The Classic IAS Academy is considered the Best IAS Academy in Delhi

In News: Donald Trump has issued a series of executive orders consistent with his inaugural speech in which he stressed upon “America First” and elimination of “radical Islamic terrorism”.

Executive Orders (EO)

The U.S President can issue rules, regulations, and instructions called executive orders.
They have the binding force of law upon federal agencies and they do not require approval of the United States Congress.
But the executive orders are subject to judicial review and interpretation.

Ratification of International Agreements by U.S

The executive signs the agreement.
This has to be ratified by the U.S Senate to come into force.
But the trade agreements, like the TPP, are approved using Trade Promotion Authority authorization, in which the US Congress is required to hold a yes/no vote on any agreements without modification.

Recent EOs on Foreign Policy

The US president has signed an executive order formally withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal.
He signed an EO to pose a three-month ban on immigrants from seven Muslim majority countries – Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
He also suspended the refugee programme for four-months to provide time to review how refugees are vetted i.e. examined before they are allowed in the U.S.
He is also preparing to issue EOs that will bring restrictions on H1-B and other visas.

Consequences

TPP – To come into force, the TPP needed to be ratified by at least six signatories that accounts for 85% of the total GDP of the bloc.
US is the largest economy in this bloc. Unless it ratifies the TPP cannot come into force.
This withdrawal greatly reduces the possibility of a US-led regional order in the Asia Pacific which was the central theme of the US’ Pivot to Asia Policy.
Visa Ban – In theory, the policy is meant to ban terrorists until better vetting methods are formulated.
But this move sends back people to a war zone or places that they fled due to political persecution.
The ban on refugees is against the principle of freedom, at time where the refugee population around the world is highest since WWII.
However, in 1965, Congress curtailed presidential power by stating that no one could be discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of the person’s race, sex, nationality, place of birth.
A US District Judge in New York issued an emergency order staying deportations of people who have arrived in America with valid visas from the seven Muslim-majority nations but were detained on entry due to the ban.
H1B restrictions – Indians hold the majority of H1B visas and L-1 visas.
Original intent of H1B visas was to hire additional talent to support US not to hire cheap labor that replaces American workforce.
But the Indians also contribute USD 1 billion annually to the US.
Indian IT industry contributes to about 4 lakh direct and indirect jobs in the US and additional USD 5 billion in taxes annually.
The move also increases inspector raj and ends employment authorization cards to spouses on such work visas.
His domestic actions regarding the reduction of environment clearance rules reflect his non serious attitude towards climate change.

Indo-Us Common Grounds

Security – Both the administrations would be interested in the defeat of Radical Islamic Terrorism.
Defense – India is designated a major defense partner by the Obama administration.
India’s requests for high technology are now considered with a ‘presumption of approval’ as opposed to ‘presumption of denial’.
The Trump administration is also looking favorably at India’s request for Avenger armed drones.

Indo-Us Areas of Contentions

NGO – The continuing crackdown on U.S.-based Christian charities operating in India can create a rift as the evangelical groups have far higher influence in the current White House than in the previous one.
Jobs – Both the governments have promised job creation. Therefore they could be competing in this area because the last decade witnessed a movement of U.S. jobs to India, and of Indian workers to the U.S.
H-1B Visa – The business model of Indian IT is to locate a crucial part of their workforce in the U.S. who support the operation of jobs carried out in India.
But in recent years, these companies have increasingly hired Americans in their local workforce. So a crackdown on H-1B visas will not affect the business model
But the changes in laws that will not allow these companies to relocate the jobs at all will not be welcomed by India.

Way ahead

Though it has been signaled by the new administration that India would be a friend, it is not of top priority right now.
Therefore India must do more to catch the attention of the new administration.
Not much is needed to be done in areas like cyber security, intelligence sharing, space, disease control, maritime surveillance, agriculture, education and climate change.
They should be allowed to continue in the already existing pace.
The new administration might want India to openly partner with US in tackling China.
Recently US reiterated a long pending demand to sign the COMCASA (Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement) that would enhance joint surveillance of Chinese vessels.
India’s consistent demand that the U.S. bring more pressure on Pakistan to take action against terrorist groups could be met with another demand for Indian troops in Afghanistan.
They may be less understanding about India’s domestic sentiment.
Therefore these areas to be treaded cautiously.

Note: For details on TPP and H1B visa please refer our earlier issues

Classic IAS Academy:-

The Classic IAS Academy is considered the Best IAS Academy in Delhi. The Classic IAS Academy is aimed to develop amongst its students a competitive attitude along with sound academic base with quality teaching. It is also one of the top most IAS academies in India.