Indo-US bilateral negotiations are absolutely critical…

United States of America and India are two very difficult democracies. Both are governed by strong legislative bodies and the executive branch in either country can not guarantee a deal, without the consent and approval of their respective Congress and the Parliament. On top of that a free and unrestrained media in both countries, makes the job nearly impossible. The case in point is the floundering ‘Indo-US Civilian Nuclear Deal’, rejected by the Indian Parliament. When the “Hyde Act” was approved by the US Congress in 2006, it was presumed in the United States by both, Republicans and Democrats, that this generous gift to India would be received with much gratitude and appreciation by the people of India and therefore the Indian Parliament. Instead, the people in India were so shocked and hurt by the theatrics of the likes of Senator Barbara Boxer and Representative Edward Markey, that any chances of the deal going through the parliament in India were next to impossible. The point I am trying to make is that in this ‘Global Environment’, people on the other side of the world are watching you. CNN is watched in India by a large section of opinion makers. When Barbara Boxer or Ed Markey wags a finger and admonishes a billion Indians, it is not appreciated at all by the Indians or anybody around the world. They may both disagree with the merits of the deal, that is fine. But no body enjoys the theater in the US congress, when it concerns their country. The US House of Representatives and the US senate would be much better off if they just reflect on their postures in front of the cameras, that are being seen around the world.

Indo-US civilian nuclear deal

The much touted Indo-US civilian nuclear deal has been in limbo for the longest time. The main reason for the divided support in the Indian Parliament is due to the secrecy surrounding the Hyde-Act. People like us who saw the proceedings of this agreement debated in the US congress were not impressed at all. The US lawmakers make this agreement sound like a great favor done to the Indian people. The fact of the matter is the US gains a lot more than India through this deal. The US congress has no idea as to how they are perceived by the rest of the world, specially their performance on C-Span.

The left parties have opposed the deal precisely for the same reason. I personally do not agree with the Communists on anything but on this issue they are probably right. India must think twice before trusting the American government. After the British they probably have the worst record of living up to their commitments. I have lived in the United States for more than 20 years and I love and admire this country for many things. But the US government is something else.