WikiLeaks show pressure to weaken independent foreign policy: CPI(M)

The CPI(M) today said the WikiLeaks latest release in which the US embassy in New Delhi described Prakash Karat as an "extortionist" confirmed its apprehension that Washington was pressurising New Delhi to weaken its independent foreign policy.

"It confirms our apprehension that the US was pressurising India to weaken and destroy its independent foreign policy," party leader Nilotpal Basu said.

The US embassy was critical of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and described Karat as an "extortionist" in a cable that discussed the political scenario in November 2007 -- days before the Indo-US nuclear agreement was to be debated and voted in Parliament.

The cable says: "The Congress party, led by Sonia Gandhi, has proven especially cautious and nervous in the face of recent extortionist tactics by Prakash Karat. With two huge confrontations in its future -- Parliament and Gujarat -- it will remain true to its cautious form by seeking first to gauge its levels of support before finally being forced -- if absolutely needed -- to take action."