Raghida Dergham is the founder and executive chairwoman of the Beirut Institute, and a columnist for The National
June 25, 2023
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful visit to Washington is a good example of the Biden administration’s readiness to nudge partners, rather than coerce them, to take positions desired by Washington.
It is noteworthy that the US has accepted India’s strategic neutrality on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, in the hope that this might evolve in the future. It has also refrained from criticising New Delhi over some of the country’s domestic challenges.
The Biden administration appeared satisfied with India’s stance towards China, without seeking to further inflame it. India boasts vast economic and technological capabilities that position it as a formidable competitor to its neighbour. India’s flexible policies have the potential to establish it as a global economic powerhouse, possibly surpassing even China in the future.
Mr Modi’s visit marks a pivotal moment in US-India relations, expanding them beyond simply countering the challenge posed by the rise of China.
It was evident that the common priority for US President Joe Biden and Mr Modi was strengthening their countries’ economic, security and military relations to support their overall strategic relationship – without any pressure to change positions on which the two sides diverge.
Their joint statement on Ukraine, for instance, underscored respect for the country’s territorial integrity, which is noteworthy given that New Delhi had previously sought to avoid taking a stance on the conflict.
Modi’s visit marks a pivotal moment in US-India relations, expanding them beyond the focus on simply countering the challenge posed by the rise of China
Washington abstained from criticising India’s extensive economic, energy and trade relations with Russia, with exports from Russia to India reportedly topping $40 billion in the last fiscal year. The Biden administration’s primary objective is for the US to eventually surpass Russia in securing military contracts that hold significant financial and security importance within the strategic relationship.
The former Trump administration had adopted a more rigid approach by trying to pressurise India to distance itself from Russia. But the Biden administration has chosen a step-by-step approach coupled with a larger American engagement with India, while maintaining a strong commitment to pursuing arms deals.
The Modi government is comfortable with this approach. It sees benefits in India’s continued participation in groupings supposedly aimed at countering China – especially the Quad, which also includes Australia, Japan and the US. Yet this is as far as New Delhi is willing to go, given that it seeks to avoid getting entangled in an outright conflict with China.
This is noteworthy in the context of the current trajectory of US-China relations.
Mr Biden recently described Chinese President Xi Jinping as a “dictator”, which appeared to be a gaffe he made at an election campaign rally. But during the joint press conference with Mr Modi, the US president refused to back down, perhaps out of concern that this might reaffirm the widespread impression that he is prone to gaffes.
Mr Biden attempted to downplay the episode by expressing his expectation of a future meeting with the Chinese president. He added that such opinions would have few implications on the US-China relationship.
Beijing thinks otherwise. It officially protested in a letter submitted by Xie Feng, China’s ambassador to the US, demanding a retraction of those statements, or else face consequences.
China, however, does not seek to escalate matters with the US. It is highly probable that diplomats from both countries will find a way out of this awkward situation, especially as it follows US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing. Mr Blinken’s trip was marked by a conciliatory tone and a concerted effort to strengthen channels of communication.
Mr Biden’s time in office has been marked by a series of slip-ups and gaffes, causing ripples of controversy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks at a lunch held in his honor hosted by US Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the State Department. Reuters
In a toast, Ms. Harris spoke of her Indian-born late mother, Shyamala Gopalan, who came to the United States at age 19 and became a leading breast cancer researcher. AP Photo
US President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with Mr. Modi and American and Indian business leaders in the East Room of the White House. From left, Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, Mr. Modi, Mr. Biden, and Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft. AP Photo
Sunita Williams, NASA astronaut, left, listens as Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of Reliance Industries, right, speaks during the meeting. AP Photo
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, is also present. AP Photo
President Joe Biden talks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a state dinner at the White House in Washington. AP
Doug Emhoff, US second gentleman, third left, attends the official state dinner. AFP
Mr Biden, Mr Modi and first lady Jill Biden at the Grand Staircase of the White House. EPA
The Bidens and Mr Modi arrive for a state dinner. AP
Mr Modi addresses a joint session of the US Congress. AP
Mr Modi speaks to the Congress. AFP
Mr Modi speaks to a joint session of the US Congress. AP
Mr Biden and Mr Modi speak during a joint press conferences in the East Room of the White House in Washington. AFP
Mr Modi and Mr Biden are expected to announce a series of defence and commercial deals designed to improve military and economic ties. Bloomberg
Mr Biden speaks at the news conference at the White House. Bloomberg
Mr Biden and Mr Modi speak in the Oval Office of the White House. EPA
Mr Biden walks with Mr Modi at the White House during the Indian Prime Minister's official visit to Washington. Reuters
Mr Modi is welcomed to the White House. EPA
Mr Biden, first lady Jill Biden and Mr Modi attend an official state arrival ceremony at the White House. Reuters
Mr Modi speaks from the South Lawn. He is in the US on a four-day state visit. AP
Mr Modi and Mr Biden watch a performance by the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps. AP
Mr Modi has said ties between the countries are 'one of the defining relationships of the 21st century'. AP
Mr Biden greets Mr Modi in Washington. AP
Indian Americans gather for the visit. AP
US Vice President Kamala Harris, right, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, second left, were among the senior officials at the event. Reuters
Mr Biden and Mr Modi exchange gifts at the White House. Reuters
A child raises a homemade poster in front of the UN headquarters in New York to welcome Mr Modi. AFP
People gather near UN headquarters to welcome Mr Modi. AP
Mr Modi attends a yoga event on the International Day of Yoga, hosted at the UN. AFP
Mr Modi, seen on screen, leads a yoga session. AFP
Mr Modi waves to the crowd after participating in a yoga class. EPA
Mr Modi gestures to participants as he arrives at the ninth International Day of Yoga event. Reuters
Mr Modi shakes hand with Tesla chief executive Elon Musk during their meeting in New York. Reuters
Mr Modi greets supporters as he arrives in New York. AP
Supporters dance ahead of the arrival of Mr Modi in New York. Reuters
The flags of India and the US adorn the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington. AP
Last year, he called Russian President Vladimir Putin a “butcher” and asserted that he “cannot remain in power”, prompting swift qualification from White House aides that his remarks did not indicate a policy of regime change. However, even as Mr Biden candidly voices his opinions that often diverge from diplomatic norms, they could sometimes be viewed as authentically reflecting the true sentiments held by the US administration.
The predicament lies in the fact that, it is the US that is seeking to demystify the US-China relationship. China, on the other hand, shows no urgency in doing so. And even if it did, it would not openly express it, as ambiguity appears ingrained in its mindset and policy. Consequently, while the relationship may tolerate occasional missteps, it will undoubtedly be affected in a manner contrary to the Biden administration’s goals. Both the US and China are averse to confrontation, and American diplomats are effectively conveying to their Chinese counterparts that verbal missteps do not define their policy. Instead, they say, the true essence of the policy is found only in precise official statements, which shape the contours and finer nuances of US foreign policy.
The message conveyed by the US to India holds significant weight, not only on content but also delivery. Mr Biden characterised the relationship with India as vibrant and thriving. The reception accorded to Mr Modi in Washington was exceptional. It included an elaborate state banquet at the White House and the opportunity for the Indian prime minister to address the US Congress.
In addition to bolstering and broadening trade, security, military, energy, technology and space relations, Mr Biden’s unwavering belief in the US and India as “two great nations, two great friends, two great powers that can define the course of the 21st century” and their potential to serve as role models in tackling the challenges of this era is not mere rhetoric or a mere verbal misstep on his part. Rather, it is a language reflecting utmost respect for a nation that has emerged in the recent past and has now matured, as it asserts itself in the scales and manifestations of great power status.
The significance of the US-India strategic partnership couldn’t be more evident.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened. He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia. Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”. Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
1) Kepa Arrizabalaga, Athletic Bilbao to Chelsea (£72m)
2) Alisson, Roma to Liverpool (£67m)
3) Ederson, Benfica to Manchester City (£35m)
4) Gianluigi Buffon, Parma to Juventus (£33m)
5) Angelo Peruzzi, Inter Milan to Lazio (£15.7m
Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29 – Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30 - UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1 - UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2 – Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4 - Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6 – Final
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Most smart home devices are controlled via the owner's smartphone. Therefore, if you are using public wi-fi on your phone, always use a VPN (virtual private network) that offers strong security features and anonymises your internet connection.
Keep your smart home devices’ software up-to-date. Device makers often send regular updates - follow them without fail as they could provide protection from a new security risk.
Use two-factor authentication so that in addition to a password, your identity is authenticated by a second sign-in step like a code sent to your mobile number.
Set up a separate guest network for acquaintances and visitors to ensure the privacy of your IoT devices’ network.
Change the default privacy and security settings of your IoT devices to take extra steps to secure yourself and your home.
Always give your router a unique name, replacing the one generated by the manufacturer, to ensure a hacker cannot ascertain its make or model number.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
SQUADS
UAE
Mohammed Naveed (captain), Mohamed Usman (vice-captain), Ashfaq Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Imran Haider, Tahir Mughal, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed, Fahad Nawaz, Abdul Shakoor, Sultan Ahmed, CP Rizwan
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa
