The Hindu : America welcome

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Feb 14, 2002

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

America welcome

Sir, — I don't agree with K.K. Katyal's view in `Big brother comes calling' (Feb.11) in which he has said that the American presence in our vicinity in the long run is a worrisome prospect. The author said that the record of American presence in various parts of the globe speaks for itself. But America's presence in any region and its role in the changed world order should not be viewed through the prism of the Cold War.

The September 11 attack has already forced America to re-formulate its foreign policy objectives, and there is no reason why we should doubt its sincerity. I feel that in the long run the Americans stand to gain more (both economically and strategically) from their association with India than from their association with any of our neighbours. And India too stands to gain a lot from a close relationship with that country.

What is more, history is witness to the fact that America has always proved to be a loyal and sincere friend. Once we become a trusted ally of America, we do not have to worry about its presence in our vicinity or anywhere.

Of course, America puts its national interests before those of others. But then which country does not?

The American presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan will ensure stability in the region, and this in turn will put economics and trade back on centre stage.

India's huge market potential and commitment to democracy make it a natural ally of the U.S. Also, we Indians should not be obsessed with Kashmir. This issue alone should not guide our national objectives and foreign policy.

Raghav Venkatesh,
Gulbarga, Karnataka

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