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Rethinking India: An Indo- US Partnership Concord,
Changing Hearts and Mindsets.
As Madhu Dandvate, former Union Finance Minister, says: "I hope, this book will provoke readership to ponder over such an approach and perspective." Vinay Rai has delved deep into the relationship between the two countries and sketched the history of mutual relationship and animosities in a subtle way. This does not mean that the book lacks in details. Rather, a lot of research has gone into the work and it’s interesting because of its emphasis on economic bonding. The strengths and weaknesses of both countries have been discussed. The writer seems to be brimming with ideas on areas where the two countries can cooperate and benefit from each other. Vinay’s restlessness and his urge to initiate progress are reflected in this book. His argument is that if America boasts about the success of capitalism, India is the reservoir of spiritual force. The two countries are counterfoils to each other, thus the title Partnership Concord. The author says partnership means "relationship marked by mutual cooperation and responsibility" and concord means "agreement of interests". Not only the relationships between the two countries have been discussed, but also the position of China has been analysed. The tussle to emerge as a regional power is between China and India. The American companies are looking at these two countries to do their investment. However, the writer argues that America, India and China are winners and achievers in their own right. If there are people in India who do not trust foreign investors, there are people in the US who are doubtful of placing their eggs in India’s basket. They are scared of the red-tapism and corruption in India. The two countries only need to get rid of suspicion and scepticism to develop a harmonious relationship. The author gives many examples of where the two countries could have cooperated, but did not. India should appreciate America’s new approach of cultivating relations with China, India and Pakistan simultaneously and America should honour India’s belief in the democratic values, which are dear to the former as well. In chapter six, Understanding Indians: An Exasperating But Rewarding Journey, Vinay talks of the typical Indian who behaves abroad, but spits outside his house, an Indian who takes life easy, who believe in recommendation, is stingy and loves re-using even used aluminium foils. The book, the result of a vision, fulfils its aim. The author’s intentions are good. |
INDIA and the United States are both democracies
believing in liberty, equality, fraternity and justice, yet none was
ready to recognise each other’s potential till recently. If one is
rich in human resources, the other is an economic giant. Why has it
taken them so many years to extend cooperation to each other? Why have
they not realised that it is better to work together not only in their
own interest, but in the interest of the world at large.