As the India-US bilateral nuclear negotiations enters its last leg, the sharp letter to Manmohan Singh has landed the government in a soup.
NEW DELHI: As the India-US bilateral nuclear negotiations enters its last leg, the sharp letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from ranking members of the US Congress has given a fillip to all those opposed to the deal and landed the government in a soup.
The letter, signed by a number of Congressman, including Chairman of the powerful committee on Foreign Affairs, Tom Lantos begins on an ominous note: “We are writing to express our grave concern regarding several recent developments that, if left unaddressed, have the potential to significantly harm prospects for the establishment of the ‘global partnership’ between the US and India …..” the letter said, and went on to list all the things the US Congress is unhappy about.
Its ends with the warning; “Mr Prime Minister, we urge you to provide assurances that India will cease illicit procurement activities in the US, sever military cooperation with Iran, and terminate India’s participation in the development of Iran’s energy sector. By taking these steps you can help ensure that the positive evolution of our bilateral relationship continues.”
While India’s so-called defence and energy co-operation was on top of the list, the indictment of several persons, including an employee of the embassy in Washington, for illegally procuring sensitive technology for India’s ballistic missile programme all came in for criticism. The visit of the commander of the Iranian Navy to India in March, the alleged establishment of a joint defence working group as well as the India-Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project were all mentioned, to drive home the point that New Delhi was not keeping to the spirit of the July 18 agreement between Prime Minister Singh and President George Bush.
The timing could not have been worse, with the Parliament in session. The tone and tenor of the letter has given an opportunity to both its allies from the Left as well as the opposition BJP to go hammer and tongs against Singh and the nuclear deal. The government will have to do a precarious tight rope walk in the next few weeks to ensure that the 123 negotiations with the US is wrapped up while assuring its political opponents and allies from the Left that its foreign policy will not be dictated by the US.
Officials privately concede that the letter to Singh is an attempt at diplomatic sabre rattling ahead of the crucial 123 negotiations scheduled to begin in the middle of the month when Nicholas Burns arrives. “We have been able to convince our Parliamentarians before and we will do so again, after all everyone is united to get the best deal for the country. The fact is India’s foreign policy will not be dictated by any other country. If that is not possible, the deal will be called off,” a senior official, said.
The government remained silent, taking the plea that it was not in a position to make any comments outside the House when the Parliament is in session. Foreign Affairs Minister, Pranab Mukherjee, dodged questions from reporters. He spoke of the civil nuclear agreement and said that India and the US will try its best to adhere “as closely as possible to the framework of the July 2005 joint statement and the March 2006 separation plan.”
As closely as possible is not the same as adhering to the agreement totally. Is this any indication from the minister that some comprise has to be made? Only time will tell.
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
){kind=small}