Diego Garcia vital for Indo-Pacific security, countering China, says US
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Underscoring the strategic importance of the US naval support facility at Diego Garcia, lawmakers and a senior State Department official have said that safeguarding Indian Ocean sea lanes is central to countering China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific. During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia, Congressman Bill Huizenga […]
India reducing Russian oil buys, claims US
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The United States has claimed India has been “reducing” its purchases of Russian oil and diversifying energy imports, as lawmakers pressed the State Department on enforcement challenges tied to Moscow’s war in Ukraine. During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia on Wednesday (local time), Republican Rep. Keith Self […]
Trump signs order to boost coal use
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump declared himself the “undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal” as he signed a new executive order aimed at expanding coal use and keeping ageing plants online. “Clean, beautiful coal, clean, beautiful coal,” Trump said at the White House on Wednesday (local time), welcoming miners and industry executives […]
US eyes Cold War trade repeal in Central Asia
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) Lawmakers urged the State Department to back the repeal of the Cold War-era Jackson-Vanik amendment for Central Asian nations, arguing that the outdated provision hampers US investment and undercuts strategic competition with Russia and China. During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia, Democratic Rep. Ami Bera pressed Assistant […]
Trump orders Pentagon to buy coal power
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the US military to enter into power purchasing agreements with coal plants, arguing the move would strengthen grid resilience and national security. “I will sign an executive order that directs the Department of War to work directly with coal plants on the […]
US optimistic as Nepal heads to elections after Gen Z protests
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) The Trump Administration expressed optimism about Nepal’s upcoming election, as a senior official told lawmakers that the recent political upheaval there is part of a broader wave of democratic transitions across South Asia. During a House subcommittee hearing on South and Central Asia on Wednesday (local time), Assistant Secretary of State […]
Republican pick Indian American lawyer to run for high-profile New York attorney general
New York, Feb 12 (IANS) Republicans have picked Saritha Komatireddy, a lawyer who prosecuted terrorists, to take on New York State Attorney-General Letitia James, a nemesis of President Donald Trump, in elections this year. Accepting the nomination at the Republican Party State Convention on Tuesday, she declared, “From now until November, I will prosecute the […]
Trump backs coal as critical minerals source
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US President Donald Trump and industry leaders described coal as a strategic source of rare earth elements and critical minerals, expanding its role beyond traditional power generation. At the White House “Champion of Coal” event on Wednesday (local time), Jim Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy, said the industry was working closely […]
China seeks US AI chips for weapons: Cyber Command Nominee
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) A top military officer nominated by President Donald Trump to lead US Cyber Command and the National Security Agency has warned that China is aggressively seeking advanced American AI chips to power next-generation weapons systems. “I agree that China is aggressively seeking to acquire advanced AI chips to accelerate its development […]
US lawmakers seek clarity on Taiwan from Trump admin
Washington, Feb 12 (IANS) US lawmakers pressed for greater clarity and consistency in President Donald Trump’s second-term policy toward Taiwan during a high-stakes congressional hearing on China’s efforts to marginalise the self-ruled island. At a Select Committee hearing titled “Lies, Lawfare, and Leverage: The CCP’s Gaslighting and Manipulation to Marginalise Taiwan” on Wednesday (local time), […]
