For Better Indo-US Relations

It is not often that the US Congress takes up issues that are positive in relation to India and members of the House and/or the Senate genuinely push the Administration to work to bring the largest and the most powerful democracies closer. As a matter of fact there are more areas of agreement between the two countries than differences. However, vested interests, old prejudices and new jealousies, powerful adverse lobbying and sheer unfair partisan policies have prevented India and the United States to work for mutual benefit and universal good on the same wave lengths.

There are, of course, differing interests also and understandably the feeling of being the only Superpower in the world also results in an attitude. The State Department, the Secretary of State and various US Ambassadors poking their noses in other nations’ affairs, dictating to them about their internal policies and warning, threatening with sanctions, scolding, and intimidating others world leaders have become common. Super power arrogance knows no bounds as was seen in the UN Secretary General’s election when a 14-0 majority against the US stand was reversed and all the other members of the UN Security Council meekly submitted to the diktats of Washington, the nation that has not even paid its dues to the United Nations.

That probably is the reality in the modern world but India, with its principled stand on various issues, particularly of concern to its national security, has stood firm despite warnings and arm-twisting. With a huge skilled manpower, bulging middle class with fast growing purchasing power and abundant market, the US leaders in politics and economy have shown considerable interest in forging ties with India. That is good for not only both the countries but for the entire South Asia and the world.

The recent move by a few Congressmen who know India and its potential and the benefits of closer ties is welcome. They are moving the Clinton Administration to adopt a more positive attitude toward India. They want the Administration to support the Indian Government in its initiatives for peace and good neighborly relations and seek Congressional approval of their efforts.

Representatives Frank Pallone and Bill Mccollum, among others, are moving amendments to foreign aid bill signifying more support to India and its Government’s peace moves and other policies toup its markets and play a more important role in world affairs, also in the economic field.

The recent Indian initiatives pertain, basically, to forging better relations with all its neighbors. In particular, the United States is more interested in Indian moves for normalizing relations with Pakistan, an old ally of the US. Some die-hards of the US Congress and Administration may have different ideas and prejudices but well meaning Representatives and Senators do realize the importance of India and its contribution in various fields of human endeavors and achievements.

The Congressmen have spoken about Indian Premier Inder Kumar Gujral’s initiative to reduce tension and broaden the base for further economic liberalization. The votaries of free market economy are eagerly awaiting widerng of India’s doors for further liberalization, foreign investment and, of course, reaping a rich harvest of profits. These things go hand in hand with growing economy and the country will have to compromise on certain aspects of attracting foreign capital and know how.

The two basic points that India’s friends in the US Congress have to bear in mind are, one, India’s security concerns and India’s need for selective liberalization. There can not be any compromise with national security; Prime Minister Gujral has also categorically declared that the country can not compromise its national security and abandon its nuclear option despite mounting pressures from ‘so-called superior nations.’ It revives the debate in world forums and the UN stage about the haves and the have nots and India will never give up its right to protect itself even if it meant developing nuclear energy. In a world where some countries have unlimited access and capability to develop deadly weapons of mass destruction (the US has used them on Japan) and the others are being denied even some deterrents to safeguard their own national boundaries and interests is not fair. India can not and should not submit to any kind of blackmail on that account.

It seems this legitimate concern of India is being realized in this country now more than before and the climate of acceptance of India’s views and to support them is steadily emerging and taking roots. One would be happy to acknowledge the efforts behind this change of attitude in the US, in the Congress and in top business circles. There are elements, organizations, individuals and lawmakers that have done their homework, saw the need for sustained attempts to educate and lobby to put things in their correct perspective.

One must give due credit to persistent and sustained efforts by the Indian diplomatic staff, working from Washington, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and Houston and many other places where they visit. There are fresh initiatives, there are answers to questions and there are correct explanations --not just superficial propaganda to sell the country. The Indian organizations and community leaders with their constant interaction with lawmakers have also contributed a lot in this regard.

The progress is visible but is not enough. Forging closer ties, establishing more meaningful relations between India and the US is an on-going mission. One resolution here and another there will not do. However, a welcome move in the House of Representatives next week is definitely a solid step for quicker and more effective moves. These will really put the relations on even better footing and silence those who do not want to see beyond imaginary or malicious human rights charges and mischievous demands for self determination based on aggression, invasion and religious divide.

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