Jaishankar meets Mike Pompeo, Nancy Pelosi on sidelines of Munich Conference

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister, S Jaishankar met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference as it appears that a mini trade agreement between India and US may not see the light of day during US president Donald Trump’s visit here next week.
“Good to see @SecPompeo at #MSC2020. Allowed us to take stock of the relationship as we look forward to @realDonaldTrump 's visit,” Jaishankar tweeted.

Trade negotiations have run aground as both sides failed to make the last mile.The Indian side accused the US of adding new items to the list. The US wants India to open markets for pizza cheese and whey protein among other things, which are new items, prompting India to say that they are changing the goalposts. The US wants India to have a level playing field for international digital services like credit cards. On the other hand, the Indian government has been delaying the negotiations, because the US is unwilling to allow for testing of DDGS (dry distilled grain soluble) poultry feed for “live” GM components. With talks dragging on and no end in sight, the tough-talking USTR, Robert Lighthizer called off his visit to India.
Sources here said the top leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is interested in getting a deal done, but both sides apparently remain far away.
Jaishankar also met US speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi as well as a US Congressional delegation, led by Jim Inhofe, the head of the powerful armed services committee. “Discussed our growing strategic cooperation. Value their interest in building this relationship,” he said.
As it appears imminent that the Taliban may begin a seven-day “reduction of violence” in Afghanistan in preparation to signing a peace deal with the US, Jaishankar also met the US special envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, who, he said, “updated” him on the negotiations and current state of play. According to reports, the peace deal could be signed as soon as the end of February.
In another tweet, he said he had a meeting with Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Saturday (local time) and “appreciated his perspectives on global and regional issues”. “Look forward to working with him in the Strategic Partnership Council,” he added.
The external affairs minister also met Australian and Singaporean defence ministers Linda Reynolds and Ng Eng Hen, respectively, and said India is working with them to take security cooperation forward. On his meeting with Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah, Jaishankar said, “Our contemporary relationship has been built on strong historical and cultural foundation. Will work together to take it to greater heights.”
He met members of the Bundestag foreign affairs committee and held “a very good conversation” on the EU, Germany and India. “Appreciated their strong interest in taking our relationship forward,” he said.