News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (February 14, 2026 - February 20, 2026) February 20, 2026 8 Community/ US-India USTR Greer Calls India A Potential “Way Station” For US Supply Chains As Alternative To China U S Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer on Tuesday described India as a potential “way station” for US supply chains, positioning the country as an alternative to China amid shifting global trade dynamics. In an interview with Fox News, Ambassador Greer, when asked whether India could be the right place for US companies to move supply chains out of China, said In- dia was a viable option for companies seeking to diversify away from China, noting its manufacturing capacity and workforce strength. “It can be. We know that many companies are already going in that direction. As you mentioned, we want our supply chains in the United States to be as close to home as possible. But we also know it’s a process. When you shift from globalisation to a more resilient and secure economy, you will eventually need to reallocate supply chains. India can be a way station for that,” USTR Greer said to Fox News. “They have a large workforce and manufacturing capacity. Of course, American manufacturing and the American worker must come first. But to the extent that we import from other countries, India can be a good source–as long as it’s balanced and fair,” he added. On commitments on the recently concluded frame- work of the India-US interim trade agreement, Greer expressed optimism, saying India is “really committed”, adding that “They (India) have started expanding some of their commitments with respect to purchases. They’ve already rolled back some of the digital services tax that affected us, and they’re moving to reduce tariffs. This is going to be a really important deal, and it’s going to rever- berate for many years to come.” -ANI PHOTO:ANI More Than 12,000 People In Maryland Welcome Buddhist Monks In Event Hosted By Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller M aryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller welcomed nearly two dozen Buddhist monks to the Maryland State House, February 12, 2026, the final destination on their “Walk for Peace.” The monks, along with dozens of volunteers and their canine companion, Aloka, have walked more than 2,300 miles from FortWorth, Texas, toWashington D.C. This marks the first time the monks have visited an official residence of a First Family along their entire jour- ney, a press release fromMiller’s office said. “I am profoundly honored that this extraordinary delegation of venerable monks chose to include Annapo- lis as a sacred stop on their remarkable journey,” Lt. Gov. Miller said in her statement. “To witness our community respond with such an outpouring of love, unity, and compassion fills my heart beyond measure,” she added. “From FortWorth, Texas, across ten states and through our nation’s capital, it is both fitting and deeply symbolic that theWalk for Peace concludes here in Annapolis — the nation’s first peacetime capital. This is a moment that will be etched in our history and in our hearts. We will never forget the grace, the purpose, and the profound spirit of peace that has brought us together today.” Upwards of 12,000 people flocked to Annapolis to welcome the monks on their approach to the capitol from the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, a press release fromMiller’s office said. Following brief remarks, Lt. Governor Miller escorted the monks inside the State House to be introduced to the House and Senate Cham- bers, where they were presented with resolutions in rec- ognition of their journey, and for a collaborative conver- sation with other local elected officials and the Council for Interfaith Outreach, chaired by the Lt. Governor. GovernorWes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore also welcomed the monks to Government House for a private lunch. Before their meal, the monks were presented with Maryland State Flags pins to commemorate their visit and thank them for their commitment to compassion and peace. “It was an honor to welcome these spiritual leaders to Maryland, the final destination of their powerful ‘Walk for Peace,’” said Governor Moore. “To walk 2,300 miles is a physical feat and a profound act of faith in motion. It was a privilege to welcome them to the People’s House as they conclude their journey.” “After a powerful journey across the nation, the governor and I are proud to welcome these monks to ‘The People’s House,’ a place where we are committed to ensuring that all people feel seen and welcomed,” said First Lady Moore. “As a state, we know that in order to create change and build a better future —we must work together. We thank the monks for being an inspiration to all Marylanders, and showing us how we can unite our communities, uplift our society, and build meaningful connections under the one common goal of peace.” The walk began in FortWorth, Texas, last year on October 26, 2025. Rooted in Theravada Buddhist teach- ings of nonviolence, mindfulness, and loving-kindness, the pilgrimage was launched to raise awareness for peace after lead monk Venerable Bhikkhu Paññkra said he observed a lack of mindfulness across the nation and the world. The group initially brought only 1,000 “peace bracelets” to share along the journey, but by the end, they had distributed hundreds of thousands. “When we started out in FortWorth, Texas, we were alone. We are not alone anymore,” said Venerable Bhik- khu Paññkra. “After this walk, we are not alone. We have so many people walking with us on this path, together, for the better. So I am honored, I am grateful, that I chose this walk for peace.” By a StaffWriter HOTOS:CourtesyOffice of Lt.Gov.Aruna Miller Maryland Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, left, Governor Wes Moore, second from left, and First Lady Dawn Moor, greet the Buddhist monks’ delegation in Annapolis, MD, Feb. 12, 2026. Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller seen with Bhikkhu Paññãkãra, leader of the delegation of Buddhist monks, in Annapolis, MD, Feb. 12, 2026. Buddhist monks and members of the public as well as Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, at a welcome ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland, look on as the leader Bhikkhu Paññãkãra, addresses a public gathering on the final stop in their Walk for Peace Feb. 12, 2026, which began in Fort Worth, TX, last October.