India-US joint statement remains basis for interim trade agreement: New Delhi
New Delhi (PTI): India on Thursday said its joint statement with the US remains the basis for a proposed interim trade agreement, and that the amendments in a White House fact sheet reflect the shared understandings.
The fact sheet, brought out by the White House on Monday, triggered a controversy as it mentioned that India would reduce tariffs on "certain pulses" and had "committed" to buying American goods, including energy and technology, worth USD 500 billion over five years.
The document was revised later and the contentious issues were removed.
"As you are aware, the India-US joint statement on the framework for an interim agreement on reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade was issued on February 7," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
ALSO READ: Indian student mowed down by police vehicle in Seattle: Family to get Rs 260 cr compensation
"The joint statement is the framework and remains the basis of our mutual understanding in the matter. Both sides will now work towards implementing this framework and finalising the interim agreement," he said.
Jaiswal was responding to a question on the issue.
"The amendments in the US fact sheet reflect the shared understandings contained in the joint statement," he said.
It is learnt that the Indian side flagged concerns over the formulations in the fact sheet following which the White House made the amendments.
The revised fact sheet issued Tuesday removed the reference made regarding pulses.
"India will eliminate or reduce tariffs on all US industrial goods and a wide range of US food and agricultural products, including dried distillers’ grains (DDGs), red sorghum, tree nuts, fresh and processed fruit, soybean oil, wine and spirits, and additional products," it said.
"India intends to buy more American products and purchase over $500 billion of US energy, information and communication technology, coal, and other products," it said.
It also removed a reference to India removing its digital services taxes. The amended document said that the Indian side is committed to negotiate digital trade rules.
The amended fact sheet also stated that India "intends to buy" more US goods.
In a related development, US Ambassador Sergio Gor met Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and discussed ways to advance the India-US partnership.
"Always a pleasure to meet with Foreign Secretary @VikramMisri. We had a great discussion on advancing the U.S.-India partnership. So many opportunities ahead now that the trade deal has been finalized!," Gor said on social media.
Following a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, both sides announced reduction of US tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 50 per cent.
To a question on Trump's Board of Peace, Jaiswal said India received an invitation for it and New Delhi is currently considering it.
"As far as the Board of Peace is concerned, we have received an invitation from the US government to join the Board of Peace. We are currently considering this proposal and reviewing it," he said.
Jaiswal said India has consistently supported efforts that promote peace, stability, and dialogue in West Asia.
"Our prime minister has also welcomed all such initiatives that pave the way for long-term and lasting peace in the entire region, including Gaza. So, with regard to the invitation to join the Board of Peace, we are presently reviewing it," he said.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Delhi: Father, son held for killing 19-year-old woman in suspected honour killing
New Delhi (PTI): The Delhi Police has arrested a man and his son for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old daughter in west Delhi's Hari Nagar area, an official said on Friday.
The case first came to light on April 1 after a PCR call was received around 2 pm, alleging that a woman had been killed by her family members and her body was being taken for last rites, he said.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Maneer (55), a vegetable vendor, and his son Meraj Ali (19), were arrested in connection with the case, the officer said.
The victim had been in a relationship with a man from her native place for the past two years, which was opposed by her father, Maneer and brother Meraj, he said.
"When the girl did not end the relationship despite objections, the family killed her," the officer said.
On April 1, the police said that when their team reached the spot, they found that the woman's body was being taken for burial.
Acting on the input, the burial process was stopped over suspicion of honour killing.
"Police intercepted the family members and took possession of the body," he said.
Police said that the man who had made the PCR told them that the woman was in love with his cousin.
During the inquiry, police also interacted with the PCR caller, who said his cousin, a friend of the deceased, had informed him about the situation and suspected foul play, prompting him to alert the police control room.
The body of the woman was subsequently shifted to the mortuary of Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital for preservation and postmortem.
Police said that both the crime team and the forensic science laboratory (FSL) team were called to inspect the scene and collect evidence.
Police said that, as per the postmortem report, the cause of death was identified as smothering, indicating that the woman was suffocated.
A preliminary inquiry also revealed that the family had initiated preparations for the last rites soon after the woman's death, raising suspicion about the circumstances.
Initial investigation pointed to the family's opposition to the woman's relationship.
"The family members of the woman saw her with the man, and she was taken back home. We got to know that she was beaten up and even locked inside the house for some days," a source said.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, police added.
