Letter from the Editor-In-Chief

December 2010

Obama’s visit

Dear friends,

Barack Hussein Obama, the President of the United States of America visited India recently and attracted the attention of all including the national and regional media. It goes without saying that President Obama is a world leader and this visit to India was quite significant both politically and economically.

Many things have been said and discussed through the course of this visit. However, the only concrete assurance given in Obama’s address was an assurance for a permanent seat in the Security Council of the United Nations for India. This assurance, however, is no guarantee. It may be recalled here that India was offered a permanent seat in the Council in 1955 but that offer made by the United States and the Soviet Union was declined by India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Nehru asked for the seat to be given to China instead as he was of the opinion that by doing so, he could foster a cordial relationship between China and India. Unfortunately, the sacrifice made by India in 1955 was a redundant sacrifice. In light of this background, Obama’s statement in the Parliament regarding security is praiseworthy. There is hardly any cause for us rejoicing in becoming a member of the Security Council. What needs to be kept in mind is that US backing for membership in the Security Council can in no way be read as an assurance of inclusion. It must be remembered that in order for India to become a member of the Security Council, it needs one third majority in the General Assembly (128 members) besides approval of five members viz. the Republic of China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. We need to wait and watch the developments in this regard.

The other disadvantage for India is the decision for Foreign Direct Investment which will now soon be a reality in the multi – brand retail sector allowing Wallmart and other such multinationals into the Indian market. This translates into a very negative impact on small and medium business houses. Unemployment in the country will rise as technology driven multinational companies need lesser hands to work. Many economists feel that the road map for development of the nation has not been planned while keeping the poor in mind and tradition in thought.

In spite of all ifs and buts, the visit of President Obama will improve the geo – political relations between India and USA. It is politically important as traditionally USA was always close to Pakistan and has helped it with military weapons which Pakistan has used time and again against India. The Prime Minister of India has very clearly and categorically told President Obama that something needs to be done about Pakistan’s involvement in cross border terrorism. Since Pakistan has an international border with Afghanistan, USA has been providing the former military support and equipment in its war on terrorism. As has been proved in the numerous Indo – Pakistan conflicts, the technology and arms provided by USA to Pakistan to combat terrorism is often turned against India. This is an open secret and it is high time for the US to bring Pakistan to book. USA can no longer pursue its war on terrorism while India pays the price through Pakistan’s misuse of US aid

Dr. K. K. Jhunjhunwala