All stories by AZIZ HANIFFA
India is demonised by US whenever economic disputes arise
Rediff.com4 Mar 2014Tarun Das and T N Ninan offer their prognosis for US-India momentum on the economic front
'Congress will go!' This former MP says it's a bet you will NEVER lose
Rediff.com4 Mar 2014Shiv Sena's Suresh Prabhu makes predictions ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha polls
'Nadella, a perfect example of benefits of thoughtful immigration reform'
Rediff.com14 Feb 2014America Inc tells Aziz Haniffa that Microsoft's new CEO validates what business leaders have long known - 'We need more Satyas travelling to the US'.
US downplays Powell-Modi meet; insists no change in policy
Rediff.com12 Feb 2014Neither Barack Obama or John F Kerry were involved in the decision for Ambassador Nancy Powell to meet Narendra Modi. Rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa reports from Washington, DC.
Vikram J Singh joins Centre for American Progress as VP
Rediff.com11 Feb 2014Vikram J Singh, the highest-ranking Indian American at the Pentagon is quitting his administration job to head up the national security division at the Center for American Progess -- a Washington, DC progressive think tank with close links to President Obama -- which has at its helm another Indian American, Neera Tanden.
Lethal IM doesn't solely depend on Pakistani support
Rediff.com6 Feb 2014A new report says Indian jihadis, including the Indian Mujahideen, are significantly more lethal as a result of external support, primarily from Pakistan. Aziz Haniffa reports.
Marijuana's a no-no, says desi Surgeon General nominee
Rediff.com6 Feb 2014Indian-origin Dr Vivek H Murthy expresses his reservations on marijuana, now legalised in two US states
America Inc cheers Satya Nadella's victory
Rediff.com5 Feb 2014"Satya Nadella is a perfect example of how appropriate, thoughtful immigration reform can benefit both our free-market democracies, says Ron Somers, president of the US-India Business Council.
Indian American surgeon general nominee counters GOP critics
Rediff.com5 Feb 2014In a stellar performance, Indian American US Surgeon General Dr Vivek Murthy took on one critic after another at the Senate confirmation hearing. Aziz Haniffa reports.
Dr Murthy spells out his plans to improve America's health
Rediff.com5 Feb 2014'My grandfather was a poor farmer who fought for democracy and freedom in India and who could have never dreamed that his grandson would have the opportunity to sit before you today and be considered for the position of Surgeon General,' Dr Murthy told a US Senate Committee
Satya Nadella: An inspiration for Indian-Americans
Rediff.com5 Feb 2014Former White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra, who was the first to occupy this position created by President Obama says that Satya Nadella's selection as the new CEO of Microsoft, validates the new playing field in which Microsoft will be judged.
American diplomats should also respect our laws: Indian envoy
Rediff.com30 Jan 2014To no one's surprise, the first question directed at Indian Ambassador to the United States Dr S Jaishankar -- at the end of his first public address since he assumed his duties in December -- was about the controversial Devyani Khobragade episode.
'Khobragade affair shows we can't let matters drift'
Rediff.com28 Jan 2014'While the Khobragade affair has "upset and diverted attention, it does not mean there is a fundamental flaw in the US-India relationship",' former American envoy Frank Wisner tells Rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa.
Top US official attends R-Day celebration in Washington
Rediff.com24 Jan 2014Setting aside the recent tumult in relations caused by the Khobragade episode, US Deputy Secretary of State Heather Higginbottom attended the first major event India's new Ambassador Dr S Jaishankar hosted in Washington. Rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa reports from the Republic Day celebration in the US capital.
'Indiawallah' to be prestigious Wadhwani Chair
Rediff.com23 Jan 2014'In the time I have been an Indiawallah, I have seen three US Presidential visits to India, nuclear sanctions, nuclear cooperation, a border conflict with Pakistan, the growth of IT services, a government losing a confidence vote, and so much more,' Rick Rossow, the new Wadhwani Chair in US-India Policy Studies tells Rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa.
The Kashmiri Pandit who wants to be California's governor
Rediff.com22 Jan 2014'Today, the gift of a good education and the opportunity it creates are out of reach for millions of struggling Californians. That's why I'm running for governor -- to create jobs and give kids a quality education. Jobs and education. That's it. That's my platform'. Neel Tushar Kashkari, the son of Srinagar-born and raised Kashmiri Pandit immigrants, throws his hat in the ring for California governor.
'Sevak Project is a health care plan for the villagers and by the villagers'
Rediff.com8 Jan 2014My goal is to implement the Sevak project all over India and make the villages true Gandhian villages -- self sustainable in every way, including health, says Dr Thakor Patel, head of the American Association of Physician of Indian Origin's Public Health Committee. Aziz Haniffa reports
'We want to bring trauma care based on the US model to Gujarat'
Rediff.com8 Jan 2014The idea is to provide prompt and proper emergency care to all, especially for our middle and lower classes for whom availing emergency care is difficult and sometimes just impossible, says Dr Navin Shah, former president, American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin
Influential medical group in the US to attend PBD 2014
Rediff.com6 Jan 2014The American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin will attend the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Delhi with an agenda to develop a plan to bring together AAPI, NGOs and the government to provide access to affordable and quality health care. Aziz Haniffa reports
'If US can negotiate with Iran, why can't it talk to Modi?'
Rediff.com2 Jan 2014Retired senior US diplomats Teresita and Howard Schaffer believe the 'US cannot afford to continue restricting its contacts with Narendra Modi.' Rediff.com's Aziz Haniffa reports from Washington, DC.