Combative Allies

There was more than usual interest among Indian diplomats in the deliberations of the US Senate in the first week of July. Amendments to the US's National Defence Authorisation Act were being debated, one of which would put India, from the US perspective, almost on a par with members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in defence matters. Its provisions provide the US the legal framework it needs to increase cooperation with India on counterterrorism, maritime security and humanitarian assistance. The Bill, ratified by the Senate, is now before the House of Representatives, which is likely to take it up before it adjourns for its August recess. Though the original Bill, which would have given India de facto NATO ally status was somewhat watered down, it is still a big step towards strengthening the strategic alliance between the US and India.

Back in India, US e commerce companies like Amazon and Walmart have been complaining ever since the commerce and industry ministry issued the controversial "Press