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Lantos urges lifting of economic sanctions on India

Congressman Tom Lantos, a prominent Democrat in the House of International Relations Committee, has urged US President George W Bush to lift economic sanctions on India promptly. He also expressed 'serious concern' over implications of lifting curbs on Pakistan.

The Congressman, in a letter to Bush, urged not to let the issue of nuclear non-proliferation stand in the way of engaging India in greater scientific and defence co-operation.

Urging Bush to exercise his authority to waive the sanctions on India, he said: "I am writing to convey my strong support for the lifting of economic sanctions on India. I believe that these sanctions have outlived their usefulness and are no longer in the interest of the United States."

Lantos said that he would soon be introducing legislation in the House of Representatives to permanently lift economic sanctions on India.

"While I am a staunch proponent of non-proliferation and arms control, I do not believe that our nation's interests, nor the interests of non-proliferation, are served by attempting to isolate India," he said.

On the issue of sanctions on Pakistan, Lantos said, "I understand that you are also considering waiving certain sanctions on Pakistan. In light of the history of proliferation of missiles and nuclear technology from China to Pakistan, I have serious concerns about the implications of waiving Glenn, Pressler and Symington sanctions on Pakistan."

Lantos said: "I continue to be troubled by the relationship between the government of Pakistan and the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. While I agree that it is important for the US not to isolate Pakistan, I do not believe that a comprehensive lifting of sanctions on Pakistan is warranted or advisable."

Stating that India has emerged as one of the strongest and most stable democracies in Asia, one that has made important strides in improving religious tolerance and human rights both within its own borders and around the world, he said, the country 'has proven itself to be a strong and a reliable ally, one that shares our commitment to democracy and diversity'.

"Despite India's failure to sign and ratify the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, has declared a moratorium on additional nuclear tests and has maintained a strong regime of export controls," Lantos said.

India has also become a key trading partner and market for American companies, he said.

"I am convinced that the United States is more likely to get further commitments and compliance from India on international non-proliferation and test ban agreements by lifting sanctions and engaging in greater scientific and defence co-operation," he said.

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