Indian prime minister's visit key for world's largest democracies, international trade law expert says

LAWRENCE — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making his first state visit to the United States starting Monday. Modi is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump to discuss a variety of topics of interest to the world’s two largest democracies. Raj Bhala, associate dean for international and comparative law and Rice Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, is available to discuss Modi’s visit with the media.

Bhala, an expert on international trade law, said the two leaders have numerous important issues to discuss, including trade, immigration, visa status for Indian-Americans, business, the two nations’ economies, fighting terrorism, national defense, India’s Kashmir dispute with Pakistan and others. Bhala, an Indian-American who has worked extensively in many parts of India, said the two nations have a great deal in common beyond economic interests.

“The visit deserves more attention than it has been getting. The two pluralistic societies share not only a long-standing commitment to constitutional secular democracy but also a strong desire for robust economic relations and stability across the Asia-Pacific region," Bhala said. "From the fact that roughly one out of every four new entrants into the labor market between now and 2025 comes from India, to the rising prominence of Bollywood movies and music, it’s essential Americans become as conversant with India as they are with Ireland or Italy.”

Modi is also meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, underscoring the wide range of ties the two nations are discussing, Bhala said.

Bhala, a regular columnist for Bloomberg India, has written extensively on international trade law and related topics between India and the U.S., as well as trade throughout the world. He has written dozens of journal articles and the books “Modern GATT Law,” the leading textbook International Trade Law, “Understanding Islamic Law (Shari’a)” and “TPP Objectively: Law, Economics, and National Security of History’s Largest, Longest Free Trade Agreement.” He has worked in more than 25 countries around the world and practiced international banking law at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York before entering academia.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.