As members of the G20, we can work together to boost global growth. By moving ahead with our joint vision, we can ensure the security, prosperity and dignity of people across the Asia Pacific,” he said.
