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
Tell us what you think of this column
|