Indo-US Nuclear Deal has stirred a hornet’s nest in India. The debate on advantages and disadvantages of the deal has been relegated to background, and a battle royal among political parties has started with accompanying fury and mud-slinging. Common citizens are finding themselves at their wits and are unable to form their own opinion.
A long section of concerned citizens is expressly against the accord. Even after seeing the conditions about safeguards and the assurances India has been given, they opine that the accord will open the floodgates of American influence. In future it may lead to US intervention in the foreign policy matters. They quote from recent history that in spite of the fact that Iran had been our close friend and all along supporting us even on Kashmir issue, it was ditched in IAEA, not once but twice. Another example is the US pressure on us not to go ahead with Indo-Pak-Iran gas pipeline project, which is so vital for our energy needs. Mani Shankar Aiyar had to give up his oil minister post only because of US pressure. This indicates the way the wind will blow when Washington takes us in its close embrace.
Unfortunately a powerful section of our bureaucracy and rich people strongly believe that we cannot move up on the ladder of prosperity without aligning with the unipolar Big Brother. India, with its vast human and natural resources, can become a great economic, political and moral power on its own. In this respect we should take a cue from our neighbour China. Up to 1977 it was only as strong as India. But its sheer hard work and meticulous planning plus self confidence made it capable of challenging even America.
Indian political scene has become highly volatile. The Left has taken a principled stand and withdrawn its support to Manmohan Singh Government. Samajwadi Party has joined hands with Congress. Prakash Karat has started an all-out war against the deal and the UPA Government. He is also wooing Mayawati. July 22 will be a fateful day which will decide the future course of India. If the Government falls, we would be in for election. So let us wait and see.