At the outset, the speaker stated unequivocally that he was not representing the United States of America and was speaking as an individual.

Robert Hathaway emphasised that the paradigm in India-US relations has shifted. Both countries are enjoying the best of relations at present, though in the past there were difficulties in working together despite being democracies. There are more constituencies in both countries than ever before which are interested in taking the relations on a positive note in all sectors. One of these is the emergence of a strong Indo-American community, which is highly educated and influential. There is now a consensus in the US that it is in its interest to have better relations with India. But such a scenario cannot be said of US-Pak relations. Nevertheless, it is in India’s interest that US has good relations with Pakistan and undoubtedly, it is in the interest of both India and the US to have better bilateral relations.

Military exchanges between the two democracies are presently on a high note, which were unimaginable a few years back. More Indian students are now studying in the US than from any other country. However, it remained difficult for foreign academics to do research in India. It would be good if India could encourage more private interactions that, in turn, would help sustain relations in the long run. Once India opened up its economy in 1991, there was much enthusiasm in the US for robust economic relations. However, despite its large population India does not figure as a high priority among the American business community.

Many in India and the US believe that both democracies are natural partners. But it does not augur well for bilateral relations if loose talks are indulged in based on unrealistic expectations. One has to accept that New Delhi and Washington are not natural allies. Even ‘strategic partner’ is not a useful term. A majority in the US believe that India is a part of the solution and Pakistan a part of the problem on non-proliferation. None were accusing India of the WMD proliferation; and none in the US believed that Pakistan was unaware of the A Q Khan proliferation network.

Discussion

·         India and the US were never enemies in a traditional sense even at the peak of the Cold War. The US never intervened militarily in India. It is important to remember this and is an aspect that is good for bilateral relations. Economics is going to determine the future relations between the two countries.

·         Indeed, India has made a commitment on its relations with the United States, but there are a few vital issues that need to be taken note of such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Iraq intervention, terrorism and issues of proliferation.

·         There has to be a sensitive dialogue on NPT. But it can only be done with US participation.  Dialogue is also required on the new paradigm of international security. In this regard, the US needs to take into consideration the expectations of India and China.

·         Enormous obstacles have to be removed to pave the way for a greater understanding between India and the United States. Bilateral relations have to be looked at from regional and global contexts rather than purely in the bilateral context.

·         Post 9/11, even Indians are finding it difficult to visit the US due to various security restrictions. It is also unfortunate that the US has downsized its academic support to many institutions in India after the Cold War.