The US & India

[candypreet]

Washington went public with a historical shift in its policy towards India on Friday. Unfortunately, this is largely being missed in India because the US announcement was coupled with the declaration of US intent to go ahead with a long-pending plan to sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan. The potent Cold War symbolism of the F-16s has obscured the post-9/11 policy shift.

The key US statement is that “its goal is to help India become a major world power in the 21st century.” This new underlying rationale for US policy to India has been kicking around Washington for the past few years.

However, say diplomatic sources, its public declaration indicates the last few India-sceptical lobbies in Washington have been silenced or brought on board. Friday’s decision included a collection of policies reflecting this basic US shift:

*The prime concession is the promise to give India access to civilian nuclear technology — something Washington has denied New Delhi for some three decades. The subtext is that the US will be looking at nuclear knowhow that goes well beyond what was being considered under the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership.

*A defence cooperation agreement that includes joint production. This is a degree of closeness only provided to close allies of the United States, like Turkey and South Korea. This is more or less unprecedented in Indo-US bilateral ties. It will put Pakistan’s “major non-NATO ally” in the shade. The immediate manifestation is the offer that India could, if it wishes, buy the F-18 fighter.


*The institutional means to convert aspects of the NSSP — including economic cooperation and the provision of space technology — into tangible projects and items. Diplomatic source point to Washington’s reference “for the first time” of “satellite-launching vehicles.”

*Finally, the United States invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in July and spoke of a reciprocal visit by US President George W. Bush later this year.

*And, stated in earlier US briefings, is America's decision to let India lead the way for the international community in handling countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

But more significant was the explanation for all this largesse: That the US wants India to become a great power and sees no threat in India taking on such a role.

The Saturday briefing by three US officials also provides a contrasting US vision on Pakistan. Yes, a necessary ally in the war on terror but also a problem proliferator and a nation-state that must be transformed into something more benign.

The real division in US policy is the broader vision it has for India and Pakistan: a global cop in training versus a rogue state in rehab.

[Amethyst]

Post a link.

[candypreet]

my fault, just a sec

[candypreet]

http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1296456,0008.htm

[SCHICK]

I find it alarming that the U.S. can sell Pakistan F-whatevers,then sell India a later model F-whatevers with more capability or a "better mouse trap",surely this is destabilising the region and does nothing to enhance the U.S. image,in a way its almost blackmailing India into purchasing the later model? unique way of doing business.

[candypreet]

I find it alarming that the U.S. can sell Pakistan F-whatevers,then sell India a later model F-whatevers with more capability or a "better mouse trap",surely this is destabilising the region and does nothing to enhance the U.S. image,in a way its almost blackmailing India into purchasing the later model? unique way of doing business.
thats just business.

[SCHICK]

thats just business.

A cynic would say "its business" I believe it does absolutely nothing to enhance the U.S's image ....you get down with dogs you get up with fleas!

[candypreet]

here in India, people at times do feel that. and they often do wonder that why is the US supproting a dictatorship against a democracy (India.) After all the fighter planes are meant to be used against India. You really dont need f-16's against Osama.

[SCHICK]

Its a sad fact of life, but the U.S. Foreign Policy is about as hypocritical as one could possibly get and yet they(U.S.) continually back the wrong man,Musharef is not to be trusted,I guess the Paki's are lucky they dont have any oil just Binnie.

[candypreet]

1971 India-Pakistan war: Richard Nixon's predicaments:-
Washington | May 07, 2005 1:41:56 PM IST
Washington, May 7 : Former US president Richard Nixon sent the US warship Enterprise into the Indian Ocean during the 1971 India-Pakistan war because he feared India would not only free Bangladesh but also Pakistani Kashmir.

And Nixon also wrongly assumed that China would, under his guidance, attack India in 1971.

Despite these anti-India moves, it was Nixon who ended up advising Pakistan to agree to India's ceasefire terms once New Delhi won the war giving rise to Bangladesh.

These are just some of many anecdotes appearing in the US State Department's release Friday of papers relating to the Nixon administration during 1969-76, Volume XI, South Asia Crisis, 1971.

This volume, part of the ongoing official record of US foreign policy, presents key documentation on the Nixon administration's policy immediately prior to and during the India-Pakistan war of 1971.

Included in this volume is full coverage of the "tilt" toward Pakistan by Richard Nixon and his assistant for National Security Affairs, Henry Kissinger.

The papers reveal that Nixon was loath to intervene in Pakistan's "internal affairs" as Bangladesh's revolt was then considered, especially since Pakistan was Nixon's secret conduit for a diplomatic opening to China.

The volume begins with the electoral success of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League in then East Pakistan, the crisis it set off for Islamabad, the dispatch of additional troops to Dhaka by Pakistan, and Mujibur Rahman's announcement he was taking over the administration of East Pakistan.

American diplomats in Dhaka sent messages to Washington disagreeing with the Nixon policy of supporting Islamabad and called for the US to condemn the "indiscriminate killing" that the Pakistani Army was carrying out in Dhaka and elsewhere in East Pakistan.

Not only was Nixon not prepared to get involved in a civil war on the Indian subcontinent, he did not pay much attention to Indian concerns about "the carnage in East Pakistan" and the problems of refugees in West Bengal.

When Indian leaders including then external affairs minister Swaran Singh and prime minister Indira Gandhi came to Washington, the Nixon administration counselled non-intervention but assumed that New Delhi planned to go to war.

When Gandhi signed the Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation with the Soviet Union in August 1971, Nixon saw it as a blank cheque to India in its confrontation with Pakistan.

Nixon warned Soviet officials not to encourage India and informed New Delhi that if it started a war with Pakistan, the US would cut off aid.

On Nov 22, 1971, India launched an offensive against East Pakistan. The Nixon administration cut off economic aid to India and Nixon himself decided to "tilt" toward Pakistan.

"This pro-Pakistan policy included support of Pakistan in the UN and pressure on the Soviets to discourage India, with accompanying hints that US-Soviet détente would be in jeopardy if Moscow did not comply," notes the summarized State Department note accompanying the released papers.

When Nixon learned that Indian war plans were designed to liberate "Bangladesh" and southern Kashmir, and to destroy Pakistan's military armour and air strength, he ordered the US carrier Enterprise and its escorts into the Bay of Bengal.

Nixon sent Henry Kissinger to meet the Chinese ambassador to the UN in a bid to urge Beijing to coordinate its military moves in support of Pakistan.

The implication conveyed by Kissinger was that if the Soviet Union responded militarily, the US would support China in any confrontation with the Soviet Union.

When the Chinese asked to meet Kissinger in New York two days later, the White House assumed the worst and concluded that China had already decided to take military action against India.

"There was serious contemplation in the White House that the crisis might lead to nuclear war, but the general conclusion was that a regional conventional war in South Asia pitting India and the Soviet Union against China, the US and Pakistan was more likely," says the State's analysis.

When the meeting took place, the Nixon White House learned that China's message had nothing to do with military moves in support of Pakistan and Nixon realized that "Russia and China aren't going to war".

In December 1971, Pakistani military forces surrendered in East Pakistan. "With US encouragement, Pakistan accepted an Indian ceasefire offer that would dramatically alter the Indian subcontinent," notes the State Department report.

(IANS)
http://news.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=81163&cat=World

[candypreet]

'Pro-Pak. Nixon Govt. wanted China to back Pak. militarily in 71'
Washington, May. 7 (PTI): Fearing that the Soviets might get involved in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, then US President Richard Nixon had wanted China to make coordinated military moves in support of Pakistan, according to documents released by the State Department.

The Nixon Administration was not prepared to involve itself in a civil war on the Indian subcontinent. Nor did it pay much attention to Indian concerns about "the carnage in East Pakistan" and the problems of refugees in West Bengal, said a State Department press release giving the gist of the papers on the Bangladesh war of liberation, released yesterday.

But, the signing of the India-Soviet Union Treaty of Peace, Friendship, and Cooperation in August 1971, while not a mutual security treaty, was viewed in Washington as a blank check to India in its confrontation with Pakistan, it said.

The US policy included support of Pakistan in the UN and pressure on the Soviets to discourage India, with hints that US- Soviet detente would be in jeopardy if Moscow did not comply.

At Nixon's instruction, his Assistant for National Security Affairs Henry Kissinger, met China's Ambassador to the UN Huang Hua, to suggest that Beijing make coordinated military moves in support of Pakistan. The implication conveyed by Kissinger was that if the Soviets responded militarily, the US would support China in any confrontation with Soviet Union.

When the Chinese asked to meet Kissinger in New York two days later, the White House assumed the worst and concluded that China had already decided to take military action against India, the release said.

There was serious contemplation in the White House that the crisis might lead to nuclear war, but the general conclusion was that a regional conventional war in South Asia pitting India and the Soviet Union against China, the US and Pakistan was more likely.

When the meeting took place, the White House learned that China's message had nothing to do with military moves in support of Pakistan. For his part, President Nixon realised that "Russia and China aren't going to war."

In mid-December, Pakistani military forces surrendered in East Pakistan. With US encouragement, Pakistan accepted an Indian cease-fire offer that would dramatically alter the Indian subcontinent, the release noted.

Tracing the history of the war, the volume released by the State Department described political crisis triggered by the electoral success of Bengali nationalists in East Pakistan, led by Sheik Mujibur Rahman and his Awami League, and the announcement by Pakistan President Yahya Khan, on March 1, 1971, that the scheduled meetings of the newly elected National Assembly would be postponed indefinitely.

The announcement was met initially by popular demonstrations by the Awami League and the dispatch of additional troops to Dhaka by Pakistan's martial-law Government. On March 15, Rahman announced he was taking over the administration of East Pakistan and 10 days later the army arrested him and moved to suppress what it viewed as a "secessionist" movement, the release said.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/001200505071614.htm

[candypreet]

I think I should open a new thread on this
:) :)

[jimb]

Washington went public with a historical shift in its policy towards India on Friday. Unfortunately, this is largely being missed in India because the US announcement was coupled with the declaration of US intent to go ahead with a long-pending plan to sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan. The potent Cold War symbolism of the F-16s has obscured the post-9/11 policy shift.

The key US statement is that “its goal is to help India become a major world power in the 21st century.” This new underlying rationale for US policy to India has been kicking around Washington for the past few years.

However, say diplomatic sources, its public declaration indicates the last few India-sceptical lobbies in Washington have been silenced or brought on board. Friday’s decision included a collection of policies reflecting this basic US shift:

*The prime concession is the promise to give India access to civilian nuclear technology — something Washington has denied New Delhi for some three decades. The subtext is that the US will be looking at nuclear knowhow that goes well beyond what was being considered under the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership.

*A defence cooperation agreement that includes joint production. This is a degree of closeness only provided to close allies of the United States, like Turkey and South Korea. This is more or less unprecedented in Indo-US bilateral ties. It will put Pakistan’s “major non-NATO ally” in the shade. The immediate manifestation is the offer that India could, if it wishes, buy the F-18 fighter.


*The institutional means to convert aspects of the NSSP — including economic cooperation and the provision of space technology — into tangible projects and items. Diplomatic source point to Washington’s reference “for the first time” of “satellite-launching vehicles.”

*Finally, the United States invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in July and spoke of a reciprocal visit by US President George W. Bush later this year.

*And, stated in earlier US briefings, is America's decision to let India lead the way for the international community in handling countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

But more significant was the explanation for all this largesse: That the US wants India to become a great power and sees no threat in India taking on such a role.

The Saturday briefing by three US officials also provides a contrasting US vision on Pakistan. Yes, a necessary ally in the war on terror but also a problem proliferator and a nation-state that must be transformed into something more benign.

The real division in US policy is the broader vision it has for India and Pakistan: a global cop in training versus a rogue state in rehab.

It is a dangerous thing to do if the USA trys to remain being the major arms dealer in the world.
There would be many layoffs of people if aircraft are not sold. It may be wrong though to profit from creating a cold war between India and Pakistan of which could lead to a nuclear war.

This may make people wonder too if one of the reasons to be helping in the Mideast about the Jews and the Arabs is to sell arms.

[bigearth]

...maybe it's as a counter weight to china?

reading the test:
seriously, in due course i think subsequent generations of americans are going to look back in horror and with disgust at what was done in the 20th century...

[bigearth]

(delete this post)

[candypreet]

hello again.

[SCHICK]

reading the test:
seriously, in due course i think subsequent generations of americans are going to look back in horror and with disgust at what was done in the 20th century...

Its amazing and fact as Candypreet pointed out, this Bush Administration suppling weapons and fighter planes to Pakistan,Musharef a dictator not a Democracy,a country who knowingly sold WMD's to all comers, a country who is openly hostile towards the U.S.,and this is U.S. foreign policy? well, I would have no hesitation in saying it will "DEFINATELY" come back and bite the U.S.on the arse.
Not only has Bush failed miserably with his WMD lie,it would appear his regime change reasons are also flawed.
P.S. The same thing goes for Saudi

[SEVIL DOG]

Its amazing and fact as Candypreet pointed out, this Bush Administration suppling weapons and fighter planes to Pakistan,Musharef a dictator not a Democracy,a country who knowingly sold WMD's to all comers, a country who is openly hostile towards the U.S.,and this is U.S. foreign policy? well, I would have no hesitation in saying it will "DEFINATELY" come back and bite the U.S.on the arse.
Not only has Bush failed miserably with his WMD lie,it would appear his regime change reasons are also flawed.
P.S. The same thing goes for Saudi
Doesn't Russia, China, Europe do the same thing, so the giants have left the playground and left behind a loaded gun. :mad_08:

[candypreet]

'Indo-US nuke deal will help launch thorium reactors'

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1428328.cms

NEW DELHI: As US President George W Bush's visit approaches, the few voices within the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) have joined to become a chorus.

While DAE as a whole has been painted as being opposed to separating military and civilian facilities, the "rebels" within DAE hope the government would not let the opportunity pass. For obvious reasons, they want to remain anonymous.

"India has witnessed four decades of stifled progress in the civilian nuclear programme which till recently was acting more like camouflage for the not explicitly spelt out military ambitions," one top DAE scientist said.

"It is high time that the dubious status of affairs changes", he said.

[Fictious Actor]

CP......

Weird timing on this thread....

I was having "big thoughts" today...... meaning ......picture grand thoughts from a small brain...... and was wondering..... (in fact I was going to start a thread called pick a major populated country as a buddy country)......... what country of some girth would be compatible with the US....... Russia (still evil fucks on so many levels) has nestled with China....... France of course has nestled with several ME countries........ and not many want to nestle with Africa per se...... that leaves major populations such as Indo-Macro-Nesia (Zoolander) and India............

My brother lived in India for 10 years...... they are ....... ummmmm... how do I say this......? Sane!

Looking forward......... China is the team to beat.......... by sheer numbers.... so why not pick our side for international dodge ball by selecting India......

(now this comment is coming out of my ass.... and please correct me if I am mistaken..... but Hindu is far less.......... "superior" than Muslim in beliefs ... no?)

[candypreet]

CP......Weird timing on this thread....
(now this comment is coming out of my ass.... and please correct me if I am mistaken..... but Hindu is far less.......... "superior" than Muslim in beliefs ... no?)

didnt get your question.

[Jake]

Washington went public with a historical shift in its policy towards India on Friday. Unfortunately, this is largely being missed in India because the US announcement was coupled with the declaration of US intent to go ahead with a long-pending plan to sell F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan. The potent Cold War symbolism of the F-16s has obscured the post-9/11 policy shift.

The key US statement is that “its goal is to help India become a major world power in the 21st century.” This new underlying rationale for US policy to India has been kicking around Washington for the past few years.

However, say diplomatic sources, its public declaration indicates the last few India-sceptical lobbies in Washington have been silenced or brought on board. Friday’s decision included a collection of policies reflecting this basic US shift:

*The prime concession is the promise to give India access to civilian nuclear technology — something Washington has denied New Delhi for some three decades. The subtext is that the US will be looking at nuclear knowhow that goes well beyond what was being considered under the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership.

*A defence cooperation agreement that includes joint production. This is a degree of closeness only provided to close allies of the United States, like Turkey and South Korea. This is more or less unprecedented in Indo-US bilateral ties. It will put Pakistan’s “major non-NATO ally” in the shade. The immediate manifestation is the offer that India could, if it wishes, buy the F-18 fighter.


*The institutional means to convert aspects of the NSSP — including economic cooperation and the provision of space technology — into tangible projects and items. Diplomatic source point to Washington’s reference “for the first time” of “satellite-launching vehicles.”

*Finally, the United States invited Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Washington in July and spoke of a reciprocal visit by US President George W. Bush later this year.

*And, stated in earlier US briefings, is America's decision to let India lead the way for the international community in handling countries like Nepal and Bangladesh.

But more significant was the explanation for all this largesse: That the US wants India to become a great power and sees no threat in India taking on such a role.

The Saturday briefing by three US officials also provides a contrasting US vision on Pakistan. Yes, a necessary ally in the war on terror but also a problem proliferator and a nation-state that must be transformed into something more benign.

The real division in US policy is the broader vision it has for India and Pakistan: a global cop in training versus a rogue state in rehab.



This is very important. India will be a much needed counterweight both against increasingly unstable Pakistan and China.

Plus India is the worlds largest democracy and therefor already has been/will continue to be a great ally.

We have always had our differences, but two democracies will always be natural allies at the base of it.

India becoming a major power will be good for the world.

Plus it's a fine country that deserves to move out of the pains of early development-- for the sake of it's owm humanity.

.

.

[candypreet]

This is very important. India will be a much needed counterweight both against increasingly unstable Pakistan and China.

Plus India is the worlds largest democracy and therefor already has been/will continue to be a great ally.

We have always had our differences, but two democracies will always be natural allies at the base of it.

India becoming a major power will be good for the world.

Plus it's a fine country that deserves to move out of the pains of early development-- for the sake of it's owm humanity.

.

.
very good points. Democracies have to be more than allies, I would prefer friends - so many ideals are common.

[Fictious Actor]

didnt get your question.

Hindu appears to be the more passive of religions .... no?

[candypreet]

Hindu appears to be the more passive of religions .... no?
a hindu is a person. what do you mean by "more passiveof religions"

[Fictious Actor]

a hindu is a person. what do you mean by "more passiveof religions"

A diverse body of religion, philosophy, and cultural practice native to and predominant in India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils.

the predominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system and belief in reincarnation [syn: Hinduism, Hindooism] 2: a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils [syn: Hinduism, Hindooism]

************

A Hindu...... and A Muslim....... to clarify.... Hindus appear to subscribe to the more passive religion as compared to a Muslim..... no (is this true?)

Forgot my Ism...... thought you may let it slide............ symantics versus your opinion........

[candypreet]

A diverse body of religion, philosophy, and cultural practice native to and predominant in India, characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme being of many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils.

the predominant religion of India; characterized by a caste system and belief in reincarnation [syn: Hinduism, Hindooism] 2: a body of religious and philosophical beliefs and cultural practices native to India and characterized by a belief in reincarnation and a supreme beingof many forms and natures, by the view that opposing theories are aspects of one eternal truth, and by a desire for liberation from earthly evils [syn: Hinduism, Hindooism]

************

A Hindu...... and A Muslim....... to clarify.... Hindus appear to subscribe to the more passive religion as compared to a Muslim..... no (is this true?)

Forgot my Ism...... thought you may let it slide............ symantics versus your opinion........

Hinduism started off as a philosphy in Ancient India, over 5000 yrs ago. Nepal and Bhutan( Not very sure) are I think the only hindu countries in the world, though India has the largest number of Hindus ( nearly 80% - of 1.1 Billion).
Its very difficult to define hinduism actually as its more of a philosphy than a religion. No I didnt mind the ism part at all

[candypreet]

By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President George W. Bush will share the spotlight on his trip to India this week with corporate moguls from both countries who will try to cut India's red tape and intensify the country's economic reforms.

Troubles implementing a landmark 2005 accord to give India access to U.S. nuclear equipment have dominated headlines in the run-up to Bush's trip. But experts say that focus is too narrow to capture the full drama of rapidly warming ties between the two countries.

When Bush hosted Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Washington last July, they launched the U.S.-India CEO Forum. The group unites executives from U.S. giants such as Citigroup, JP Morgan Chase, Honeywell International and Xerox Corp. with Indian majors such as the Tata Group, Reliance Industries and Infosys Technologies.

This week the panel of 10 executives from each country will publish a major report on cutting red tape and tariffs.

Americans are likely to recommend reforms of the labor, financial, retail sectors and seek Indian commitments to improve intellectual property protection and uphold the sanctity of contracts, analysts said.

"Bureaucratic regulations, rules and procedures are numerous and nontransparent, adding to the cost of doing business; the tax structure is complex and permits inefficient resource use and privatization is proceeding too slowly," said Daniella Markheim, a trade analyst at the Heritage Institute.

The 2005 Corruption Perception Index published by Transparency International ranked India 2.9 on a scale of 10 in which zero represented "highly corrupt."


LAND OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY

The ranks of American firms keen to serve India's rapidly growing and opening market include not only nuclear power equipment suppliers but also defense contractors, bankers, agribusinesses, telecommunications firms and even Hollywood.

With a middle class of 320 million people out of a population of 1 billion and average economic growth of 7 percent in the past decade, India is a "tremendously vital and very important market" said Boeing Co. official Tom Pickering.

Pickering, a retired U.S. diplomat who serves as Boeing's senior vice president for international relations, played a role in a recent $1.4 billion deal to sell India's SpiceJet 10 Boeing 737 planes and take 10 more options on planes.

"It's not so much an emerging market, as it is in parts already emerged and in other parts still coming along," said Pickering, who says Boeing sees India and several other giants rising to one day match Japan and Europe as aircraft markets.

"Our economic relationship with India is transforming across the board," senior State Department official Josette Shiner told scholars and reporters in Washington.

"Although our trade and investment with India is 10 percent of what it is between the U.S. and China, this is changing," she said, noting that two-way trade rose to $30 billion last year from $10 billion in 1997.

Powered by sales of aircraft and telecommunications gear, U.S. exports to India, the 22nd biggest market for American goods, rose 30 percent last year. India boosted its sales to America, its biggest customer, by 20 percent, U.S. data show.

While the corporate push will focus mostly on cutting down on government interference in business, India requires a "major government drive" to build infrastructure, said U.S.-India Business Council director Richard Rossow.

"The one area where India really falls short in comparison to China is on infrastructure, whether it's electricity availability, roads, ports or airports," he said.

Pickering says U.S. businesses are encouraged by the continuity in reform programs over the past decade, even as India changed governing parties.

"This ability to build on the foundations of reform is very, very significant to all of us who look ahead and see India as a great opportunity," he told Reuters.

http://in.today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-02-28T031456Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_India-238557-1.xml

[orrery]

I like to think that it was U.S. support for Mohatma Ghandi that allowed his movement in India to succeed with the British. Anyways, just like candypreet, India is awesome. I have always been intrigued by the story of ancient nuclear weapons in the Mahabarata or Ramayana. India I would say is the true cradle of human civilization, second to Philadelphia 1776 (of course) :)

[candypreet]

I like to think that it was U.S. support for Mohatma Ghandi that allowed his movement in India to succeed with the British. Anyways, just like candypreet, India is awesome. I have always been intrigued by the story of ancient nuclear weapons in the Mahabarata or Ramayana. India I would say is the true cradle of human civilization, second to Philadelphia 1776 (of course) :)


Thanks for the kind words:) :)

[candypreet]

and a bump

[candypreet]

:happy_01: :add09: :happy_01:

[candypreet]

Indian PM briefs Opp on ties with Pakistan, nuclear deal with US

NEW DELHI: For the first time since coming to power, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday hosted a “diplomatic” lunch for opposition leaders to consult them on various foreign policy initiatives, particularly the latest developments in the peace process with Pakistan and the Indo-US nuclear deal.

Former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, leaders of the opposition in two houses LK Advani and Jaswant Singh, and former national security advisor Brajesh Mishra were among the guests.

BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said that it was a private lunch and as such there was no information to give the press, except to clarify that the BJP was not invited, otherwise its President Rajnath Singh would have also attended. He said the prime minister had informed Vajpayee and others almost a month ago that he wanted to consult them on foreign policy matters.

The BJP leaders at the meeting welcomed the prime minister’s initiative and told him that divergent views on foreign policy matters would not have come out from Indian politicians if he had kept them informed. The secrecy surrounding foreign policy created misapprehensions in their minds about national security concerns, compelling them to seek clarifications from time to time, the sources said.

External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee, National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and Foreign Secretary Shivshanker Menon also attended the lunch and helped the prime minister outline the government’s approach on foreign policy, the sources said. Mishra was especially invited since he was personally involved in the peace process with Pakistan under the previous government.

The sources said Manmohan and Mukherjee also spoke about the various proposals from Pakistan on Kashmir. They said the opposition leaders should be objective in assessing the government’s approach and provide suggestions wherever they think the government is going wrong.

Mukherjee is to make his first trip to Pakistan on January 13 as external affairs minister and Manmohan may follow with a visit to Islamabad in March. They reportedly assured the opposition leaders that they were pursuing exactly the same course that Vajpayee had set off on as prime minister in 2004. The sources said relations with China and Iran and the hanging of former Iraqi ruler Saddam Hussein were also discussed. The PMO issued a terse press note later in the evening without giving details of the discussions. It said: “External Affairs Minister Shri Pranab Mukherjee briefed them on the situation in India’s neighbourhood and India ‘s relations with Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.” iftikhar gilani

http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007%5C01%5C04%5Cstory_4-1-2007_pg7_51

[bigearth]

CP......

Weird timing on this thread....

I was having "big thoughts" today...... meaning ......picture grand thoughts from a small brain...... and was wondering..... (in fact I was going to start a thread called pick a major populated country as a buddy country)......... what country of some girth would be compatible with the US....... Russia (still evil fucks on so many levels) has nestled with China....... France of course has nestled with several ME countries........ and not many want to nestle with Africa per se...... that leaves major populations such as Indo-Macro-Nesia (Zoolander) and India............

My brother lived in India for 10 years...... they are ....... ummmmm... how do I say this......? Sane!

Looking forward......... China is the team to beat.......... by sheer numbers.... so why not pick our side for international dodge ball by selecting India......

(now this comment is coming out of my ass.... and please correct me if I am mistaken..... but Hindu is far less.......... "superior" than Muslim in beliefs ... no?)

i totally agree...

india is the country to be friends with, far and away above china...

india is a democracy, however (YET) undeveloped...

china is the biggest fascist state this world has ever seen...

i've just seen some piece on sky news about chinese doctors experimenting on unwitting patients...fucking incredible...

some women came in with short breath and cold lips, so they ripped out her heart and put another one in...now she has a few weeks to live...and they are experimenting with stem cell research on patients, again, without their knowing...


india can provide the engine for world trade throughout the 21st century...

i think china will have some sort of civil war...


(india's muslims should not be overlooked, tho...they could still 'kick up'...)

[overwatch]

i totally agree...

india is the country to be friends with, far and away above china...

india is a democracy, however (YET) undeveloped...

china is the biggest fascist state this world has ever seen...

i've just seen some piece on sky news about chinese doctors experimenting on unwitting patients...fucking incredible...

some women came in with short breath and cold lips, so they ripped out her heart and put another one in...now she has a few weeks to live...and they are experimenting with stem cell research on patients, again, without their knowing...


india can provide the engine for world trade throughout the 21st century...

i think china will have some sort of civil war...


(india's muslims should not be overlooked, tho...they could still 'kick up'...)

Two sensible coherant posts in sucession - are you feeling OK biggy? :D