Secret letter exposes ManMohan Singh's duplicitous game

[Guest dada_rocks]

http://www.ibnlive.com/news/us-to-end-ndeal-if-india-conducts-nuclear-test/72757-2.html Washington: A secret letter from the United States of America's State Department has revealed how the US plans to terminate the nuclear deal if India conducts a nuclear test. These revelations have embarrassed both New Delhi and Washington ahead of the crucial meeting of the 45-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) in Vienna on Thursday. The State Department letter confirms that if India tested a nuclear device all nuclear trade with New Delhi would be immediately terminated. The nine-month old letter was published in the Washington Post on Wednesday and was made public by influential Congressman and Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Howard Berman. The letter covers 45 highly technical questions and was never made public apparently because it could have toppled the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government. Berman has released State Department's answers to 45 questions on the deal, which indicate clearly differing perceptions on key issues between New Delhi and Washington. The questions were submitted to the State Department by Berman's predecessor Tom Lantos in October 2007 and answers were sent on January 16, 2008. . The answers were considered "so sensitive, particularly because the debate over the agreement in India could have toppled the government of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that the State Department requested they remain secret even though they were not classified," according to Washington Post which quoted a Spokesman for Berman as saying he had made the answers public because the US Congress must have "relevant information". Berman recently wrote a letter to the US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice in which he threatened that the deal will be blocked in the US Congress if the Bush Administration does not incorporate additional conditionalties in any NSG waiver to India. In its responses, the State Department has said that as outlined in the 123 Agreement, should India detonate a nuclear explosive device, the US has the right to cease all nuclear cooperation with it immediately, including the supply of fuel. It also stipulates that US can request India to return items transferred from it including fresh fuel. In addition, the US has the right to terminate the agreement on one year's written notice. The State Department letter says the US assurances are intended to guard against disruptions of fuel supply to India that might occur through no fault of its own. It cited instances like a trade war resulting in the cut off supply, market disruptions or the failure of a company to fulfill a fuel supply contract. In such circumstances, the US would be prepared to encourage transfers of nuclear fuel to India by other NSG members. "The fuel supply assurances are not, however, meant to insulate India against the consequences of a nuclear explosive test or a violation of non-proliferation commitments," the State Department said. The State Department also took the line that ceasing nuclear cooperation with India would be a "serious step". "The US would not take such a serious step without careful consideration of the circumstances necessitating such actions and the effects and impacts it would entail," it said. It's still not clear what impact the letter will have on the NSG approval for India.

[Lurker]

Incidents like above leave me more confused and cynical. Sometimes I wonder if everyone around us try to fool us one way or the other. This essentially means that the tanking of N-deal was a boon for India. Now every other party except Communists tried to push this. Congress supported it, BJP initially opposed then supported it. In the latter's case atleast they can make a claim of being unaware but what would be Congress's response?? And how exactly is an Indian supposed to feel when it is the Communists parties that come across as being correct? Heck they are also the ones who seem to be correct on inflation and poverty issues etc.

[gs]

Any deal with the US will not be without any strings attached. Its upto the Indian govt to mull upon how much they are willing to sacrifice, to gain nuc tech that an energy starved India needs.

[punjabi_khota]

Incidents like above leave me more confused and cynical. Sometimes I wonder if everyone around us try to fool us one way or the other. This essentially means that the tanking of N-deal was a boon for India. Now every other party except Communists tried to push this. Congress supported it, BJP initially opposed then supported it. In the latter's case atleast they can make a claim of being unaware but what would be Congress's response?? And how exactly is an Indian supposed to feel when it is the Communists parties that come across as being correct? Heck they are also the ones who seem to be correct on inflation and poverty issues etc.

Not that the commies knew it. They seemed hell bent to oppose everything US, or for that matter everything the UPA govt. does. Just that maybe this time, they are right..I haven't looked into the details though.

[Guest dada_rocks]

Couple of things here (1) Communists opposition was for america-phobe reasons and so their stand is irrelevant. (2)Manmohan Singh despite all the criticism is not only a man whose heart beats for India as much as L K Advani but also is knowledgable enough to know facts from fiction.. Wonder what drives this sort of people to peddle these blatant misinformations.. (3) BJP showed warmth for a week I guess before turning against the deal but one person never changed his tune and he is not america-phobe like communits and his name is Arun Shourie.. He kept shouting about vacuuousness of UPA govt over he or she had said India is allowed to continue its weapon's program.. his point was that the text of Hyde act is going to outlive many administration let along Bush adminstration so words of some ambassdor soem State deptt executive has no value whatsoever. We will have to assess things going by the letter of the pact..Media frenzy in favouor of deal drowned his voice... (4) My point is even if american put it in writing what's the gaurantee that they will not renege on those letters. So irrespective of what text says India will have to puruse the operationalization stage very gingerly. carefully picking reliable partners and it doesn' t have to be USA and nto opnly that we will have to push forward larger economic cooperation with that partner so that if in future they decide to cripple the energy security of India by refusing the further cooperation we can counter blackmail them.. We must in parallel attain the status like China in China/USA relationship. (5) Manmohan Singh's problem is either he thinks everybody is idiot and won't get these subtle points or is afraid that after knowing all thisthey may sabotage the deal.. Nobody doubts integrity of Manmohan Singh an individual in matters of india-first althought he does things under UPA compulsions which might be anti-national. He should have placed his cards before opposition particularly BJP and discussed pros and cons and risks involved but in a bid to run away with all the credit he kept them in lurch and even when under serious pressure from all quarters he did succumb and shared details, it was partial truth and was done in hush-hush secretive manner as if he was embarrased to come of as bipartisan on the issue which is going to outllive many an administration.

[Guest dada_rocks]

Not that the commies knew it. They seemed hell bent to oppose everything US' date=' or for that matter everything the UPA govt. does. Just that maybe this time, they are right..I haven't looked into the details though.[/quote'] See just getting the right answer is not the key the method tool used in order to reach that right result is equally important hence communist' being on the right side of the eventual answer is meaningless at best.

[Lurker]

Couple of things here (1) Communists opposition was for america-phobe reasons and so their stand is irrelevant.

Dont quite agree. First of all I fail to see why Communist Parties ideological difference is any different to how American policy towards Communist country. If CPI(M) is sceptical towards USA, even USA is sceptical towards any nation thats remotely Communists. But thats besides the point. The point is simply two pronged: a) Communits Parties got it right. Simple as that. b) Communist Parties kept on suggesting this was a "sell-out" to USA, whereby Indian Defence Strategy would be inherently tied in with American interests. The article in Washington Post specifically refers to Agreement 123 and here is Prakash Karat's assessment on why Communist Parties oppose the deal.

The Left parties have, after carefully assessing the implications of the 123 agreement, demanded that the government should not proceed further to operationalise the agreement. The objections to the deal have been spelt out in detail in the statement issued by the Left parties. The Left is clear that going ahead with the agreement will bind India to the United States in a manner that will seriously impair an independent foreign policy and our strategic autonomy.

http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/20/stories/2007082058071400.htm So yes I am going to say Communist Parties deserve more credit than merely being "lucky" as you may be insinuating.

(2)Manmohan Singh despite all the criticism is not only a man whose heart beats for India as much as L K Advani but also is knowledgable enough to know facts from fiction.. Wonder what drives this sort of people to peddle these blatant misinformations..

Not sure. I remember when Manmohan SIngh contested election and lost(from Delhi perhaps). Then the man contested Rajya Sabha election from Assam to get into Parliament to become PM. I would often use that as an argument to show how cr@ppy our system was considering someone like Manmohan Singh lost elections in India. This time if he loses I wont spare a tear, have little faith in him thanks to his behaviour over last few years.

(3) BJP showed warmth for a week I guess before turning against the deal but one person never changed his tune and he is not america-phobe like communits and his name is Arun Shourie.. He kept shouting about vacuuousness of UPA govt over he or she had said India is allowed to continue its weapon's program.. his point was that the text of Hyde act is going to outlive many administration let along Bush adminstration so words of some ambassdor soem State deptt executive has no value whatsoever. We will have to assess things going by the letter of the pact..Media frenzy in favouor of deal drowned his voice...

Keep Arun Shourie out of this. The man has now even been sidelined inside BJP. He is one of those rare journalists cum intellactual who are a pride of the nation, and no wonder the man is now pushed in oblivion. BJP did support N deal, then kept silent, supported again, went silent and enjoyed the tamasha for the longest time. We both can argue on this but that remains the fact. xxx

[Guest dada_rocks]

Dont quite agree. First of all I fail to see why Communist Parties ideological difference is any different to how American policy towards Communist country. If CPI(M) is sceptical towards USA, even USA is sceptical towards any nation thats remotely Communists. But thats besides the point. The point is simply two pronged: a) Communits Parties got it right. Simple as that. b) Communist Parties kept on suggesting this was a "sell-out" to USA, whereby Indian Defence Strategy would be inherently tied in with American interests. The article in Washington Post specifically refers to Agreement 123 and here is Prakash Karat's assessment on why Communist Parties oppose the deal. http://www.thehindu.com/2007/08/20/stories/2007082058071400.htm So yes I am going to say Communist Parties deserve more credit than merely being "lucky" as you may be insinuating. Not sure. I remember when Manmohan SIngh contested election and lost(from Delhi perhaps). Then the man contested Rajya Sabha election from Assam to get into Parliament to become PM. I would often use that as an argument to show how cr@ppy our system was considering someone like Manmohan Singh lost elections in India. This time if he loses I wont spare a tear, have little faith in him thanks to his behaviour over last few years. Keep Arun Shourie out of this. The man has now even been sidelined inside BJP. He is one of those rare journalists cum intellactual who are a pride of the nation, and no wonder the man is now pushed in oblivion. BJP did support N deal, then kept silent, supported again, went silent and enjoyed the tamasha for the longest time. We both can argue on this but that remains the fact. xxx

(1) I don't care what americans do all I care these communists have single point agenda hate anythign that has american imprint and any decision which come from this idiotic philosphy has to be put in dustbin right or wrong hardly matters... (2)BJP was not in power they were not in the know what Manmohan Singh was cooking and they did make their points depending on what tidbits MAnmohAn singh's admins used to release...When MAnmohan singh was playign duplitous game of hide and seek people gave their oppositioin or support based on what tidbits were available.. And goin by this letter we didn'tt get all information even when the issue was debated in parlliament... On matter of principle Manmohan Singh should resign forthwith for not putting all information in front of the parliament.> Enough game of this or that is confidential we have seen..His game has not ended yet.. And to expect from opposition to have a consistent stand all the while party in power keeps oppposition in dark is as usual rich......Stand always remained consistent with the data manmOhan Singh placed before them whe he lied he got some support when the reality was exposed he rightly was opposed. So if u accuse someone then it hjas to be Manmohan Singh who played this game of hide and seek of rationed fact> God knows how many other skeletons he has. Have to give it to him he did most of those things either at behest of communist or Sonia mata (3) Manmohan Singh was not contesting against laloo prsad yadav and he was neither contesting from some god forsaken place. HE chose most educated constituency in India against one of the most respected BJP leader Professor by profession and people saw through the company he had chosen. It was thumbs down for congress party from the most informed constituency of India Manmohan Singh as an individual was not on the line. I would have been surprised and concerned if he had won. (4) Arun Shourie still sits in every decision making body of NDA and his views are still paramouont after all at the end he did convince NDA even on this issue that manmohan Singh was pulling wool over everybody;s eyes. He remains very much part of the core group of BJP think tank.

[Lurker]

(1) I don't care what americans do all I care these communists have single point agenda hate anythign that has american imprint and any decision which come from this idiotic philosphy has to be put in dustbin right or wrong hardly matters...

But that was hardly the point when I have clearly shown Prakash Karat hinting at 123 Agreement, which forms the crux of Washington Post article that you have put up. How can you have it every which way? Communists specially mentioned this agreement with the issues so surely you can not dismiss it just like that.

(2)BJP was not in power they were not in the know what Manmohan Singh was cooking and they did make their points depending on what tidbits MAnmohAn singh's admins used to release...When MAnmohan singh was playign duplitous game of hide and seek people gave their oppositioin or support based on what tidbits were available.. And goin by this letter we didn'tt get all information even when the issue was debated in parlliament...

I have no issues with this. As I mentioned earlier it is developments like this that makes me cynical and confused. And even you had asserted that Manmohan Singh is a good man but not sure why such men do such kind of things? So clearly you are in the same boat as well.

(3) Manmohan Singh was not contesting against laloo prsad yadav and he was neither contesting from some god forsaken place. HE chose most educated constituency in India against one of the most respected BJP leader Professor by profession and people saw through the company he had chosen. It was thumbs down for congress party from the most informed constituency of India Manmohan Singh as an individual was not on the line. I would have been surprised and concerned if he had won.

He didnt lose it because it was an educated constituency, or a professor was against him. Taking nothing away from VK Malhotra the reason why Manmohan Singh lost could be summed up in 3 words - Madan Lal Khurana. And yes I still maintain that pound for pound Manmohan Singh was a better candidate than VK Malhotra. Do you differ with me on that? xxx

[Desi Cartman]

Manmohan Singh is making one mistake after another. Just in the last 6 weeks he has been humiliated by (1). evidence that Congress and its allies tried to bribe MPs, (2) He was very weak in handling amarnaath issue , (3) he failed to control or take action against Infiltration and (4) now this one. what makes me even more worried is the fact that if Congress manages to win the next elections then Rahul Gandhi will become the PM.

[Guest dada_rocks]

Manmohan Singh is making one mistake after another. Just in the last 6 weeks he has been humiliated by (1). evidence that Congress and its allies tried to bribe MPs, (2) He was very weak in handling amarnaath issue , (3) he failed to control or take action against Infiltration and (4) now this one. what makes me even more worried is the fact that if Congress manages to win the next elections then Rahul Gandhi will become the PM.

Fact remains Manmohan Singh may be a good human being ( every day even that aspect is coming under serious doubt) but he was never good enough to be a leader at best he cud be a bureaucrat who cud take order from someone.. It's neither his fault nor fault of people fo India because h has neither usurped power nor have people fo India elected him.. he is Sonia mata's clerk and if anyone is to be accused for his total failure as a leader it has to be sonia mata and her party.. Honestly hwo many can say Manmohan Singh inspires them when he opens his mouth........ You always get an impression of someone droning on and on without believing in his own words.. Leaders are not like that they charge you when they open their mouth .. They don't have to be genius but ability to inspire others comes to them naturally..

[Willow_on_fire]

Fact remains Manmohan Singh may be a good human being ( every day even that aspect is coming under serious doubt) but he was never good enough to be a leader at best he cud be a bureaucrat who cud take order from someone.. It's neither his fault nor fault of people fo India because h has neither usurped power nor have people fo India elected him.. he is Sonia mata's clerk and if anyone is to be accused for his total failure as a leader it has to be sonia mata and her party.. Honestly hwo many can say Manmohan Singh inspires them when he opens his mouth........ You always get an impression of someone droning on and on without believing in his own words.. Leaders are not like that they charge you when they open their mouth .. They don't have to be genius but ability to inspire others comes to them naturally..

well Manmohan Singh is not a shrewd politican, he's not cunning enough....He would've never stood for elections....also would've never won. he was made PM by Sonia Gandhi...and this mild character is just doing whatever the hi-command says...so can't blame him much. Since he does'nt have much say...as people have always criticized him for that in the past...they should look at him in the same manner regarding the US Nuclear deal.

[Guest dada_rocks]

right except oen thing in case of Nuclear deal he has been asserting his power like PM so blame will certainly go to him too

[Desi Cartman]

right except oen thing in case of Nuclear deal he has been asserting his power like PM so blame will certainly go to him too

he is responsible .. if he doesn't agree with the Gandhis then he can resign else its his fault as well

[Willow_on_fire]

right except oen thing in case of Nuclear deal he has been asserting his power like PM so blame will certainly go to him too

well...than he made a dumb mistake of believing Bush Jr...Americons will only think about their own self at any cost..can't expect them to be fair...eventhough they mostly have fair skin color..lol...rest of the world does'nt mean no shyt to them.

[Guest dada_rocks]

he is responsible .. if he doesn't agree with the Gandhis then he can resign else its his fault as well

I so consider him right man in wrong party certainly wrong as long as Nehru family keeps hovering around..