Month: November 2024

The event underscored the strong and growing bond between the United States and India, as well as the rich cultural traditions that Diwali represents…reports Asian Lite News

US-India Strategic Partnership Forum hosted a Diwali reception at the iconic Kennedy Center in Washington DC, bringing together dignitaries, senior government officials, ambassadors and prominent members of the DC community to celebrate the “Festival of Lights.”

The event underscored the strong and growing bond between the United States and India, as well as the rich cultural traditions that Diwali represents.

Distinguished guests included the Indian Ambassador to the United States, and the Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R Verma.

The event highlighted Diwali’s message of light triumphing over darkness, symbolizing the strengthening collaboration between the US and India.

Mukesh Aghi, President and CEO of USISPF, spoke about the deepening ties between our nations, while Indian envoy to the US Vinay Kwatra and Ambassador Richard R Verma reflected on the shared values and strong bonds driving our partnership forward.

Against the stunning backdrop of iconic Kennedy Centre, guests enjoyed cultural performances, traditional Indian cuisine and inspiring discussions on the future of India-US relations.

USISPF extends heartfelt Diwali greetings to everyone celebrating. As Diwali lights shine worldwide, USISPF remains committed to strengthening the ties that bind the U.S. and India, fostering a brighter future for both nations.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF), formed in 2017, is an independent non-profit, non-governmental, and non-partisan organization headquartered in Washington DC, with offices across both countries.

Earlier on October 29, US President Joe Biden extended Diwali greetings to the people, highlighting its significance, and acknowledged that today, the festival is proudly celebrated in the White House.

Highlighting the contributions of the South Asian American community to the fabric of American life, Biden said the community is the fastest-growing and most engaged community in the world. The President also spoke to the moment’s significance, noting that the country is facing an “inflection point” and reminding attendees not to take the ‘Idea of America’ for granted. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Dissanayake’s Diwali Vision

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 274 targets, while the State Department designated more than 120 and the Commerce Department added 40 companies and research institutions to a trade restriction list over their alleged support of the Russian military…reports Asian Lite News

The United States imposed sanctions on Wednesday on hundreds of targets in fresh action against Russia, a signal the U.S. will continue to counter evasion of its measures imposed over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The action, taken by the US Treasury and State Departments, imposed sanctions on nearly 400 entities and individuals from more than a dozen different countries, according to statements from the departments.

The action was the most concerted push so far against third-country evasion, a State Department official told Reuters. It included sanctions on dozens of Chinese, Hong Kong and Indian companies, the most from those countries to be hit in one package so far, according to the official.

Also hit with sanctions were targets in Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Switzerland and elsewhere.

The action comes as Washington has sought to curb Russia’s evasion of the sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has killed or wounded thousands and reduced cities to rubble.

“This should send a serious message to both the governments and the private sectors of these countries that the US government is committed to countering the evasion of our sanctions against Russia and to continue putting pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 274 targets, while the State Department designated more than 120 and the Commerce Department added 40 companies and research institutions to a trade restriction list over their alleged support of the Russian military.

“The United States and our allies will continue to take decisive action across the globe to stop the flow of critical tools and technologies that Russia needs to wage its illegal and immoral war against Ukraine,” Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in the statement.

China’s Washington embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said Beijing was firmly opposed to “illegal and unjustifiable unilateral sanctions.”

“The US makes false accusations against China’s normal trade with Russia, just as it continues to pour unprecedented military aid into Ukraine. This is typical double standard, and extremely hypocritical and irresponsible,” Liu said.

The Russian and Indian embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Turkey’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The US has repeatedly warned against supplying Russia with Common High Priority Items – advanced components including microelectronics deemed by the US and European Union as likely to be used for Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The State Department official said there has been an increase in the export of such goods from India to Russia, as well as increased interest in taking action against the companies facilitating such activity.

A senior administration official said Wednesday’s action was designed to signal the US would take action against Indian companies if progress is not made through communication. “With India, we have been very direct and blunt with them about the concerns we have about what we see as sort of emerging trends in that country that we want to stop before they get too far down the road,” said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity.

India-based Futrevo was among the companies targeted by the State Department, which accused it of being involved in the supply of high-priority items to the Russia-based manufacturer of Orlan drones.

The Treasury also targeted Shreya Life Sciences Private Limited, which it said since 2023 has sent hundreds of shipments of US-trademarked technology to Russia, totaling tens of millions of dollars.

A second senior State Department official told Reuters in an interview on Tuesday that more than 70% of the high-priority goods getting to Russia was from China, more than an estimated $22 billion worth since the start of the war.

“That’s over 13 times the next largest supplier,” the official said, which as of the end of 2023 was Turkey. Among those targeted on Wednesday were Hong Kong and China-based companies involved in the shipment of tens of millions of dollars worth of high-priority items to Russia-based companies or end-users, the State and Treasury departments said.

The US also took actions on a variety of entities supporting Russia’s Arctic LNG 2 project, which is 60% owned by Russia’s Novatek, and was to become Russia’s largest liquefied natural gas plant. Novatek has been forced to scale back Arctic LNG 2, which had been planned to reach an eventual output of 19.8 million metric tons per year, following a raft of US sanctions starting in 2023 with additional measures in August and September.

But the US held back from using an executive order signed by President Joe Biden last year that threatened penalties for financial institutions that help Russia circumvent sanctions. The senior administration official said banking sectors had taken notice of the authority and moved toward compliance.

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