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.
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"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.
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Allahabad HC orders police protection to married couple apprehending 'honour killing'
Prayagraj (PTI): The Allahabad High Court has granted protection to a married couple who expressed fear that they may be killed by the woman's family.
The order was passed by a division bench comprising Justice JJ Munir and Justice Tarun Saxena on March 25.
"No individual can make an 'honour issue' out of a consenting adult marrying a person of their own choice. It is the state's duty to protect the life, limb, and property of such persons even against their own family members," the bench said.
The court was hearing a petition filed by Prachi Agrawal and her partner, who sought relief in connection with an FIR filed under Section 87 of Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for kidnapping, and abducting or inducing a woman to compel her marriage.
The couple submitted that they married at an Arya Samaj temple and possessed a marriage registration certificate issued under the Uttar Pradesh Marriage Registration Rules, 2017.
The petitioners alleged that the woman's family members were averse to their marriage and lodged a bogus FIR against them.
The couple further submitted a joint affidavit expressing apprehension of an honour killing by the woman's family.
The court said that a prima facie case was made out and issued notice to the private respondent and granted two weeks to file a counter-affidavit.
Meanwhile, as an interim measure, the court granted the petitioners protection from arrest.
The court also explicitly ordered the woman's family members and relatives not to harm the petitioners, enter their matrimonial home, or establish contact with them directly or through any electronic means.
The bench directed the Aligarh senior superintendent of police to ensure that no harm comes to the couple and posted the matter for hearing on April 8.
