Hillary makes government happy

At the end of US secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s five-day visit, strategic  relations between India and the US are set to enter the next level of cooperation.

The UPA may find it hard to sell the idea of closer links with Washington to everyone in this country, but the PMO as well as the foreign ministry is extremely pleased with the results.

Clinton’s contribution was to set the tone of future ties under President Obama. Despite this, there are major differences between the two countries on major issues including Pakistan, non-proliferation, trade talks and climate change.

By devoting just one day to meetings with government leaders, Clinton showed that her emphasis was not just on official exchanges but on an expanding all inclusive ties such as education, environment and trade. Those travelling with her spoke of Clinton’s keen desire to be involved in drafting the administration’s India policy, as someone familiar with the country. This was acknowledged by SM Krishna, “Her deep commitment to India has helped shape the US policy of close engagement with India,’’ he said.

Special envoy for Af-Pak, Richard Holbrooke, was keen to accompany Clinton  to India but was dissuaded as Clinton wanted this to be her show. While wooing India, Clinton took care not to forget US interests. So there was no pointing fingers at Pakistan and she made it clear that her government appreciated the Pakistan military’s fight against Taliban and extremist forces. Everywhere, she urged engagement between the two neighbours and also said Kashmir must be solved taking into account the wishes of its people.

The joint statement is a detailed document setting out future goals. The strategic dialogue will be dealt with by working groups on non-proliferation, counter-terrorism, military cooperation, energy and climate change, education, development and economics and trade and agriculture.