The Hindu : National : India won't be cowed down: Deora

When Dr. Manmohan Singh included Murali Deora in his cabinet, he was presumed to be pro-western politician like Chidambaram. If I remember correctly, media felt that Mr. Deora would promote better relations with the U.S. When I read about Mr. Deora's statement in Rajya Sabha (Petroleum Minister Murli Deora said, "I assure you that India will not be cowed down by any threat.")

I felt that his words are inconsistent with the actions of the UPA government. Dr. Manmohan Singh's government has been very close to the Bush administration. His statement may have won him praise from his UPA coalition's MPs but it is unlikely to impress those US lawmakers who are worried about India's growing relations with Iran. There should be no doubt that the lawmakers who recently (I think on May 2, 2007)wrote a letter to Dr. Manmohan Singh mean business. These lawmakers belong to both Democratic and Republican parties.

India's interest in building pipeline which is going to pass through Pakistan is definitely not wise. Pakistan is far from being a democracy. Having financial and strategic relations with Pakistan will prove to be dangerous. India has to choose whether it wants to be friends with civilized societies or the countries ruled by extremists and mullas. Mr. Deora should not forget that President Bush won't be able to help UPA government if the US Congress took a serious note of India's cooperation with Iran. I think India is making a tactical mistake (one of many by UPA coalition) by ignoring the US advice. Friends dont threaten friends, they offer advice. The days of Cold War are over. Indo-US relations have significant financial and strategic implications. Closer ties with Iran would definitely be one of the reasons to kill the Indo-US nuclear agreement. President Bush cannot amend the law. As it seems now, Congress is unlikely to give India any more concessions. I am one of the people who believe that Indo-US agreement would be catching the dust if the law is not amended prior to 2008 US presidential elections.

I wonder where have gone the days of India's excellent diplomatic abilities which we saw under Smt Indira Gandhi and Atalji. I am afraid that cronies have taken the place of intelligent diplomats and Chankayas that India used to have.

Recently when President Bush called Dr Manmohan Singh, Indian media was elated. It makes me wonder if Indian analysts really think through how Indian politicians handle international affairs. A call from Bush does not mean that Indo-US nuclear agreement is going to be amended and enacted into law by the Congress. Newly elected Democratic Congress will ask lot more questions than the last "enabler" Republican Congress did. Some anxious days are ahead for the UPA coalition when it would have to deal with nuclear agreement and amendment to the US law.