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E-mail from readers the world over
Date sent: Wed, 13 May 1998 16:05:56 -0400 The nuclear cosmic dance of Lord Shiva has prompted me to write the following. Let me know your comments and any other reasons that you think are more important Top 10 reasons for India’s 1998 nuclear tests...
10. Counter the threat faced from a degenerating security environment.
Explanation for item #1: (Many people argue that to get nuclear is violent. I surely agree that it is not right to be violent. But getting nuclear capability is not necessarily a sign of becoming violent. For example, you work out to build your muscles ... that doesn't mean you are going to hit somebody. It doesn't even mean that you WANT to hit somebody. You just want to be healthy, probably strong, probably look good to command deserved respect. Just because you believe in nonviolence as a fundamental principle, you cannot just rest and remain a weakling. That is not true nonviolence. That is weakness and cowardice. True nonviolence means you are strong and are fully capable of striking back when hurt, but will resist the urge to strike back and face adversities courageously. That's precisely what I think becoming nuclear means to India.) Explanation for item #5: (Our armed forces have very outdated equipment as less than 10% of our defence budget is spent on new equipment and research. Most of the budget goes in paying salaries etc. With most other countries constantly updating their equipment, this could put us in a terrible disadvantage.) Comments on international reactions: The current reactions are not only necessary but also expected. The "established nuclear powers" just want to keep up their well-known hypocritical and discriminatory stand: the haves should remain haves and the have-nots should remain have-nots. Clinton announced full sanctions. Many countries will bite us economically and are pulling out ambassadors. But my feeling is that most of these reactions are short term outbursts. It is simple to see why! These countries need the Indian market and investment opportunities just as much as we need (if not more than our need for) their economic assistances. Once the initial hype calms down and negotiations over the CTBT and NPT begin, these "harsh" measures will be gradually withdrawn. And even in the unlikely scenario of these sanctions remaining for a long duration, they will not hurt much as these economic assistances form only about 2% of our GDP and are mostly LOANS which have to be repaid sooner or later. These sanctions will definitely pinch, but are not hard enough to worry about. On the other hand, I feel, they would have a positive fallout in inculcating amongst Indians better economic management (savings, spending more wisely etc.) and more importantly nationalism and patriotism, which are essential for the unity and stability of India. To answer a concern raised by some Indians: My guess is that the nuke tests will NOT affect visas and immigration in any substantial way. All actions that the US will take against India will affect both US and India negatively. Hence, the US will only take those actions which would hurt itself the least. The Indian labour force in the US is critical for America's own technology. The industry here will lobby against any attempt by the US government to cut down on the number of Indian visas/immigrations, as it has done so many times in the past. Moreover, reducing the intake of Indians can only affect India positively, by reducing "brain drain!" In fact many of my friends here in the US have shown keener interest in returning now than ever before. Finally, I would like to conclude by saying that India should not rest after these international headline-stealing actions. This is just a starting point in eradicating our slave mentality derived from centuries of foreign rule, and helping in the growth of Indian nationalism and economy, consolidating our rightful position in the international arena with a vision to chalking out a spiritual growth for the whole world -- a capability unique to India, the birthplace of the universal and eternal Vedas. Dinesh
Date sent: Sat, 16 May 1998 07:21:04 +0530 Who the hell is the US to accuse India of duplicity? Is India responsible for its own security, or is it the US? Why should India tell the US about what our plans are and how we are going to do it? Are we supposed to take America's permission to do what is in our nation's interest? It is the height of arrogance and colonial mindset which makes the US make such statements.
S G V Mani
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 17:11:12 -0700 I totally disagree with the US charge for the following reasons: First of all, I think that when the BJP came to power, they had already publicly announced their intentions. Now, when they take any action in that direction, for the nation's own security concerns, they cannot reveal any TOP SECRET plans prior to the actions. It is just common sense that each nation has its secrets. Why should India let US know as to what steps its going to be taking to protect the country from outside forces? Why does she have that obligation to do so? Does the US or any other country do that? The US always has displayed double standards and so have a lot of other nations... when China invaded India in 1962, did the world jump on China and send them back? What has the UN and other countries done to get India its territory back from China? Also, in the two Indian wars with Pakistan, US went to help Pakistan. So how can they now tell India to refrain from doing anything to protect its national security? India has every right to protect its security interests. The indications are that China already has nuclear weapons and they cannot convince very many Indians that they won't use those weapons against India. The US has never been ready to help India militarily for whatever reasons. Therefore, India has no choice but to find help from Russia and others. I think that Indian scientists, engineers and others have contributed a lot to the USA's progress in all fields and are still doing it. And history speaks for itself that India has NEVER invaded any other country. As a matter of fact, others have invaded them and ruled them. It is one of the friendliest nations in the world. All I am saying is that the world has nothing to worry about from the Indian side, as they have shown that they do not proactively or aggressively attack another nation. They are the most peace loving people in the world who go about their business without hurting anyone. I urge the US and others to realise this and just work with them to make this world nuclear-free as NO ONE wins with wars and bombs... everyone loses...
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 16:03:50 -0700 The article stinks and reeks of political constipation. I stopped reading when he started with the para 'if I were the PM of India'. Mr Swamy, don't write hypothetical stuff on the web; you know, there are lot of intelligent readers out there. BTW, you can get back on to your hidden agenda of destabilising the BJP at the center. All this nuke stuff is too high-powered for you to understand.
Venkat
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 15:45:40 -0700 This is really a tremendous development in that part of the world with consequences of all hues. It was a brave and tactical move on the part of India to erase the "soft" country label and assert itself. All previous efforts on the foreign policy front were one of holding out olive branches. Somehow, these good intentions on the part of a peace-loving nation were not heeded by her neighbours which were busy arming and acquiring the latest and greatest in weapons of mass destruction. Added to the provocations of its neighbours is the message that the advanced nations have sent, that "might is right" and that they and they alone have a right to dictate the fate of less fortunate nations. It is only natural that the commendable restraint shown by India is eroding fast in this scenario. It is inevitable, therefore, that India become strong militarily to ward off any threats from its ambitious neighbours. So these tests and the motivation to become strong are a natural fallout of the new world order. However, even though India can address its external world with a new found strength that deserves respect it needs to show restraint and caution in treading the treacherous waters of international politics. The current government under the statesman Vajpayee deserves kudos for the resolve shown in this regard. The condemnation and retribution from powers that already have these weapons is very ironic and uncalled for, and I guess are to be expected and will, I hope, not have a significant impact or faze the people of this great nation. It will be in the best interests of the country to use the same resolve in weeding out some of the problems facing the country such as corruption, illiteracy and poverty. These are the real victories that will make India stand tall, a position it well deserves and is destined for.
Sastry N Penumarthy
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 14:10:05 -0700 I followed the logic of the timely detonation by the Indian government before the CTBT should be passed, so true. The US and Western regimes who have given cold shoulders to India's threat, should open their eyes and see that they cannot preach others while sitting on a stockpile of nukes. The BJP has the guts, hope they will tackle the situation of panic well
Sunil Ganu
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 15:45:40 -0700 DE - Evolution
First there was Swamy the wise man.
Swamy's ambitions were not sound.
Swamy's ambitions turned sour.
But still, he was a man.
It is here that we're missing a link.
But Swamy the man dissolved.
Our hearts ached, but we coped.
But we're destined to become extremely sad.
What is going to happen next, we wonder.
One has to be really bold.
Even a crystal gazer couldn't say what he had seen.
So, till a Darwin comes along to explain.
Ajay Misra
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 16:58:24 -0400 This is a very good article in defence against sanctions and shows the discriminatory actions of the US against India. Sanjay
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 16:10:27 -0400 It's really great... We need to emphasise more on these developments between the border countries and the West. What I personally feel is that this kind of sensitive facts and analysis be revealed and should be widely published. Public sympathy, especially NRIs's conviction, is much required at this juncture. This article helps us understand the undercurrents that forced India to take this brisk and bold decision. Thanks to Rediff and the author for this kind of key articles. Kalyan
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 15:20:16 -0400 As far as the security of India is concerned, I think this is a good move. But the prime minister should clearly state what are the other priorities of his government. For example: How does his government plan to eliminate so much poverty and illiteracy in India without help from some of the major powers of the world. After all I don't think it is a good idea to be isolated from the outside world, it doesn't help anybody including us. I think it is high time diplomacy takes a higher seat than nationalism. It doesn't take much time for patriotism to wear off if half the population have a hard time to get two square meals a day. There is little doubt India is a great country, it is time to spread this message rather than get into a nutshell and be isolated.
Naren
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 13:22:56 -0400 The report stating Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee's comments looks well covered and I totally agree with Prime Minister Vajpayee. Thank goodness we have finally got a good spearheading leader who can put his foot down against nonsense and hooliganism. My heartiest congratulations to the prime minister and his team of men. It certainly was high time someone took these matters into their hands. Niranjan
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 13:15:39 -0400 While Communists and Congress leaders have shown mean thinking while congratulating only scientists and not the BJP and Vajpayee, it is the large heartedness of Vajpayee that he says that the BJP and Vajpayee only should not be congratulated for this success in the nuclear field. No one can deny that only Vajpayee and his party have kept a consistent, non evasive stance on the nation's security. Lion's share must go to them in taking this bold decision and standing up to Western nations. In one stroke, the BJP brought a proud moment for every Indian who otherwise as a routine are struggling against poverty, lack of facilities etc. Thanks BJP.
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 09:11:12 -0700 Ms Ghose talks sense. The West always had discriminatory policies to suit their likes. If they are interested in peace why not ban all existing nuclear arsenal. As Mr Naresh Chandra (ambassador to the US) rightly pointed out, India carried out only tests, not made bombs. So why all the hoopla, when the US and other countries already have existing nuclear weapons in their arsenal? Ms Ghose should continue to represent India in future at all levels of international discussions, and push for global disarmament rather than curtailing already non-exsistent powers of India, Pakistan, et al.
Venkat
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 09:19:11 -0400 Yes I strongly support this statement. We should honestly make this world nuclear free. No discrimination at all. The whole world works on credit history and India has never had any history of attacking any country. I think US credit history in this regard is not very good.
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 13:01:00 PDT Now that we have exploded the bombs and proved to one and all that we have to be taken as people of SOME substance, let us think of a few ways of undermining the economic sanctions in addition to the ones already suggested ie NRIs send home more money etc etc. Anybody who has lived in the US for anytime knows that there are only two languages understood in this *moooost evergreen* of nations -- English and language of greenbacks. Money means might, and might is right..... If all Desis who are capable of $ 10 to $ 50 contributions (THIS IS IMPORTANT!!!) send in a check for the same amount to the local representative in the US house of representatives/senators for his/her election fund and point out the reasons for India doing what it has done, I'm sure we would see the watering down of the sanctions... It must be remembered that dudes like Dan Burton, the India basher, bash India not because of any great ideological reason, but because they're being paid to do so (This has been proved in the past....) The Chinese have managed to get away with every thing because of their "generosity" finance-wise, as in the Huang case. If it means an investment of $ 10 now, I think all of us should act now and write to the local senators and point out why India had to do what it did... Sagokia
Date sent: Fri, 15 May 1998 17:52:29 +0530 It is one thing to possess and test a N-bomb but just another to be using it on somebody. How can the Indian PM say that India will not hesitate to use the bomb if required? Does he know what the use of a N-bomb means? He should be visiting Hiroshima where he can still see the aftermath of a smaller version of the bomb that India has tested. Maybe Mr Vajpayee and all those who back this move will change their mind. Sanjay
Date sent: Thu, 14 May 1998 22:29:17 -0700 (PDT) I wish to draw the kind attention of my Indian bretheren who have criticised the current move of the Indian government to the following facts: 1. President Mr Narayanan is a former Indian ambassador to the United States. He is believed to have very deep understanding of world affairs. Besides he is a real tough President unlike his predecessors. When he can stop dismissal of a state government and stop appointment of governors, could he permit Mr Vajpayee to go ahead with the tests had he found them against national interests? 2. Prime Minister Vajpayee is among the very few national leaders whose knowledge of international affairs was recognised even by Pandit Nehru. Besides being the most successful foreign minister during the Janata Party regime, he has represented India on numerous world forums and has been chairman of the standing committee of the Indian foreign ministry for many years. Besides he has enviable reputation of a sensible leader with very high integrity. 3. Former prime minister Mr Gujral, also a seasoned diplomat and successful foreign minister, has welcomed the move. 4. Two former foreign secretaries, Mr J N Dixit and S K Singh, and Ms Arundhati Ghose, former Indian ambassador to the UN have strongly supported the move. 5. Principal Secretary to PM Mr Brajesh Mishra is also a former diplomat (Indian ambassador to UN and head of UN Commission in Namibia). You can enquire about his credentials from any Indian diplomat. 6. Besides the above mentioned best known diplomats of India, all the top defence analysts, experts, generals and nuclear scientists have welcomed the move. Even if we believe that the government is doing so for the sake of its popularity, can we ignore the considered opinion of the experts and diplomats? Furthermore, the government has already showed intentions to consider the CTBT and initiated diplomatic efforts to explain its view point. Let us wait and watch the move of our government and world reactions. After all, Western countries cannot ignore lucrative markets for long and India has capacity to stand of its own.
Dr Sunil Kumar
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