Change in US perception of India

THE interactions US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice had with Indian leaders during her brief visit to New Delhi suggest that there has been a significant change in the US perception of India. She is known for her view of encouraging "new centres of stability, new centres of prosperity” which obviously includes India. That is why when India expressed its concern over the promised sale of F16 aircraft to Pakistan, she did not brush aside India's sensibilities. Of course, Pakistan would get its supplies. But India has been offered 125 F16s against 25 for Pakistan. The manufacturers, Lockheed Martin, may get permission to set up shop in India for a joint venture for the purpose as part of the new US policy to co-produce defence equipment. The F16s meant for India fall in the most sophisticated category.

This is not all. Ms Rice has assured India that the US is willing to provide the kind of nuclear power plants which it has supplied to China. India needs them because of its growing energy requirement. One can argue that this generosity is basically aimed at persuading India to dissociate itself from the Iranian gas pipeline project. Whatever the truth, the availability of the latest nuclear power technology — which means the cleanest and cheapest energy — may revolutionise industrial development in the country. So far as the Iran gas pipeline project is concerned, Pakistan too is a partner in it and the US would do well to first discuss its concerns with that country before asking India to ignore the Iranian offer.

India and the US have almost similar views on the Nepalese situation. Both want restoration of the democratic process at the earliest. King Gyanendra, who has suspended the functioning of the democratic institutions, has been feeling emboldened after Pakistan's offer of defence supplies to Nepal. The US would be serving the cause of democracy if it forcefully tells Pakistan not to do anything that may dampen the spirits of the democratic forces in the Himalayan Kingdom.