03-20-2006, 05:27 AM
Hi,
Just got back to the USA from a week long trade mission to India. Met and visited with several key interloculaters and ministers in the IT, Agriculture, Commerce ministries. Also, ficci and other organizations.
Coming soon after President Bush's visit, we were received warmly and most of our meetings reinforced the feel-good developing U.S. - India relationship with a few mou's and deals signed between companies in both countries. "The last mile" schism remains. Indians saying they have bent backwards to reduce tarrifs etc (from 100% to 46% now) and we countering that that is not yet sufficient. Perhaps, Indinas need to acclerate the reduction in bureaucracy, tarrifs at a much faster pace. As ususal, I found Indian politicians and bureaucrats using the pretext of democracy as an excuse for non-performance.
The crowning glory of my trip was the personal meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Kalam. The half hour meeting was intense, and he asked extremely incisicive questions on a project I am trying to implement in India. He was clearly prepared for the interview and discussed specific questions and issues (unlike other ministers) and appropriateness for Indian conditions. Dr. Kalam outlined his vision for India (on areas under discussion) and encouraged me to come up with actionable plans within the next 8 weeks.
Still recovering from the jet-lag. More later!
Just got back to the USA from a week long trade mission to India. Met and visited with several key interloculaters and ministers in the IT, Agriculture, Commerce ministries. Also, ficci and other organizations.
Coming soon after President Bush's visit, we were received warmly and most of our meetings reinforced the feel-good developing U.S. - India relationship with a few mou's and deals signed between companies in both countries. "The last mile" schism remains. Indians saying they have bent backwards to reduce tarrifs etc (from 100% to 46% now) and we countering that that is not yet sufficient. Perhaps, Indinas need to acclerate the reduction in bureaucracy, tarrifs at a much faster pace. As ususal, I found Indian politicians and bureaucrats using the pretext of democracy as an excuse for non-performance.
The crowning glory of my trip was the personal meeting with His Excellency President Abdul Kalam. The half hour meeting was intense, and he asked extremely incisicive questions on a project I am trying to implement in India. He was clearly prepared for the interview and discussed specific questions and issues (unlike other ministers) and appropriateness for Indian conditions. Dr. Kalam outlined his vision for India (on areas under discussion) and encouraged me to come up with actionable plans within the next 8 weeks.
Still recovering from the jet-lag. More later!