rediff.com: India, US equation altered, says Jaswant: PTI

External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh has said that there is now a "completely altered equation" between the United States and India "as a result of growing confidence in India and recognition of the country as a great democracy".

"The candour and confidence in the relationship is unique and the ability of the leadership in both countries to contain differences and forge closer ties has emerged as a new reality," he said at a dinner hosted by Indo-US entrepreneurs in Silicon valley on Friday night.

Singh, however, warned that post-nuclear sanctions that the US had against 38 countries, were "counterproductive and ineffective".

"Sanctions act as barriers, especially affecting business in critical areas, such as hi-tech," he said.

On India's expectation of becoming a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Singh said, "India has received open and explicit support for its candidacy, which in itself is a big change from earlier times when such support was not evident."

He hoped that the US too would be supportive of the Indian position at the appropriate time.

Singh said there were common bonds between the US and India, which were being discovered now and added that today there was recognition of the enormous potential the two countries had in science and technology, culture, information technology and bio-tech.

The essence of the relationship between India and the US, said Singh, was based on creativity, continuity, stability and confidence between them.

"It is in this context that the role of successful Indo-Americans as heroes needs recognition," he said.

Singh commended the role of Indian Americans, referring to them as 'great ambassadors'. "Their success has made every Indian proud and has boosted their aspirations in India and abroad, he said.

He said, "I have faith in India and the creative genius of Indians... if the Silicon Valley is the success story of the US, it reflects the success of Indian Americans there. With the growing significance of the knowledge-based industry, Indians are beginning to assert themselves all over the world".


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