The Rediff Special/Frank Wisner

'Anything less than a stable and prosperous Pakistan will jeopardise your security'

During my nearly three years as the United States ambassador in Delhi, I have heard the voices of those who assert that the United States in hostile to India, and that American interests would be served if India were weakened. No one has ever explained to my satisfaction why this is so.

I believe that those who make these claims either totally misunderstand the United States, and the role it players in every region of the world, or misapprehend the imperatives of global citizenship at the end of the 20th century.

Even a cursory examination should persuade the thoughtful observer that US interests are better-served by a strong and prosperous India. The reason for this is clear: The complexity of problems that confront us today demands that we seek partnerships with key nations around the world.

The need for economic growth and development, the dangers posed by the presence of nuclear weapons, the instability associated with ethnic and regional tensions, terrorism, refugees, drugs, pollution, and population -- these are but some of the daunting challenges that require us to come together, and concert our policies and actions.

India, by virtue of its size, its democratic traditions and its unique national experience, is in a position to play a key leadership role in world affairs.

The United States encourages India to do so. The United States wants a positive and constructive Indian engagement. You have the talent and inclination, and we share a great deal -- most importantly, common values. A deepening bilateral political dialogue, growth in trade and investment, and better understanding of each other's security perspectives enable India and the United States to work together.

This engagement can only occur between mature and strong nations, confident of their place in the world and their ability to manage the responsibilities that fall to them. In a word, The United States can only benefit in any way from a strong, prosperous and united India at peace with itself and in harmony with developments in our fast-changing world.

In the same regard, I hope there is no confusion as to the deep and abiding interest India must have in a stable, secure and prosperous Pakistan. Anything less along your borders will jeopardise your security and progress, as it continues to distract your leadership and divert your resources.

I hope for this reason that the people of India will regard the United States's friendship with Pakistan as serving the interest of stability in South Asia. A stable and democratic Pakistan is one of the most effective guarantees of Indian security. A stable and democratic Pakistan is what the United States seeks to encourage. Our interests, and India's, therefore, are served by our ability to engage with both nations.

Ambassador Wisner delivered this lecture in Jammu before he left for a two day visit to Srinagar, his first since Farooq Abdullah was elected Jammu and Kashmir chief minister

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