A Publication of the Embassy of India, Washington, D.C.

August 1, 2013

I India RevieI w Vol. 9 Issue 8 www.indianembassy.org

Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari with Vice President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. in New Delhi on July 23. India, US ties get strategic boost

n India committed to n India ready to discuss n Power Minister fair investment bilateral investment Jyotiraditya Scindia environment: FM treaty with US visits U.S. Cover STORY Vignettes of Vice President Biden’s visit

.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s four-day visit to India (July 22-25) provided Ua valuable opportunity to renew the high-level political contact between the two countries. He was accompanied by his wife, U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden, their daughter Ashley and son-in-law Howard D. Crein. The essence of his message contained in his remarks in Mumbai where he noted: “I would ask you to consider the historic opportunity that we have here...imagine what our two countries can achieve together, not only for one another but for the economic and political stability of the region.”

Vice President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr., with India’s then Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai at Air Force Station, Palam, in New Delhi on July 22.

Vice President Biden with Tara Gandhi, grand - daughter of Mahatma Gandhi, at the Gandhi Smriti, in New Delhi on July 22. (Photo:Shivraj )

Vice President Biden interacts with students during his visit to the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, on July 25. 2

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Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh with Vice President of the United States Joseph R. Biden Jr. in New Delhi on July 23. India, US ties get strategic boost India and the U.S. emphasized on the synergies between the two countries and vowed to take forward their cooperation in areas ranging from trade, security, energy, innovation, implementation of civil nuclear deal to regional issues such as Afghanistan and the neighborhood during U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr.’s visit to India

ndia and the U.S. discussed the Prime Minister’s official residence on how to take forward the commer - ways to enhance economic —7, Race Course Road. cial aspects of the civil nuclear agree - cooperation and implementa - The Prime Minister “underlined ment between the two countries. Ition of the civil nuclear deal, the significance of economic Afghanistan, the drawdown of the among other issues, as visiting U.S. exchange between the two countries U.S.-led international forces in 2014 Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in helping India to tackle the host of and the new regime in Pakistan were and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan issues relating to enhancement of the also touched upon during discussions Singh met in New Delhi on July 23. well-being of the Indian people”. on regional issues. Vice President Biden, who arrived in Both sides held discussions on ener - National Security Advisor New Delhi on July 22 on a four-day gy, innovation as well as on regional Shivshankar Menon, Foreign Secretary visit, held discussion with Prime issues such as Afghanistan and the Ranjan Mathai, Ambassador Minister Singh for around an hour at neighborhood. They also discussed Nirupama Rao and Foreign Secretary-

August 2013 India Review Cover STORY

designate Sujatha Singh were present called on President Pranab during the talks. Vice President Mukherjee, and met United Earlier, the U.S. Vice President Mohammad Hamid Progressive Alliance Chairperson called on Indian Vice President Sonia Gandhi. Mohammad Hamid Ansari where he Ansari underscored the Keeping up the momentum in their outlined President Barack Obama’s need for continuous ties, Prime Minister Singh is to visit and his “personal commitment and attention to building the the U.S. in September for a bilateral interest” in expansion of India-U.S. meeting with U.S. President Barack relations and said India’s Look East India-U.S. partnership Obama. policy was complementary to that is based on shared This was discussed during talks America’s “re-balancing towards values of liberty, between Vice President Biden and Asia”. Prime Minister Singh. Vice President Ansari emphasized on constitutionality, The Prime Minister would attend the the vibrancy of the bilateral relation - democracy and tolerance UN General Assembly in New York ship which, he said, indicated that rela - and then visit Washington for a bilater - tions have “grown from strength to al summit with President Obama. This strength”. He said the areas of agree - tionality, democracy and tolerance. will be President Obama’s first bilater - ment between the two sides were con - Ahead of his trip, Biden had said al meeting with the Indian Prime siderable and expanding and highlight - his visit to India and Singapore was Minister in his second term. ed that “huge segments of the Indian intended to reinforce the White population were extremely supportive House strategy of ‘rebalancing’ Following is the text of Indian Vice of improved relations”. towards Asia and the Pacific. President Mohammad Hamid The Indian Vice President also spoke The U.S. Democratic Party politi - Ansari’s speech at the banquet of the need for continuous attention to cian, who visited India with his wife hosted in honor of U.S. Vice building the partnership that is based Jill Biden, their daughter Ashley and President Joseph R. Biden Jr. in on shared values of liberty, constitu - son-in-law Howard D. Crein, also New Delhi on July 23:

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U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. called on President Pranab Mukherjee in New Delhi on July 23.

August 2013 India Review Cover STORY

“A visit to India by the Vice President of the United States of America is a rarity and, therefore, all the more meaningful. Its significance is enhanced many fold when the visi - tor happens to be Joseph Biden, a leg - endry figure in the Senate of United States, known to the world long before he came to occupy, and re-occupy for a second term, this august office. Your reputation, Vice President, 5 traveled ahead of your arrival last evening. You have been described as Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari hosted a banquet in honor of U.S. Vice President Joseph R. a moderate pragmatist and a funda - Biden Jr., in New Delhi on July 23. mentally happy person. These are invaluable traits in our troubled times worthy, as is the prospect of even when the effort is to contain the lev - From an Indian stronger ties in trade, investment, and els of unhappiness that surround us. perspective we have energy. Each of these furthers our Relations between nations, with the United States more own national effort for inclusive Excellencies, are mostly reflective of a defense cooperation, more development. complex set of considerations per - strategic dialogues, more eco - Peace in the world and in our own taining to values and interests. The nomic exchanges and more region is a pre-requisite for sustained two do not always converge; they and sustainable development. Threats may at times even diverge. The chal - science and technology part - to peace, many in India’s immediate lenge to the statesmen, as someone nerships than with any other region, are the greatest impediments to once put it, is to steer on the stream country. Our cooperation in progress. They emanate from terror - of time with “more or less skill and education and health is par - ism, extremism, intolerance, injustice experience.” The endeavor should be ticularly noteworthy, as is the and misuse of the benefits of science to seek points of convergence and prospect of even stronger ties and technology. It is incumbent on our build upon them. two nations to counter these threats, Wishing to be friends, it is said, is in trade, investment, and jointly and individually, with a realistic quick work but friendship is a slow energy. Each of these furthers perspective of the dangers they pose. ripening fruit that requires diligent our own national effort for Countering threat to peace is one tending. inclusive development aspect of our cooperation; equally Happily for our two countries, the — Vice President Mohammad important and inseparable from it is areas of agreement are considerable Hamid Ansari promotion of stability and widening and expanding. They are premised on the global arc of prosperity. shared values of liberty, constitutional - n Both necessitate a deeper under - ism, rule of law, democracy, tolerance standing of each other’s essential and promotion of diversity. We both interests and legitimate aspirations. believe that discussion is an indispen - n Both make incumbent an on-going, sable preliminary to wise action. no-holds barred dialogue. Remarkable progress, Vice n Both call for focused cooperation President, has been registered in our and even more intensive people-to- bilateral cooperation. We now have a people contacts in which, I presume, tradition of political engagement at language is not an impediment. the highest level. Your visit today As vibrant democracies we cherish, adds to the edifice. as you do, the right to disagree with - From an Indian perspective we out losing sight of our endeavor for have with the United States more the common good. Your visit and defense cooperation, more strategic your own long-standing personal dialogues, more economic exchanges commitment, Vice President, has and more science and technology contributed to this endeavor. partnerships than with any other It has been a pleasure meeting you. Vice President of the United States Joseph R. Biden country. Our cooperation in educa - Jr. meeting with Indian Vice President Mohammad I wish you a pleasant and fruitful stay tion and health is particularly note - Hamid Ansari in New Delhi on July 23. in Mumbai.”

August 2013 India Review Cover STORY ‘India-US trade can grow five-fold’ Welcoming India’s efforts to develop new trade and transportation links by land and by sea, visiting U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. said India and the U.S. were ‘not at odds on any strategic objective’

peaking on ‘U.S.-India Partnership’ at the Bombay Stock Exchange in Mumbai Son July 24, U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. called for further expanding the growing eco - nomic cooperation with India and expressed hope that, if right choices were made, bilateral trade could grow five-fold. Lauding India as “a rising power”, the U.S. Vice President praised India’s plans for future growth, saying the country had risen exponen - tially during the past decade mainly due to bold steps toward liberalization it took in 1991. He underlined that trade between India and the U.S. grew five-fold to touch $100 billion in the past 13 years. “We see tremendous opportunity and there is no reason, that if our countries make the right choices, the trade cannot grow five- U.S. Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. addressing at BSE in Mumbai on July 24. fold or more,” the Vice President said. The first U.S. Vice President to visit people everywhere in the world. And former head of Tata Group, Azim India in over three decades, Biden that message is: No nation need to Premji, Chief of Wipro, Pratyush appreciated India’s regional role and choose between development and free - Kumar, President of Boeing in India, welcomed its engagement and efforts dom. They are not inconsistent.” and other business leaders at the Taj to develop new trade and transporta - Drawing attention to the common Mahal hotel in Mumbai. tion links by land and by sea. He also challenges that two of the world’s “There was an honest discussion acknowledged the role of the Indian largest democracies face, the U.S. Vice about how both governments — the community in America’s growth story President said both the U.S. and India Indian government as well as US — saying the U.S. had benefitted due to have been targeted by terrorists. He could be productive in reducing trade the “Indian human capital”. said that the U.S. has been sharing barriers,” the U.S. Vice President Showering praise on Indian democ - intelligence with India on terror in said. racy and conveying the admiration of order to avoid situations like 9/11 and After the meeting with business the American people, the Vice 26/11, and support India’s claim for a heads, Vice President Biden said India 6 President said, “I bring with me the permanent seat in a revamped UN and the United States were “not at admiration of the American people and Security Council. odds on any strategic objective”, but the good wishes of President Obama. needed to find ways to take the India- We admire the way you’ve melded eth - Meeting with Indian business U.S. relationship forward. nicities, faiths and tongues into a sin - honchos “We mean what we say when we say gle, proud nation; the way entrepre - Vice President Biden met with top that the relationship between India and neurship seems almost hard-wired into Indian business leaders as he discussed the U.S. has unlimited potential and Indian society, from rickshawwallas to ways to enhance bilateral trade “expo - there is no reason why trade, com - web programmers; and may be most of nentially over time” and address issues merce and intercourse between our all, we admire your democracy and the hindering trade on July 24. countries can’t increase exponentially message that your democracy sends to He held discussions with Ratan Tata, over time,” he said.

August 2013 India Review Cover STORY Vignettes of Vice President Biden’s visit 7

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Vice President Biden’s wife, U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden, interacts with students during her visit to Anjuman-I-Islam Girls High School in Mumbai on July 25.

U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden at the Taj Mahal in Agra on July 23.

U.S. Second Lady Jill Biden at the Kachchpura village opposite the Taj Mahal in Agra on July 23. She interacted with children and office bearers of the Adarsh Mahila Arogya Samiti.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS ‘India ’s power sector has enormous growth potential ’ India has launched a $25 billion financial re-structuring plan (FRP) aimed at improving the viability of the state power utilities

peaking of great potential for sector. The addition of 200 GW of U.S. investments and cooper - total transmission capacity including ation in the Indian power sec - 66 GW in inter-regional capacity and Stor, India’s Minister of State the crucial integration of the Southern for Power Jyotiraditya Scindia stated grid with the rest of the country by the potential areas of such cooperation January 2014, would make it the include transmission technologies, largest integrated transmission net - development of large scale hydro work globally. This would ensure power, supercritical technology devel - secure operation of the grid. opment for efficient energy produc - The Minister also spoke of the tion, smart grids and energy efficiency institutional mechanisms set up by improvement programs. the Ministry comprising private and Minister Scindia, who was in public sector experts — Bankers’ Washington, D.C. on a visit at the invi - group, Inter-Ministerial groups — tation of the Brookings Institution, a for coal and environment. In order to Washington, D.C. think tank, said ensure time bound follow up of the India had launched a $25 billion finan - decisions taken in these groups, a cial re-structuring plan (FRP) aimed at Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Power Dashboard Mechanism had been set improving the viability of the state Jyotiraditya Scindia delivering a talk at up at the Minister’s level. power utilities. the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. on He said that India had taken several July 2. Delivering a talk on “Indian Energy important decisions with regard to com - Security in the context of the Power structured around the 3A strategy: petitive procurement of power, issues of Sector,” he said thanks to various Availability, Accessibility and financing and environment clearance of energy efficiency measures there had Affordability. In this context, he stated hydro projects. Regular interactions with been a savings equivalent of 11,000 that India has performed admirably in the Forum of Regulators and the Central MW of avoided capacity in the past 5 terms of capacity addition in genera - and State regulatory agencies is also years. Addressing the issues of growth tion, having added about 50 GW over undertaken to ensure timely regulatory of the Indian power sector, the Minister the period 2007-2012, and expected intervention to address various matters said it was especially significant in the to add another 118 GW over the next such as tariff, grid security and power Indian context, since apart from meet - five years, of which renewable capacity procurement, the Minister pointed out. ing India’s energy requirement, it also would be 30 GW. Earlier, at a power roundtable drives capital investment and resultant He informed that important steps organized by the US India Business growth. have been taken in the past seven Council at the Harvard Club New He explained about the initiatives months to improve fuel availability — York on July 1, Minister Scindia 8 taken by India in the recent months to coal and natural gas — to the power assured that an institutional frame - address the challenges of growth in work had been put in place to attract power sector and how these impact the The Indian power sector potential investors in the power sec - framework of India-U.S. cooperation tor. He also addressed members of in power sector in general and renew - has added about 50 GW industry at a dinner reception hosted able energy as well as energy efficiency over the period 2007- by the Indian Consul General. matters in the context of overarching 2012, and is expected to The Minister stressed on the bilater - strategy for low carbon growth and al ties between India and the U.S. clean energy adopted by India. add another 118 GW which have developed into a global He emphasized that the policy of the over the next five years strategic partnership based on conver - government in the power sector was gence on global issues.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS ‘India committed to transparent, fair investment environment ’ To address concerns of the U.S. investors in India, showcase the investor- friendly steps that India has taken in recent times and the huge business opportunity that the country offers, Finance Minister P. Chidambaram and 9 Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma held meetings with U.S. lawmakers and business leaders

Organization (WTO) rules, he told Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus on July 10. As they exchanged views on the global economic situation, Chairman Baucus, fondly recalled his first visit to India as a young student in the 1960s and his meeting with Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Minister Chidambaram, who was on a four-day visit to the U.S., also met with CEOs and top management offi - cials of a number of U.S. companies, including Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Boeing and International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC). He emphasized the need for U.S. companies to set up local manufac - turing bases in India, saying “it is in the mutual interest of both countries for India to become a large manufac - turing economy”. In discussions focused on the cur - rent business and investment envi - ronment in India, the issues high - lighted by the U.S. companies includ - ed transfer pricing relating to profit allocation and taxation. The impact of the comprehensive immigration reforms recently passed by the U.S. Senate on future business prospects of Indian Information From left, Co-Chair of House India Caucus Congressman Joe Crowley from New York, Finance Technology (IT) companies operating Minister P. Chidambaram, Congressman Ami Bera from California and Congressman Erik Paulsen from Minnesota during a meeting, in Washington, D.C. on July 11. in the U.S. was also discussed. Minister Chidambaram underscored Indian inance Minister P. environment for foreign investors. concerns about the bill’s provisions Chidambaram has assured While some concerns have been relating to skilled non-immigrant visas. U.S. corporate leaders and expressed about the current business The representatives of the U.S. Flawmakers that India is com - environment in India, the policies companies were appreciative of the mitted to ensuring a transparent, fair adopted by India are pro-growth and measures taken by India to address and non-discriminatory investment compliant with the World Trade concerns relating to transfer pricing.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS

He also met with the Chairman of the U.S. Ex-Im Bank, Fred Hochberg and other senior officials of the Ex- Im Bank on July 10. India-US ties: Untapped potential Finance Minister Chidambaram, Commerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia were the keynote speakers at the 38 th anniversary lead - ership summit of the US-India Business Council (USIBC) on July 11. The three top government leaders in-charge of the economy assured potential U.S. investors that India continued to offer huge business opportunities. Addressing the U.S. corporate leaders’ concerns about the business environment in India, Finance Minister said the two countries have Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma addressing the 38 th Anniversary Leadership Summit a great opportunity to work together. of US India Business Council, in Washington, D.C. on July 11. Noting that the two way trade between India and the U.S. had and abiding commitment to take the India respects IPRs topped $100 billion, yet seemed far India-U.S. relationship to greater Seeking to allay U.S. concerns about below potential, the Minister said heights, dilated on a series of steps business climate in India, Finance “there is huge opportunity for U.S. to taken by the Indian government to Minister P. Chidambaram told U.S. invest in India and a good opportuni - improve the business and investment lawmakers that India respects intellec - ty for India to invest in U.S.”. climate in India. tual property rights (IPRs) and its laws “Today Indian companies have He spoke about a national manu - were compliant with World Trade grown in size, stature and capacity. facturing policy and creation of sin - Organization rules. “The Indian law They work with U.S. companies and gle-window clearance “self-govern - affirms intellectual property rights sometimes compete with U.S. com - ing” national investment and manu - (IPRs) and the process of granting panies,” he said, but they should not facturing zones to assure U.S. busi - compulsory license and patent regis - let “a few cases of business rivalry” nesses that India was committed to tration are WTO compliant and sub - stand in the way of good relations. liberal policies with a welcoming envi - ject to judicial review”. “Our two countries have a great ronment for Foreign Direct He also stressed the importance of opportunity to work together not Investment. India becoming a manufacturing hub only for the benefit of our people but for meeting its own domestic needs the world,” he noted. “We are a and for re-balancing the global country where we are building our India had demonstrated economy. economy brick by brick, and in that its capacity to meet the In a meeting with members of the process we seek your help.” U.S. House of Representatives on July 10 India as the largest country with the challenge with high 11, the Finance Minister also greatest challenge of poverty advocated growth rates of up to expressed India’s “discomfort” with free trade, end of barriers and end of 9 percent during the the comprehensive immigration bill poverty, Minister Chidambaram said now moving through U.S. Congress as noting that India had demonstrated its global financial crisis, it would make it harder and more capacity to meet the challenge with Finance Minister expensive for Indian technocrats to get high growth rates of up to 9 percent P. Chidambaram said at H1B visas to work in the US. during the global financial crisis. This was especially so “because the Commerce & Industry Minister the USIBC leadership issue of temporary relocation of Anand Sharma, on the other hand, summit knowledge workers, which is not reiterating that India had a strong ‘immigration’ by any definition, has

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS been linked to the larger issue of immi - gration”. The restrictions sought to be India set to become world’s manufacturing placed on knowledge workers amount to non-tariff barriers, he said. hub: Minister Anand Sharma Those present during the hour- ith India committed to making itself a as factors that would continue to drive eco - long meeting were Democrat Co- Wmanufacturing hub of the world, nomic growth. Chair of House India Caucus Joe Commerce and Industry Minister Anand The Minister particularly emphasized that Crowley and House members Sandy Sharma has said that India offers a long-term India and the U.S. share a larger, strategic Levin, Erik Paulsen, John Larson and business and investment opportunity. relationship with deep and growing engage - the India-American member of the Minister Sharma was addressing the U.S. ments in sectors such as aerospace, nuclear, House Ami Bera. India’s Economic business leaders at a conversation hosted by defense, agriculture, information technology, 11 Affairs Secretary Arvind Mayaram the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and communications, science and technology. and the Indian Ambassador to U.S. the US India Business Council (USIBC) in New Joint collaborations in science and technolo - Nirupama Rao also attended. York on July 10. gy, innovation, research and development have There was a wide ranging discus - He outlined the various policies undertaken further strengthened the bilateral partnership. sion that covered the gamut of India- by the Indian government to invigorate manu - He pointed to strong two-way investment U.S. relations. More specifically, facturing and to create the right conditions for flows, with U.S. FDI in India pegged at $32 issues such as compulsory licensing, inviting investments into the country. billion and Indian investments into the U.S. patent protection, preferential market Highlighting the steps taken by the gov - projected to stand at $13 billion. access, immigration bill in the U.S. ernment to spur business and investments in At the same time, the Minister stressed Congress and increase in FDI in the country, Minister Sharma spoke about the that partnership was a two-way process and areas such as defense and financial National Investment and Manufacturing that the imperative of free movement of services were discussed. Zones (NIMZ) being set up across India and skilled professionals was an aspect that Minister Chidambaram under - the single window approval mechanism for needed to be recognized and respected. scored that there was close coopera - investments. To highlight the myriad business opportu - tion between the two countries in He also mentioned the fast-tracking of crit - nities open to the U.S. and Indian companies, areas such as security, defense etc. ical infrastructure projects, use of technology a high-powered Confederation of Indian and the civil nuclear agreement to minimize paperwork for investment pro - Industry (CII) CEOs delegation was accompa - between the two countries was a posals, the efforts to tackle the emotive issue nying the Minister during his U.S. visit. path-breaking landmark. of land and the establishment of a cabinet Led by Ajay Shriram, President-designate, CII The U.S. lawmakers spoke of their committee on investments chaired by the & Senior Managing Director and Chairman, deep interest in promoting India- Prime Minister. DCM Shriram Consolidated Ltd., the delegation U.S. relations and advancing mutual - Saying that 2012 was a difficult economic included Chandrajit Banerjee, Director General, ly beneficial cooperation between the year for India, the Commerce & Industry CII; Sunil Bharti Mittal, Chairman and Group two countries. They appreciated the Minister pointed to the country’s strong fun - CEO, Bharti Enterprises Limited; Analjit Singh, opportunity to exchange views with damentals such as thriving domestic Chairman, Max India Limited; Rajan Navani, the Finance Minister and stressed the demand, a high national investment rate (35 Managing Director, Jetline Group of Companies; value of continuing such dialogues percent) and a high savings rate (31 percent) and Som Mittal, President, NASSCOM. and engagement to accelerate the deepening of the India-U.S. strategic partnership. Minister Chidambaram also had “useful discussions” with Co-Chairs of the Senate India Caucus Mark Warner and John Cornyn of Texas. The road ahead Indian and U.S. business and gov - ernment leaders reviewed how they could together further enhance India-U.S. economic engagement, including an expansion in opportuni - ties for private sectors in trade, investment, and innovation at a meet - ing of the India-U.S. CEO Forum in Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma addressing at the US-India CEO Forum Meeting, in Washington, D.C. on July 12. Washington, D.C. on July 12. Ambassador Nirupama Rao and industrialist Ratan Tata are also seen.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS

Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma, Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia and other dignitaries during the US-India CEO Forum Meeting, in Washington, D.C., on July 12.

“There was lot of positivity in our expand opportunities for our private their conversations at the June 24 exchange,” Commerce and Industry sectors in trade, investment, and Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi, Minister Anand Sharma said. “Both innovation,” State Department Psaki said. sides are taking steps to ensure that spokesperson Jen Psaki, said. “Obviously the fact that the US- this partnership not only remains “The participants also enjoyed very India CEO Forum happened today, robust, but is also consolidated,” said productive conversations anew as that there were robust conversations Minister Sharma, who attended the well as ongoing collaborations on about the trade relationship, the meeting along with Finance Minister water and energy efficiency, agricul - importance of that, and continuing to P. Chidambaram and Planning tural technology, aviation, security, expand on it speaks to how much we Commission Deputy Chairman health, and more, underscoring the value the India partnership,” she said Montek Singh Ahluwalia. true depth and breadth of the US- in response to a question. Deputy National Security Advisor India partnership,” she said. Earlier opening the forum meeting, Caroline Atkinson, Trade The US-India CEO Forum is a key Deputy Secretary of State William J. Representative Michael Froman, element in the broad India-U.S. eco - Burns asked it to focus on four key Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, nomic engagement following up on areas of FDI, defense trade, nuclear Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, power and people as they work out and Under Secretary for Economics, ways to boost India-U.S. business Energy, and Agricultural Affairs The U.S. lawmakers relationship. Robert D. Hormats represented the spoke of their deep “The full participation of the private U.S. side. sector is indispensable to a sustain - CEO co-chairs Ratan Tata of Tata interest in promoting able long-term partnership,” he said. 12 Group and David Cote of Honeywell India-U.S. relations “That’s why this Forum is so led CEOs from seven U.S. and six and advancing important,” Deputy Secretary Burns Indian companies for a five-hour mutually beneficial said suggesting “a number of specific long session of the US-India CEO areas where I believe we can achieve Forum at the State Department. cooperation between the near-term progress and deliver a India-U.S. bilateral trade is nearing two countries. They solid return on the investment in our $100 billion, and the CEO Forum appreciated the oppor - relationship.” “reviewed our very robust public-pri - Launched in July 2005, the forum vate cooperation in support of that tunity to exchange views is mandated to develop a road map and how we can further enhance with Finance Minister for increased partnership and coop - U.S.-India economic engagement, P. Chidambaram eration between the two countries at including how our governments can a business level.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS India ready to discuss bilateral investment treaty with US The two countries have agreed to have an uninterrupted dialogue on BIT at the ministerial level 13 meetings with U.S. lawmakers, offi - cials and business groups. Minister Sharma said while no date had been set for the first round of talks on the BIT outlining the terms and conditions for U.S. and Indian invest - ment in each other’s country, he and Froman had “agreed to have an unin - terrupted dialogue at the ministerial level” on economic issues. The India-U.S. Trade Policy Forum, the premier bilateral forum for the dis - cussion and resolution of trade and investment issues between them, would meet in New Delhi later this year. Asked if the US-India Business Council’s goal of boosting bilateral trade in goods and services to $500 billion annually in the next five years was a realistic target, Minister Sharma said “if we make a real effort, we can reach it by 2020.” Though two-way trade between the Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma with the United States Trade Representative Michael Froman in Washington, D.C. on July 11. two countries had risen to $106 billion annually, he said there was clear recog - ith a view to enhancing Representative Michael Froman and nition on both sides that “our econom - economic partnership other U.S. officials on July 12. ic engagement though robust was still with the U.S., New Delhi “We would be definitely in favor of below potential.” Whas signaled a readiness enhancing our economic partner - India was far more welcoming of to begin talks with the U.S. on a bilat - ship,” through a bilateral investment American business than believed in eral investment treaty. treaty (BIT) or a free trade agreement, Washington, Minister Sharma said, “We have said that ‘yes, we are ready the Commerce & Industry Minister and “we are doing everything to cor - to be in talks’. We have signalled our said at the end of a four-day U.S. visit rect the perception.” acceptance,” Indian Commerce & during which he and Finance Minister To get that message across about Industry Minister Anand Sharma said P. Chidambaram addressed U.S. ease of doing business in India, the after meetings with U.S. Trade concerns about Indian policies in National Manufacturing Policy proposes to raise the share of manu - facturing from 16 percent of GDP to Though two-way trade between the two countries 25 percent of GDP in a decade. had risen to $106 billion annually, there was clear India and the U.S., he said, had also agreed to work together to recognition on both sides that “our economic ensure that the December meeting of engagement though robust was still below potential” the World Trade Organization in Bali was a success.

August 2013 India Review India-US NEWS

“We have agreed to put together a P. Chidambaram too “discussed the through proposed reforms to lift work programme. We will work very value of strengthening cooperation foreign direct investment restrictions closely with all our partners to get a between the United States and India in several sectors of the economy. broad consensus around the key issues on strategic economic issues, including The U.S. Trade Representative of trade facilitation and food security,” through a potential US-India Bilateral underscored the importance of avoid - he said. Investment Treaty.” ing policies that disadvantage foreign “We are for a healthy, positive and USTR Froman expressed apprecia - goods and services, and reiterated the balanced outcome.” tion for Minister Chidambaram’s U.S. welcoming of news that India’s In a separate meeting USTR efforts to address concerns about the Preferential Market Access Policy was Froman and Indian Finance Minister investment climate in India, including to be reviewed and modified. Minister Sharma calls on US Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker ommerce & Industry Minister Anand Sharma met with U.S. CCommerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in Washington, D.C. on July 12 and congratulated Pritzker on her appointment as the new Commerce Secretary. Sharing India’s concerns with regard to inclusion of restrictive provisions on mobility of skilled pro - fessionals in the U.S. immigration leg - islation currently under consideration in the U.S. Congress, Minister Sharma conveyed Secretary Pritzker that the movement of highly trained profes - sionals delivering technology services should not be mistaken with the immi - grants. During the meeting, the Commerce & Industry Minister also briefed Secretary Pritzker on India’s patent regime which is based on law; is fully TRIPS compliant and is backed Minister for Commerce & Industry Anand Sharma with the U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker by strong enforcement mechanisms. in Washington, D.C. on July 12. Underlining the need for a frank exchange of views on various bilater - al issues, Minister Sharma empha - Minister Sharma and Commerce Secretary Pritzker sized the importance of approaching agreed to maintain high-level communication these issues from the perspective of between them on various bilateral issues 14 enhancing India-U.S. trade and eco - nomic engagement. He highlighted the opportunities Minister Sharma and Commerce The Commerce & Industry for the U.S. businesses in India’s Secretary Pritzker also agreed to Minister also met with the President National Manufacturing Policy and maintain high-level communication and CEO of Walmart Asia Scott Price informed the U.S. Commerce between them and strengthen func - to discuss issues related to multi- Secretary that India had approved tional dialogue mechanisms between brand retail trading. He also held setting up of 13 National Investment the officials on both sides. meeting with Amazon.com’s Vice and Manufacturing Zones of which Secretary Pritzker accepted President for Global Public Policy eight have been approved along Minister Sharma’s invitation to visit Paul Misener to discuss issues per - Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor. India on mutually convenient dates. taining to e-commerce.

August 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

How India discovered Vasco Da Gama: A talk by historian Dr. Sanjay Subrahmanyam

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1. Counselor M. Sridharan welcoming the guests and introducing noted historian Dr. Sanjay Subrahmanyam, Professor and Doshi Chair of Indian History at UCLA, to the audience at a talk on “How India discovered Vasco Da Gama”, at the Embassy on July 8. 2. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the gathering. 3. Talk on “How India discovered Vasco Da Gama” by Professor Subrahmanyam. 4. Interactive session with Professor Subrahmanyam. 5. Guests in attendance.

August 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Talk by Prof. Pawan Dhingra on ‘Entrepreneurship in America: Indian Americans’ Contributions and Challenges’

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1. Counselor M. Sridharan welcoming and at the Embassy on July 30. 4. Professor Dhingra delivering his talk on introducing Prof. Pawan Dhingra, Professor 2. Ambassador Nirupama Rao addressing the “Entrepreneurship in America: Indian and Chair of Department of Sociology at gathering. Americans’ Contributions and Challenges”. Tufts University, to the audience, at a talk on 3. Fred Schwartz, President, Asian American 5. Interactive Q&A session with Professor “Entrepreneurship in America: Indian Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA), Dhingra, Americans’ Contributions and Challenges”, speaking on the occasion. 6. Guests in attendance.

August 2013 India Review Embassy EVENTS

Showcasing Indian classical dance

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1. Counselor M. Sridharan welcoming the guests at an event showcasing Indian classical dance hosted by the Embassy in collaboration with ‘Things To Do DC’ on July 25. 2. Gregory Bland, CEO, Things To Do, speaking on the occasion. 3. A presentation of Indian classical dance by Kasi Aysola from Dakshina/Daniel Phoenix Singh Dance Company. 4. Guests in attendance.

August 2013 India Review Embassy NEWS Taranjit Singh Sandhu takes charge as the new Deputy Chief of Mission enior officer of the Indian Director (BSM) from September Foreign Service (IFS) Taranjit 2004 to July 2005 looking after Singh Sandhu assumed his Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Snew assignment as Deputy Myanmar in the Ministry of External Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Affairs in New Delhi. India, Washington D.C. on July 29. A In July 2005, Sandhu joined 1988 batch IFS officer, 50-year-old Permanent Mission of India to United Sandhu previously served as the Nations, New York, where he was Consul General of India in Frankfurt India’s delegate to UN Committee on from September 2011 to July 2013. Peacekeeping; UN Committee on Sandhu served in the former Soviet Information; UN Committee on Union (Russia) as the Third Secretary Decolonization and Fourth Committee (Political)/Second Secretary of UN General Assembly. (Commercial) from 1990-1992. Sandhu returned to the UN head - Following the break up of Soviet quarters in March 2009 and held Union, he was sent to open a new charge of Joint Secretary (United Embassy in Ukraine. He served as Secretary (Political) responsible for Nations). He later served as Joint Head of Political and Administration in liaison with the U.S. Congress. He Secretary (Administration), heading Embassy from 1992 to 1994. spearheaded India’s successful efforts the Human Resource Department On his return to India, Sandhu to obtain congressional waiver of sanc - Division of Ministry of External Affairs served as OSD (Press Relations), tions imposed on India following its till August 2011. Ministry of External Affairs from 1994 nuclear tests in 1998. Born on January 23, 1963, Sandhu to March 1997. He was responsible for He served as Counselor (Political) graduated with History (Hons) from liaison with foreign media in India. in the High Commission of India, St. Stephens’ college in New Delhi. He In April 1997, Sandhu joined Colombo from December 2000 to is married to Reenat Sandhu, who is Embassy of India, Washington, as First September 2004. He also served as also an IFS officer (1989 batch).

Consulate EVENTS Consulate General of Houston

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1. During his visit to San Antonio, Consul General Cities International (SCI); Alexander Zakharov, of Honor at the 2013 Hindu Youth Awards P. Harish participated as a panelist in the 2013 Consul General of Russia; P. Harish, Consul Gala with Chief Guest Congresswoman Tulsi Sister Cities International Conference Foreign General of India; Klaus-Jochen Ghlcke, Consul Gabbard (D-HI, 2 nd District) organized by Diplomatic Panel with the theme “The Power General of Germany; Dr. Jostein Mykletun, Hindus of Greater Houston on July 13. In of Exchange: Creating Sustainable Cities and Consul General of Norway and Thomas Lisk, photo, Consul General P. Harish and Sustainable Relationships” on July 13. In photo, Chairman, SCI Board of Directors. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard with Garima from left, Mary Kane, President & CEO, Sister 2. Consul General P. Harish attended as a Guest Doshi, an awardee.

August 2013 India Review Diaspora NEWS Catalyzing social and economic change Through its programs on education, livelihoods, public health and leadership development, a U.S.-based organization has created opportunities for India’s poor

or Sunita Koli, child of a sea - sonal migrant worker, forming the habit of studying was not 19 Fan easy task as her parents were constantly on the move. Now, with the American India Foundation’s Learning and Migration Program (LAMP), Sunita has understood the value of education. “Now that I’m about to join Class XII, I understand the value of education. No matter what anyone says, I am going to go to col - lege and get a job that will help me, my family and my community to improve our lives,” says a determined and con - Over 280,000 children in migration-prone regions of India have benefited from the LAMP program of AIF. fident Sunita. She is among over 280,000 children in migration-prone both Americans and Indians. Thus AIF Harnessing the potential of youth regions of India who have benefited was born and incorporated as a AIF’s MAST provides marginalized, from the LAMP program of AIF. 501(C)(3) non-profit institution. unemployed youth with a comprehen - Established in 2003, LAMP addresses AIF has since built a nationwide plat - sive skills training program that equips the deficiencies in education among form in the U.S. and India that focus - them with the knowledge and skills children of seasonal migrant workers es on five distinct programmatic areas needed to secure employment as well through the promotion of hostels, in education, livelihoods, public health as to succeed on the job in India’s school learning support, and stable and leadership development. Through high-growth industries. So far, the home and educational environments to these programs, AIF has created program has trained over 105,000 ensure that the children stay in school. countless opportunities for India’s youth across 20 states with a job place - LAMP now also facilitates school poor to live successful, productive lives ment rate of 74 percent. governance to empower communities while creating impactful change at an so they can take ownership of their unprecedented scale, changing the Empowering the urban poor children’s education. lives of more than 1.7 million of India’s AIF facilitates access to asset-based The journey of AIF started in 2001, less fortunate. micro-credit and social services, and at the time when a tragic earthquake helps to improve the livelihoods of devastated large areas of Gujarat. A Bridging the educational and rickshaw drivers and their families. In small group of like-minded philanthro - digital divide the past three years, AIF has enabled pists spearheaded by President Bill AIF’s Digital Equalizer (DE) over 47,000 rickshaw drivers in Uttar Clinton, Victor Menezes of Citigroup program is a computer-aided learning Pradesh, Bihar and Assam to become and Lata Krishnan, a Silicon Valley program that bridges the educational owners of their vehicles, thereby creat - entrepreneur, channelized the collec - and digital divides in India by prepar - ing a life-changing asset. tive spirit and energies of the Indian ing children in government schools to diaspora, traveled to the site, funneling compete in the digital economy. William J. Clinton Fellowship desperately needed funds and support Targeting children in grades six and The William J. Clinton Fellowship for to people who had lost their homes and above, DE provides computer and Service in India is named in honor of livelihoods. Amid the reconstruction Internet education to teachers and stu - President Clinton for his commitment efforts, they recognized the need for a dents and helps teachers to be more to India and citizen service. Since philanthropy platform that would effective by implementing project- 2001, AIF has sent 297 Fellows to connect the world’s two largest democ - based learning methodologies. To date, India to work with 137 NGOs and racies and provide a trusted bridge for DE has trained over 29,000 teachers in social enterprises. meaningful participation in India’s over 3000 schools across 78 districts, — M.A. Ravi Kumar, CEO, democratic and economic growth for reaching 870,000 students. American India Foundation

August 2013 India Review Science NEWS Indian scientists use neem protein to fight cancer

he medicinal power of the ize tumor micro-environment consist - humble neem, widely used in ing of tumor cells and tumor associat - India as an insecticide and ed non-transformed cells that help in Tgermicide, is now being tumor progression. Basically, NLGP channelized by a group of Kolkata modulates the tumor microenviron - scientists to wage a war against ment in such a way that it restricts fur - cancer. ther growth of the tumor,” The team of researchers at the Rathindranath Baral, Head of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Department of Immunoregulation and Institute (CNCI) here has shown (in Immunodiagnostics, CNCI, said. its two successive papers) how a puri - Besides the immune cells (that fied protein from neem leaves inhibits infiltrate the tumor site from the growth of tumor cells in mice. bloodstream) the TME consists of a Instead of targeting the cancer cells elements are enslaved by the cancer - variety of other cells (fibroblast and directly, the protein — Neem Leaf ous cells to promote their growth and endothelial cells) in addition to a Glycoprotein or NLGP — modulates proliferation. Therefore, instead of range of growth factors that activate the immune cells (cells that are destroying the lethal cells, the guard and promote growth of tumor cells. responsible for providing immunity to cells actually favor their growth. Among the immune cells is a group the body against harmful agents) pres - What makes NLGP special is that of cancer-killing cells called CD8+T ent within the tumor environment and the extract modifies the milieu of cells cells. also in the peripheral system like surrounding the tumor (called tumor As the microenvironment returns to blood. microenvironment or TME) and the tumor-directed hostile state, trig - Immune cells are normally hostile spurs these cells towards a normal gered by NLGP, the population of T to cells that are dangerous to the body state that is debilitating for toxic cells cells shoots up, thereby aiding in including cancer cells. However, in a like cancer cells. restriction of the cancer. NLGP also unique role-reversal during tumor “In our recent study we have seen shields the T cells from developing a development, these crucial defense that NLGP has the potency to normal - non-reactive state (called anergy).

133 new species of fauna TERI tops global discovered in India think-tank list cientists have discovered 133 and other universities and colleges he Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) new species of fauna in India across the country. This shows the Tof India has been ranked the top climate Sand among the most significant extent of biodiversity our country think-tank globally by the International is a bird — yet to be named — found holds within it,” Natarajan said. Centre for Climate Governance (ICCG), a in the Great Nicobar Island. “I am sure that by exploring the var - statement said recently. Scientists have also discovered new ious remote and isolated places within TERI won species of spiders, reptiles, insects and the 10 major biogeographic zones of under the cate - fish in various parts of the country that our country, we can discover many gory ‘Absolute have been compiled by the Zoological more species,” she added. Global Rankings’ 20 Survey of India (ZSI) in Animal Elaborating on the important and all its activi - Discoveries 2012. discoveries, ZSI director K. ty outputs pro - Releasing the book recently, Venkataraman said, “A significant one duced in 2012 Environment Minister Jayanthi would be that of a yet to be named bird were taken into Natarajan said India has only about in the Great Nicobar Island.” consideration. two percent of the world’s land surface, “Though our researchers have taken “It is particularly relevant and a matter of but is known to have over 7.52 percent a picture of this elusive bird during one great pride for India to see that TERI has of the total animal species in the world. of their surveys in the island, efforts been ranked right at the top in the ICCG “I am indeed happy to know that are on to gather more information on Climate Think Tank Ranking,” said Dr. R.K. 133 species which are new to science this bird, including netting one for Pachauri, Director General, TERI. were discovered by scientists from ZSI proper description,” he said.

August 2013 India Review Cinema NEWS Pran: The gentleman villain Veteran Bollywood actor Pran acted in more than 400 movies in a career spanning over six decades and made smooth, seamless transitions from a hero to a villain to a character artist, playing each role with rare finesse 21

ecognized by that drawled the role of a lead hero in some movies, that era, including Dilip Kumar, Dev ‘barkhurdaar’ in his steely his personality and natural acting tal - Anand, Raj Kapoor, Shammi Kapoor, voice, Indian film industry’s ents came to the fore only as a villain in Shashi Kapoor, Rajendra Kumar, Raj Rmost hated reel life villain, those early days of the black-and-white Kumar, and later Dharmendra, Rajesh Pran Krishan Sikand — or Pran as era. His piercing, intense and unwa - Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan and many movie credits and fans always called vering deadly eyes made him a tailor - others. him — bid his final goodbye on July 12 made villain for the romantic heroes of “Throughout an estimable career, to all the onscreen heroes who happily (Pran) used his eyes, voice, diction, bashed him up and the heroines who Pran’s filmography mirror of facial mobility and body language to dreaded him. his versatility powerful effect,” was how the leg - Born into a wealthy family in Delhi Here is a list of some of his films: endary Amitabh Bachchan described on February 12, 1920, Pran lived and n Khandan (1942) him a few years ago. was educated in Lahore, Kapurthala, n Ziddi (1948) Pran acted in over 400 movies in a Meerut, Dehradun, Rampur, Unnao n Barsaat Ki Ek Raat (1948) career spanning over six decades and and finally Mumbai as his father, Lala n Bari Behen (1949) made smooth, seamless transitions Kewal Krishan Sikand, was a govern - n Sheesh Mahal (1950) from a hero to a villain to a character ment contractor building bridges and n Azaad (1955) artist, playing each role with rare roads. n Chori Chori (1955) finesse, his ‘extra touch’ ensuring Though he seemed interested in and n Halaku (1956) that each was different from the pursued a course in photography in n Devdas (1956) other. The roles ranged from being the Lahore, a chance meeting with a movie n Tumsa Nahin Dekha (1957) domineering, cruel brother-in-law in producer got Pran a role in Yamla Jat in n Madhumati (1958) Ram Aur Shyam , the limping and love - 1940 when he was 20. n Chhalia (1960) able Malang Chacha in Upkar , the After the partition of India, Pran, n Jis Desh Men Ganga Behti Hai (1960) streetsmart fraud in Victoria No. 203 , who had married Shukla in 1945, n Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai (1961) and the brother of the character played decided to leave the Lahore film indus - n Half Ticket” (1962) by Dev Anand who reforms after learn - try and shift to then Bombay. n Kashmir Ki Kali (1964) ing his true identity in Johny Mera But, unlike his smooth entry in n Dil Diya Dard Liya (1966) Naam to the rough but kind Pathan in Lahore, it was the start of a brief peri - n Love in Tokyo (1966) Zanjeer , the evil lame Uncle Kaido in od of struggle to get a foothold in n An Evening in Paris (1967) Heer Ranjha and the stern jailer in Bollywood. Though he managed to get Kaalia , among many others.

August 2013 India Review Cuisine OF INDIA

Tastes of the Northeast A Northeastern meal is always balanced; for every spicy dish there is a bland one

By Atul Lahkar

he culinary canvas of India’s tribes, no meal is complete without cakes, stir fried duck, etc., are some Northeastern region is as plain boiled vegetables that go with of the popular dishes of the region. vast as the lifestyles of the the more spicy dishes. It is the soup The main ingredients used in the Tpeople inhabiting this beauti - of these boiled vegetables that gives Northeastern dishes should be record - ful land of blue hills and green val - the tribesmen the strength to climb ed first, as without those a note on the leys. Every ethnic community has its the lofty mountains and walk the subject would be quite incomplete. 22 own distinguishing dishes, and the miles to their fields. These ingredients are prepared by the preparation method of a dish is hard - Vegetable stew, vegetable stern with tribes of the region on their own. The ly the same in the kitchens of two dif - needles, tender bamboo shoot with most common ingredients used by ferent communities. Yet, there is also chilies, fish cooked in bamboo stem, most of the tribes are fermented bam - an underlying unity in the food habits pork stew with ginger, pork stew with boo shoot, chili, khar (alkaline), dry of the Northeastern people that dis - bamboo shoot, dried pork and bam - fish, different kinds of herbs and rice tinguishes them from communities in boo pickle, fish with colocasia leaves, powder, besides common spices such the rest of the country. fish with bottle gourd, fermented fish as ginger, garlic and turmeric powder. A Northeastern meal is always bal - chutney, fish barbecued in banana Cane sprouts, tender part of the cane anced — and for every spicy dish, leaves, chicken with ginger, pork with trees, banana stem, green banana, ou there is a bland one. Among the hill mustard, boiled rice, sweet rice pan tenga (elephant apple) and various

August 2013 India Review Cuisine OF INDIA species of rice are also commonly used food. In Tripura and Manipur, dry in Northeastern food. chili powder is used more. Different To prepare kharisa tenga or ban - varieties of chilies are available in the hgaj (fermented bamboo shoot), as region. It is specifically used in chut - they are called in Assamese, bamboo neys such as akhuni of the Nagas, shoots are collected and fermented irumba of the Manipuris, for about four days. Kharisa can be nagakhamkapa of the Khasis, and of different types such dry bamboo ekung of the Arunachalis. In Tripura shoot, pickle, liquid bamboo shoot. and in Manipur, chili powder is used The Naga people prepare their deli - in the preparation of various dishes. cious dry pork with bamboo shoot The use of Naga Bhut Jolokia (ghost 23 and serve it with steamed rice. pepper), also known as raj jolokia , is Kharisa juice is also used with differ - quite popular. ent herbs in the Naga cuisines. Fish A Naga dry pork dish prepared roasted in bamboo stem with kharisa , with chilies, ginger, garlic and mesen - known as pongsen in the local lan - ga (a kind of herb) powder is now rel - guage, is one of the favorite dishes of ished and appreciated in various the Nagas. The same process is used countries outside India. In Assam, in other states like Manipur, too, pork with kharisa and bhut Mizoram and Tripura. jolokia is very popular. Chutneys Bamboo shoot is also used widely in (Above) A fish curry preparation with medicinal made with bamboo shoot and ghost Assamese dishes. Various pork, fish herbs; (Bottom) Khar collected in a bowl. pepper are very well known. Pickles and duck dishes are prepared with from this variety of chili is a favorite bamboo shoots in the region. Raw in the region. bamboo shoot is also used as chutney An important ingredient Green herbs are also widely used in or pickle. Most of the oil-free foods in used in the food of the the cuisines of the Northeastern Assam bear a taste of bamboo shoot. region is khar . It is region. Some of these herbs have The wide use of bamboo shoot among medicinal value. Some tribes roast the cuisines of the Northeastern tribes popular among most of them in bamboo stem after wrapping can be attributed to their lineage to the tribes, especially in them in green leaves. This is especially South Asian Mongoloid tribes. Mizoram, Assam, true of mesenga herbs. Lai, lengmasor, Another important ingredient used manimuni, vedailota, and dimorupat in the region is khar . It is popular Manipur, Meghalaya are some of the popular herbs relished among most of the tribes, especially in and Tripura in the region. Oying in Arunachal, Mizoram, Assam, Manipur, voksa in Manipur, wak pura in Meghalaya and Tripura. Khar is par - Meghalaya and maian bai in Mizoram ticularly used in preparation of pork, are some special dishes prepared with dry fish, and dishes of different herbs. herbs. Khar is prepared with a key ingredient, Rice is the staple food of the region. also called khar . The traditional ingre - Both the indicia as well as the japoni - dient is made by filtering water ca varieties are grown in Assam. The through the ashes of a banana stem, most popular species of rice is joha which is then called kola khar (derived (an aromatic rice). As a staple diet, from the local term for banana, kol or rice is eaten either steam boiled kola ). A traditional Assamese meal (ukhua ) or sundried ( aaroi ). Some invariably begins with a khar dish, pre - fine varieties of rice such as karabal - pared with raw papaya, pulses or any lam or kauribadam , etc., are available other main ingredient. However, the only in Assam. combination of khar and sour taste is Rice is also taken as snacks in many not recommended. The Bodo, Rabha different forms: roasted and ground and Kachari people of Assam are fond (xandoh ), boiled in its husk and flat - of khar . Pork prepared with rice pow - tened and puffed ( akhoi ). There also der and khar is a mouthwateringly grows a variety of rice that can be just unique dish of the region. soaked in water and relished with Chilies, in both green and red vari - milk and molasses. Kumol saul is one eties, are widely used in Northeastern such variety found in Assam.

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