M A I N   N E W S

Protection of energy sources
PM for stronger Indo-US cooperation
Tribune News Service

Washington, November 9
Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has underlined the need for India and the USA working in concert to protect access to energy resources in Asia and the sea lanes in the region.

During a meeting with Speaker Dennis Hastert and Minority leader Richard Gephardt here yesterday, Mr Vajpayee said distance was no insulation against terrorism. This was evidenced from the September 11 strikes in the USA and drew attention to the reach of terrorism.

Emphasising that the current operations against terrorism and Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaida’s outfit in Afghanistan would have a far-reaching impact all over the world and especially in Asia, Mr Vajpayee said this scenario called for stronger Indo-US cooperation for promoting peace, democracy and prosperity.

He pointed out that counter-terrorism had been an important part of the Indo-US bilaterlal agenda. In the days ahead intense cooperation in this sphere would be a vital factor in the long and complex fight against the forces of terrorism and extremism.

Lashkar-e-Toiba

Meanwhile, there are indications here that the Lashkar-e-Toiba may be part of the executive order issued by the US President which amounts to banning the terrorist organisation. The Jaish-e-Mohammad has already attracted the necessary punitive measures because of the evidence collected which estbalishes its links with Al Qaida.

A senior Bush administration official said the LeT was not far behind in being put on the President’s executive order list. Nevertheless, the LeT was on the list of 46 suspected organisations US Attorney-General Ashcroft had forwarded to the State Department.

About Pakistan being a frontline state of the USA in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, the official said the Bush administration was pleased with the “180 degree turn” of President Pervez Musharraf and his full support to the ongoing campaign against terrorism.

The Bush administration was keen that the upswing in Indo-US relations was maintained irrespective of the current campaign because the ties between the two countries were multifaceted.

The official reiterated that Washington would like both India and Pakistan to be restrained and refused to answer “hypothetical” questions about Washingston’s stand if India chose to attack terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in the wake of fresh incidents of heightened cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. — Hari Jaisingh

NEWS ANALYSIS
Natural ally vs useful partner
Hari Jaisingh

Washington, November 9
Where does India stand in America’s changing global perspective after its traumatic September 11 events?

The answer to this question is both simple and complex — simple if New Delhi sees Washington straight which it is not; complex if General Pervez Musharraf’s regime is brought in the picture.

A wide-ranging interaction with well-placed Americans and knowledgeable Asians throw up a number of interesting points which, by no means can be termed conclusive.

One, though Washington continues to accept India as its “natural ally”, it sees Pakistan as a “very useful partner” in the present war against terrorism in Afghanistan.

Two, the USA feels very much “gratified” by the support the Pakistan military dictator has extended in the coalition operation against the Taliban. “We have been extremely pleased with the Pakistani response. It is 100 per cent on board in America’s bid to crackdown on Osama bin Laden’s Al Qaida outfit,” a US official spokesperson asserts.

Three, America thinks General Musharraf’s regime to be “quite stable”. This should set at rest, at least for the present, the speculation about possible overthrow of the General. The fact that General Musharraf is in New York for his address at the United Nations General Assembly shows his confidence. As it is the General has been drawing considerable media attention in the context of the bombing of the Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan. President George Bush is hosting a private dinner in honour of the Pakistani General.

Four, America would like India and Pakistan to resume the dialogue. It thinks it is in “India’s interest to have good relations with Pakistan”.

New Delhi has never questioned the desirability of a meaningful dialogue with its highly difficult neighbour. However, it has insisted on creating a proper atmosphere for such a course and with an agreed agenda. The Indian authorities do not want a repeat of the Agra summit fiasco. This point was again hammered in by External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh during his briefing to newsmen here.

Five, the USA proposes to “dehyphenate” its response to India and Pakistan. In other words, it is preparing to discard its old diplomacy of maintaining parity between the two countries. What shape this policy will take remains to be seen.

Looking at the current American obsession and priority, the USA is unlikely to take very clear and categorical position on matters of India’s sensitivities on Kashmir, especially on the question of cross-border terrorism. President Bush no doubt appreciates India’s apprehensions, but would like to set the Afghan house in order minus the Taliban.

“It needs to be realised that America’s current pro-Pakistan moves are tactical. These are prompted by its geopolitical and other interests. But US leaders know what is what and who is playing games to whose advantage. They understand the importance of India as a strategic partner in the long run”, an old hand based in Washington told me today.

A lot will depend on how assertive and decisive are the pursuit of Indian interests. In this context, the White House parleys between President Bush and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee are likely to set the pace for Indo-American relations.