In spite of the recent revelations that U.S. aid to Pakistan has mostly been spent on arming itself against India, and in spite of the ridiculous anti-Hindu outcry raised by Bush's base in denouncing Hindus as "wicked", and in spite of India's closest ally (China) becoming openly irritated with the U.S, it would seem that Mr. Singh is entirely willing to dance to the tune of a lame-duck American leader.
For a long time, Bush forbid any country from selling nuclear technology to India, even though this would be highly profitable. Then Bush changed his mind and decided it would be okay if American companies made a lot of money upgrading India's reactors, but the rest of the world (mostly our allies, by the way) should keep out. To a large degree, Bush restrained his traditional arrogance in coming up with the nuke deal, but India couldn't get the deal approved domestically due to the insistence on inspections. Since several other Western nations appear willing to step in and take America's place as India's nuclear supplier of choice, it's odd that India should become fixed on pleasing Bush, who has a bit over a year left in power and who is remarkably unpopular. If Bush is dangling something in front of Mr. Singh's eyes, then Singh should recall that Bush has done the same with Eastern European nations and he should realise that Bush's ability to deliver on the world stage is diminishing, as is his ability to get his way domestically.
US wants to convert India into subordinate ally: CPI(M)
Agencies
Posted online: Monday, December 03, 2007 at 0000 hrs IST
New Delhi, December 3:
Ahead of Tuesday's discussion in Rajya Sabha on the nuclear deal, the CPI(M) on Monday stepped up attack on the issue alleging that its "larger agenda" was to convert India into a "subordinate ally" of the US and New Delhi's "shift" in policy was visible in the Indo-Iranian relations.
"Day-to-day developments reconfirm our fears that the US wants to convert India into its subordinate ally in South Asia, even before the Indo-US nuclear deal has come into effect. This is a very ominous development," Politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters in New Delhi.
The CPI(M) leader said the 123 agreement, which was "firmly anchored in the Hyde Act", has fallen short "not just of our objections but of the assurances of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh himself."
Maintaining that American "pressure" was working not just on the government to "shift" its foreign policy but on Indian companies as well, Yechury said the deal was "lot more than only nuclear cooperation, it has a larger agenda ...to convert India as a subordinate ally of the US in South Asia.”
In this context, he referred to India's non-participation in a scheduled meeting with Iran and Pakistan on the gas pipeline and said "not going for the project or delaying it is not in India's interest. It is clearly succumbing to US pressures".
Yechury said the State Bank of India had "suddenly prohibited" extending their line of credit to Iranian firms and stopping Indian exports to that country.
He expressed hope that government would answer in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday these "serious" questions which came in the aftermath of India voting against Iran at the IAEA on the nuclear issue.
