M very impressed with your deep knowledge of situation in central Asia. But I would like to make it a point that INDIA needs to come out with its own point of view instead of merging into any alien political campaigns. The nations which threaten other govt.s on the pretext of following their ideology cant be trusted. I would like to particularly emphasis on the adj. "Soft Power", INDIA nowhere lacks with other nations except it falls dependant even after turning adult. I think V have to learn how to put our own resources to use efficiently like China. i) Stop the Brain Drain ii) Remove reservations in all sectors iii) Make efficient foreign policies evading any bullish contracts or treaties iv) Ensure V are not pawns of Divide and rule policy.
Though I may not get enough for my services here. But I Pledge - "I will serve my country to the maximum capacity and will die for my homeland if time comes". Being on its surface is enough for me.
i have read the article of uzbezikhistan and india and i totally support the reason and views presented in the light of this matter.india must make its presence felt , economically and politically and by forging ties with this uzbekh country woul be a giant step considering that russia is backing it too.
Not only Uzbekistan but the entire CAS is vital to our interests. Taking care of our interests means clearly that we do not give up our claims on Aksai Chin. The above article does not mention anything about it. Merely taking an anti-American stance is not going to help us. To fall in the trap of the Chinese is equally unwise. They want us to give up our claims on Aksai Chin.
Mani Shankar Ayyar emphasised our energy security in CAS. His succecssor is also talking about it. It will be a void if politically we do not back it up with a stern reiteration of our economic and political goals.
Not only there is need for a clear thinking on the part of our government on our northern borders but it needs to spell out the broad outlines of it if it wishes to carry the people with it.
One major trouble for India in dealing with Uzbekistan and other central asian republics is that there are no direct land links between modern India and these countries. Moreover, Pakistan has made sure that India effectively stays away from central asia by not allowing transit to Indian goods or to Indians. While good economic and especially energy ties with Central Asia will help, I believe that Indian govt's focus, given its limited clout and financial ability, should be directed much more towards South East Asia. This region, unlike the dusty, frosty, unstable central asia, is actually politically stable and economically happening. Moreover, due to our warm relations with Burma and a huge border we share, South East Asia can become the carrier of economic prosperity and political stability in the North-East and East India (just as the Thai pm pointed out few months ago). Thus, given India's limited resources, India should focus on ASEAN a lot more than Central Asia.
I think India should be friendly but not commit itself. I do not know much about our past or present foreign policy, but the political situation in Asia is very volatile! the factor of cross-broder terrorism and civil wars are not reasons good enough. By investing it would mean getting dependent on the Sino-Russian economic plans both separately and jointly as well as the political unrest. We should start thinking of an economic co-opeartion by 2012 but not implement it immediately. The players now are either World Powers or the poorest countries and we may find ourselves often swinging in between.
That a total sum for the policy and happenings in Uzbekistan. India should have a independent stand on all issue with the Uzbekistan. but US for sure is going to infulence indian foreign policy.
