We must note that the letter sent by the US senators has three parts. In the first part, the concerns are raised on the actions of Indian diplomats. The other two parts are on Indo-Iranian ties. Now the question arises: will it be considered as an interference in the political affairs of India?
The first answer is yes-because as per our constitutional norms we should have an independent foreign policy. No one has a right to question our relationship with any state or non-state entity. India's relationship with PLO in the past can be an example in this regard.
The second answer is -no- because in post-1990 Indian foreign policy can not be called independent. Unlike China, the increasing pressures from IMF and World Bank actually forced us to follow their notion of globalism. As a result, we stated following a pro-US policy. In this sense, this letter is noting more than a simple reminder.
We should also note that this issue will eventually be converted into a 'Muslim' issue. The BJP is going to demand that Indian should not develop close relationship with Iran. In contrast, the left will try to capitalize on this issue by establishing a link between rights of minorities and secular foreign policy. The centrist Congress, I suppose, will also take this line by highlighting Sachar!!!
What is really important here for us-the people of India - is that we should avoid taking a 'left' or 'right' position and demand that India should follow a strong pro-people policy.
RE:Between Yes and NO
by Kanwar S Arora on May 04, 2007 04:15 PM Permalink
What are you writing ? are your senses not in your control ?? How come issue of Muslims came into this affair, BJP was and is for IPI pipeline ..it is need of India not just some religious or communal groups....
RE:Between Yes and NO
by Hilal Ahmed on May 04, 2007 04:29 PM Permalink
I think you failed to understand the totality of my remarks. My point was that it could be possible that the major political parties/group might link this issue with our internal issue. I think you need to know more about real politics. This is not your fault because you are nothing more than a product of internet, who cannot think beyond the communal/caste issues.
