Advent of New Relations Between the U.S. and India
Individuals from various ethnicities gathered at The Palace restaurant to listen to a panel discussion about the controversial alliance involving nuclear energy between India and the United States. The event was organized and moderated by Mr. Narender Reddy. The purposes of this panel were to open a debate, educate and garner support regarding the pending agreement between the two countries. The panel members consisted of Dr. Jagdish Sheth, Dr. Seema Gahlaut and Mr. Suresh Sharma, three distinguished Indian-Americans well versed on the topics of economics and politics.
Dr. Sheth, Professor of Marketing at Emory University, opened the discussion with a summary of the benefits of the new relationship between India and the U.S. in a macro holistic manner. Sheth, author of "The Tectonic Shift", also spoke of his support in this alliance and added that the aging population in the U.S and rise of China are some of the reasons that warrant the bonding of the two countries. He stated, "The U.S. needs India more than India needs the U.S.", to emphasize the economic benefits and dependence of the U.S. on India.
The second panelist Dr. Seema Gahlaut, Director of the South Asia Program at the Center for International Trade and Security (CITS), University of Georgia, summarized the topic of India as a nuclear power. She stated that the U.S. could not beat India in the nuclear sector so the decision to cooperate became the best alternative. According to Gahlaut, "There are many causes to why changes have happened; the nuclear deal is just one manifestation of how these changes are taking place. The growing convergence between India and the U.S. is a logical progression."
Mr. Suresh Sharma, CEO of JS3 Global & Executive Director of India China and America (ICA) Institute, was the last panelist. He shared his expertise regarding matters of nuclear energy, efficiency and technology. In his discussion, Mr. Sharma pointed out the renaissance the energy sector was undergoing and the benefits that U.S. and India could reap through this amalgamation of advanced technologies. He stated, "India is a developing country with a developed intellectual infrastructure".
The panelists with moderator Mr. Narender Reddy, fielded questions from the audience which pertained to the relationship between India and Iran, the effect of nuclear plants on the environment and the future of the alliance between India and the U.S. Mr. Reddy also updated the audience about his meetings with Georgia's Congressional delegations and their support to the proposed legislation in Congress. The audience was urged to write to the Georgia Senators and Congressmen to seek their support and copies of model letters were supplied at the meeting. Through this discussion many views were considered and misconceptions were laid to rest as well.
- Hajra Hasan
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