Non alignment is immoral is what John Foster Dulles called India's policy. We were not part of CENTO/SEATO as Pakistan was;but essentially Indian elite was pro west as none of their children went for studies to Soviet Union nor Communism was followed except by the communists. Pakistan got its Sabres and so also F 104 star fighter from the USA as gift. India had its Gnats but every one knew that it is no match to the Star fighter.It is then Leftist Defense Minister Krishna Menon turned to Soviet Union and got MIG 21 deal with complete transfer of technology.But it infuriated the Indian elite in Business, Media and Bureaucracy especially the import lobby in Defense forces.There was this virtual salvo against Krishna Menon as MIG 21 was one of the top line fighters of Soviet union and also in the world at that time. Soon we had IL 14s, AN12s, MI4 helicopters etc etc.The clever way USA used to inject one system into one client state which used to be compensated by EU countries in the third world who have disputes with the client state was broken . The Veto of Soviet Union was the one which used to save India from Kashmir plebiscite demand and various other pin pricks we used to get in UN from western nations. India used to be completely isolated except support from Bhutan with regard to issues affecting our security like the Goa operation, Hyderabad independence and ofcourse 1971 war where we were forced to have a Friendship treaty with Soviet Union which stopped the hostile Chinese from intervening as they did in 1965.
This past history is relevant today as Russia faces a tricky situation in Ukraine. A democratically elected Government was thrown out and Pro EU leadership was installed in Ukraine through covert action.The Americans are trying the same thing in Venezuela now as they did in Syria. But in Ukraine they did something which goes to the heart of newly created Russia whose Black sea fleet is located in Crimea which is part of Ukraine.Crimea not only has 55% Russian origin citizens but also 12% Tartars who also support the Russians. What EU did in Ukraine or what Russia is doing in Crimea may not be legitimate but it has opened a soft under belly of Russia.
Now it is here India has to take a stand which must stand out.Russia has no land border with India. It has given us latest Cryogenic engines when west was scuttling our ISRO plans. While US tried to sell us refurbished F16s for the MMRCA deal, Russia is now collaborating in fifth Generation fighter. Russia has a land border with China which once flared up.Even two days back Americans were gifting $300 million to Pakistan military.I feel it is in our national interest to support Russia when the world media is out to bamboozle it.The present Indian government may not be able to do it. I think Modi the BJP nominee can take the gauntlet and give a statement in support of Russia which will stir things up a bit. Khobargade affair, Generic drugs, Solar panel dispute in WTO etc etc will all vanish if only Modi stirs things which will give India long term benefits.
2 comments:
made me think. but, there's no substantiation about why you feel that modi+gov might be able to take a hard stand. did he ever do something like that in the past, that you base your views on?
i don't vote—nor do i intend to—but well, i do respect your views, and was a bit surprised to see such a clear political opinion expressed in your piece.
Dear Aryans, You know I value your comments.There is no logic in my view. Modi is an evolving leader just like Kejriwal but I know from what Shanthi bushan/Bharath Bhushan combine does in AAP that it is a covert US supported outfit floating on the anti corruption wave of Indian public.AAP's support for Naxalism and Nuclear issues will come out soon and so I do not support them.If only Priyanka has been the Congress candidate, I would have supported them but then I think Rahul is not leader material.Do not ask "logical reasons" for these. !!!!!
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