SPECIAL ISSUE

September 17, 2005: Congressman Tom Lantos’ threat —

‘Frankly my dear, India doesn’t give a damn’

By J.V. Lakshmana Rao

India is a vibrant, independent, sovereign republic. The country knows what is good for it. Threats and warnings by friendly or unfriendly countries cannot intimidate India of one billion people. The Indian rulers, whichever party they belong to, are patriotic and capable of managing their affairs. They are capable of deciding what is good and what is bad for the country. Its domestic and foreign policies are decided by them and they have always proved right. They need not be told what they should do and what they should not. They also have a firm conviction on whatever they say or do about themselves or about other countries.
But all these facts seem to be unknown to the learned US Congressman Tom Lantos when he has sounded a warning in reaction to Indian External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh whom he has called “dense.”
Lantos’ warning to India during the hearing on the US-India nuclear cooperation agreement has been highly provocative, and hence unwarranted. Even more offensive is his calling of India’s revered Minister as “dense.”
The Congressman’s arrogance has been evident when he says, “If India doesn’t change its policy toward Iran in sync with US policy, the relationship would go down the tubes.”
He even goes on to say that not only was India opposing America’s views, but also those of Britain, France and Germany. And that if New Delhi did not support Washington’s efforts to ostracize Iran, “the goodwill will dissipate.”
Even more caustic has been the warning when he says, “They will pay a heavy price for a total disregard of US concerns vis-à-vis Iran. It just will not fly in this body and they need to be told that in plain English, not in diplomatic English, and I know there are people in this room who will carry this message.”
Lantos must realize that Natwar Singh has used simple and plain English when he spoke to the new Iranian President, supporting the resolution of Iran’s nuclear issue within the International Atomic Energy Agency framework, and lamenting on the inclination to inject injustice in international relations. Natwar Singh has also reiterated that India’s relations with Iran are not pre-dictated on positions and views attributed to some governments.
Lantos must be aware that India had withstood firmly against the US sanctions when the Vajpayee government went with its nuclear experimentation in Pokaran. India has also been successfully tackling the terrorist menace emanating from Pakistan when the US has been doing very little to restrain it. India has not told the US what it should do or not when it waged a war against Iraq. But, India has firmly and boldly declined to send its troops to Iraq. It has been India that has politely turned down the US aid offer towards tsunami relief.
The whole world knows how safe are the nuclear installations in India. The US has been a silent spectator when top scientist of Pakistan had been trading in nuclear technology with some countries. Where was Lantos then?
Lantos’ use of English language when he calls Natwar Singh “dense” is nauseating and insulting not only to the Minister, but also to all Indians. His warning to India is uncalled for. There is no need for any Tom, Dick and Harry to tell what India should do or not. They should mind their own affairs.
Is it not appropriate for Indians in this country to tame this arrogant Congressman? They should act now and send him a message of disgust.