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'We are not war mongers'

Abid Hussain

It came very unexpectedly. There was an element of suspense. Even the hidden eye of the spies and satellites could not see what was happening. Till the invisible did not become visible, the mystery remained. And now we have proved we don't just have capability. We can perform.

People in general are feeling elated. But it is not the same exuberance that we feel at Diwali and Dusshera. It is a kind of restrained happiness... that India could do it. While the explosion was unexpected, the reaction of some of the countries was not unexpected. If five people are members of a club, they will not be happy to see the sixth person enter its premises.

But what is interesting is that one can distinguish a difference in the way they have reacted. France and Russia have not reacted in the same way as the other members of the club. The big powers are divided. They are not unanimous in their response. France and Russia have not imposed sanctions. Britain and Germany are sitting on the fence and have indicated that they are not happy about it.

It is America that has adversely responded. Since it had national legislation that has forced it to respond in this way. Maybe if this legislation was not in place President Clinton would have reacted differently. The Clinton administration has been seriously concerned about peace in this region. They have felt that the flashpoints are here There are people in the White House and in the administration who are aware of India's good record. And are aware that India will not use this particular hidden power. Therefore to say that the whole of America is is critical of India is incorrect.

The big powers must realise that nuclear arms cannot remain a monopoly for very few. Everybody must give up. If we are serious about preventing proliferation we must take to disarmament. With today's globalisation -- with knowledge and information moving very fast -- it is not possible to keep the technology hidden for a few. And so a serious thought must be given to disarmament. That is the only way to be free of this danger. One cannot have a safe world with a few people keeping the technology hidden from others.

There has to be a new world order. We must think locally and act globally instead of the other way around. And I think exploding five bombs underground carries that message. The Buddha is smiling not because the blast has taken place, but because the blast has exposed that nobody can remain the sole custodian of arms.

I am not a war monger. I am against nuclear armament. Nuclear weapons are very expensive toys. And ultimately worthless. But we are not living in a perfect world. And if this is the currency of the age and countries are tempted to go for it. India must demonstrate its capabilities. I am not for this currency because I feel the strength of India lies in its adherence to nonviolence, freedom of beliefs, love and respect for feelings.

I think the government's first step of writing a letter to the leaders of various countries was a right one. We must continue our dialogue with the other countries. We must explain to them that we are not war mongers. We were forced by a particular situation which existed. This must have motivated the government to take this action. Left to us we may have waited for another 24 years. We would have remained contented with the capabilities we had and need not have had to demonstrate these through explosions.

The sanctions which have been imposed will certainly slow down our projects and activities in certain areas. But with the present situation in Southeast Asia and the dwindling markets in the West, India and China have a special importance. They serve as a market for the products of the developed countries. And their business interest and our development interest coincide to create a pressure on those governments to reconsider their stand on sanctions.

Since it is money which speaks, the money lender would be more guided by the concerns of money than the concerns of pure politics. As the old Arab saying goes the camel driver has a mind but the camel has its own.

I think India would now be prepared to reconsider its stand on signing the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. She would be willing to discuss signing of the treaty. And changes in the CTBT could be considered when we sit down to discuss this. Whenever two parties sign a treaty, both parties ensure that their interests are not sacrificed. When we reach the bridge, we will consider how we must cross it. As Rajiv Gandhi said in his famous statement to the United Nations -- "India must strive to achieve its best."

Professor Abid Hussain, former Indian ambassador to the USA, spoke to Vayahaysi P Daniel.

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