U.S. keen on lifting curbs against India

By Sridhar Krishnaswami

WASHINGTON, AUG. 15. Definite and forward movement in easing sanctions against India is expected next month after U.S. law- makers return from their August recess. And, while the Bush administration is aware of the earlier punitive measures, the lifting of sanctions will generally be confined to the post-1998 Glenn Amendment measures, it is said.

The pre-1998 measures may have to be dealt with a separate legislation. In fact, the administration has been told that it could also take a close look at the restrictive measures in place since the late 1970s, generally in the realm of transfer of super-technologies and dual-use technology.

If September is a month to be paid special attention in the realm of sanctions, one view is that there could be some positive action on the Entities List sooner. The administration is seriously looking to improve the overall environment in bilateral relations.

Diplomats and analysts feel the easing of sanctions will go the distance in intensifying the relations between the United States and India. It is said that there has been no divergence of views within the administration, and therefore no ``cracks'' in its overall objectives.

Senior officials see the process of sanctions moving very slowly; and top law-makers such as the Republican Senator, Mr. Sam Brownback, are unhappy that Presidents have not made full use of the waiver authority given by Congress. The former President, Mr. Bill Clinton, could have gone the full distance given to him by the Brownback amendment two, it is felt.

The decision to fully lift the sanctions rests with the administration; but by law it is required to inform Congress - key members especially - about what is going on. This takes place by way of senior officials meeting or placing calls to Chairs of Committees and sub-committees. And if there are serious objections on Capitol Hill, the administration will try to factor them into the final decision.

It is being said in some circles that the easing of sanctions against India is not linked to anything else - there is no linkage with the measures imposed against Pakistan. Officials in Islamabad and its diplomats here may talk all they want about the administration having to do away with sanctions ``simultaneously''. But it has to be remembered that sanctions vis-a-vis Pakistan are linked to other issues such as the return of democracy.

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Section  : International
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