Thursday, March 18, 2010
Restrictive export controls counterproductive: Sharma
From The Hindu
At a recent briefing on the trade agreements signed between India and the United States Industry Minister Anand Sharma and India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Meera Shankar answered questions from the media on a range of related issues.
On India’s perception of overly restrictive export controls in the U.S., particularly with regard to high-technology, dual-use items, Mr. Sharma said, “Yes, there have been some concerns in India on some of the [control], which I have in the past conveyed to Ambassador Ron Kirk. We are clear that protectionism of any kind, or any moves which discourages economic engagement, or weakens it, are counterproductive.” Ms. Shankar added that the Obama administration was in the process of undertaking a high-powered review of the entire legal and regulatory framework for export controls and she expected the outcome to provide some positive momentum.
Reacting to a question on the civilian nuclear agreement Ms. Shankar said, “I can say that discussions putting in place the remaining steps to facilitate full implementation of the nuclear agreement are ongoing, they are making good progress, and we hope that we will be able to finalise all issues soon.”
To a question on India’s role in Afghanistan Mr. Sharma clarified, “We will continue despite the attacks that have been mounted, to deter India. We have reaffirmed very forcefully India’s resolve and commitment to continue to help the people of Afghanistan. We have an excellent relationship and communication with the government in Kabul.
At a recent briefing on the trade agreements signed between India and the United States Industry Minister Anand Sharma and India’s Ambassador to the U.S. Meera Shankar answered questions from the media on a range of related issues.
On India’s perception of overly restrictive export controls in the U.S., particularly with regard to high-technology, dual-use items, Mr. Sharma said, “Yes, there have been some concerns in India on some of the [control], which I have in the past conveyed to Ambassador Ron Kirk. We are clear that protectionism of any kind, or any moves which discourages economic engagement, or weakens it, are counterproductive.” Ms. Shankar added that the Obama administration was in the process of undertaking a high-powered review of the entire legal and regulatory framework for export controls and she expected the outcome to provide some positive momentum.
Reacting to a question on the civilian nuclear agreement Ms. Shankar said, “I can say that discussions putting in place the remaining steps to facilitate full implementation of the nuclear agreement are ongoing, they are making good progress, and we hope that we will be able to finalise all issues soon.”
To a question on India’s role in Afghanistan Mr. Sharma clarified, “We will continue despite the attacks that have been mounted, to deter India. We have reaffirmed very forcefully India’s resolve and commitment to continue to help the people of Afghanistan. We have an excellent relationship and communication with the government in Kabul.
Labels: Anand Sharma, export controls, India, protectionism, United Staes
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