America's double talk

     We have often heard of that eloquent speech by American diplomats saying that America and India are natural partners and are poised to play a strategic role in the affairs of the twenty first century. If only things were as simple as that! It is well known that America often plays by its own interest and the desire to be seen as the only super-power of the world. We all know the animosity the Reagan administration had towards India and how they favored Pakistan over India. So, how then can US call India as an time immemorial ally. And America was one of the first to impose sanctions on India over our Nuclear Programme. The lengths to which certain countries would go to safeguard a false notion of superiority is well documented. The CIA pumped in millions of dollars to create the Taliban in order to overthrow the Soviet Union. And well, the same has spun back like a Frankenstein threatening to devour both Pakistan and the States.

      The English domination of trade and politics during the Middle Ages was quelled by the America, the new nation which promised the ideas of liberty, fraternity and equality. And now, history repeats itself. Just as how America overthrew the British as the global masters, now, America herself is being challenged by China and India. In these troubled economic times, it has forced President Barack Obama to focus on the outsourcing of jobs in his election campaign. He vowed to bring back every job that 'he felt' is legitimately an American citizens'. Just when the whole world is moving towards a globalized economy without any market barriers, here comes a jolt from one of the most influential persons. Whenever the Honourable President makes a visit to India, he speaks lavishly about India's economic growth and speaks of India as a companion, a complementary power that would drive the future. But sometimes, you do get the overtones of him referring to India and China as competitors. Now, everyone likes a healthy competition. But at the same time, it should be one with a level playing field.
       Recently, India decided to cut its oil imports from Iran owing to America's pressure. If the US has a problem with the Iranians, it is upto them to solve it rather than asking for India to protest on their behalf. Will they cut their oil imports from Venezuela just because they follow a radically different political ideology and they were their opponent during the Cold War? Absolutely never. Recently, an American diplomat said that America recognizes India's strategic autonomy in the region. Just what did he  mean by autonomy? We are a sovereign nation and rightfully one of the few nations that has the capacity to become the next superpower. Does he think that India is subservient to US in anyway so as to use the word "autonomy" when the exact word is "sovereignty"?
        But having said that, the relationship between America and India is of vital importance to the world. America is now India's largest military trading partner and the ties are expected to grow further. There is space for the growth of both these majestic nations. But India should keep in mind that each and every nation, no matter how friendly places its own policies ahead of its allies. Keeping that in mind, we do have a tremendous scope to conquer the sky!