No Security Council Seat for India

Arif Syed, Carlsbad, NM

I was of the opinion that with the downfall of communism in Russia, the turmoil in the Middle East, and changes in the geopolitical situation in South Asia, the USA will be more favorably towards India. But I was disappointed.

When the Indian Prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee visited the USA, he impressed nobody. His speech in the joint house of Congress was of no importance, since it was mostly attended by the aids and secretarial staff besides a few congressmen. Others who attended were the members of the India Caucus, since they have to raise funds from Indians for their parties.

The Prime Minister met Vice president Al Gore but did not meet Governor George W. Bush. The New York Times reported that the US administration regarded the visit as symbolic with no result of any consequence. The economic sanctions imposed on India after it conducted nuclear tests two years ago, were not lifted.

But the greatest insult and setback to India came when the USA refused to support India for a permanent seat in the Security Council. All these developments should open the eyes of Indian rulers, administrators, and thinkers if they want to see a bright future for India.