Strong, Flexible Foreign Policy To Serve India's Interests

The Indian foreign policy in the new circumstances needs to be strong yet flexible enough to enable it to extend its sphere. This is absolutely essential in order to make its mark in the world as a major power and to strengthen its defense. From this viewpoint, Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao's US visit holds special importance. Her main purpose is to strengthen and extend relations between the countries. That is why she had several rounds of talks with various officials on strategy information exchange.

Benefit of India-US Ties

It is a fact that both Pakistan and Afghanistan are bound to make their presence felt in India-US relations. Nirupama Rao has communicated India's concern on terrorism to the United States. She was also justified in stating that continuous incidents of instigation by terrorists indicate that they come from Pakistan.

However, this did not prevent India from keeping the doors open for talks. But this should not be interpreted as India's weakness. The message sent by India through the United States is expected to reach Pakistan.

Increasing Attacks on Afghanistan
At the same time, Nirupama Rao pointed out that Afghanistan has become a big challenge to this region's security. That is why India is in no mood to withdraw from there.

Instead of keeping a low profile, India wants to make its presence in Afghanistan more prominent.

Changing US Af-Pak Policy
The United States was compelled to appreciate this determination and praised India for its role in the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Viewing the increasing attacks on Afghanistan, India has requested North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries to stay there until the situation becomes normal.

As a matter of fact, the purpose of Nirupama Rao's visit seems to be an attempt to build pressure on the United States for not changing its Afghanistan-Pakistan policy. If NATO countries withdraw from Afghanistan leaving the country at Taliban's mercy, and indirectly at Pakistan's, nothing can stop violence from spreading in this area.

Strategic Proximity
That is why while describing the 26 February attack in Kabul as barbaric India has advised the United States to demand a firm explanation from Pakistan about its role in this incident. India is trying to convey to the United States its view on Pakistan and Afghanistan in this context and to send a message to Pakistan.

At the same time, India is trying to have closer relations with the United States. The strategic proximity reached during the time of former President George W. Bush now lacks its previous ardor. Nevertheless, in both countries' interest new dimensions should be added to this relationship and fresh enthusiasm created.

Strong and Wiser Step Needed
On the pretext of the nuclear deal, exchange of technology between the countries will definitely increase. The United States must remove numerous restrictions India has still to face in receiving sophisticated technology. A forceful request has also been made in this regard.

An effort to strengthen relations with the United States does not by any means imply that India will be totally dependent on it. There is no harm in receiving cooperation from other friends and old ones if the United States is unable to extend it. Our foreign policy will be stronger and wiser through such a step.