M A I L B A G

N-fuel deal a fillip to Indo-US ties

I endorse H.K.Dua’s views in his front-page editorial “Parliament must support the PM” (July 29). India has, undoubtedly, gained from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to the US and the Indo-US agreement. Rightly the people of India and its Parliament should support the Prime Minister’s endeavours.

India has tacitly agreed to be a nuclear power. The sanctions imposed against the country after the Pokhran blast of 1998 have been removed. We are also in a position to get nuclear fuel for peaceful purposes and will have access to high technology for nuclear and space sensitive projects. This is not a small achievement. Of course, in bilateral relations, we have to follow the policy of give and take. The new relationship between the US and India must be welcomed by one and all.

G.R. KALRA, Chandigarh

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

III

The editorial was very informative. Dr Manmohan Singh rightly deserves praise from one and all for reaching an agreement with US President George Bush for revoking the sanctions imposed after the 1998 nuclear blasts at Pokhran. This is a laudable decision which will doubly help India.

Naturally, the US has recognised India as a nuclear weapon state. Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington has brought the two countries closer. The US is a super power and its relations with India would prove fruitful for improving India’s position internationally.

The Opposition parties should fully support the Indo-US agreement in and outside Parliament as it is in the national interest.

D.P. JINDAL, Mandi Gobindgarh

IV

While the Communists are ideologically antagonistic towards the US, the BJP is perhaps raising the issue to caution the Centre so that national interests are fully safeguarded while dealing with the US.

I agree that there is a basic change in the international situation. As Communism is on decline now, India has become a victim of terrorists in the name of Islam and Jehad as in the US and UK. This situation has brought the US and India closer. The US knows that India is a peaceful nation with no ambition to interfere in the affairs of other countries. It is also aware of the fact that India is the only democratic, stable and reliable country in the region, and its friendship is valuable for her. This suits our interests as well.

Therefore, cooperation with the US in various fields including defence and nuclear energy is in our interest, and all political parties should welcome it.

ANAND PRAKASH, Panchkula

V

India has surely gained a lot from the visit — nuclear fuel access to high technology or lifting of restrictions. This is no mean achievement for India. The US recognition of India as a nuclear weapon state and a responsible conductor of nuclear arsenal too is an achievement.

India, by nature, does not believe in accepting free lunches. The quid pro quo principle was adhered to even earlier in its dealings with other countries. Let us be guided by Sardar Patel who was of the opinion that we want peace but we are prepared for war (traditional or nuclear). India will never be a first-user of nuclear bomb but, if attacked, it will not keep quiet.

SHYAM SUNDER AIRI, Kapurthala

VI

The Prime Minister’s visit to the US was momentous as India needed import of nuclear fuel due to the rising oil prices.

Mr Dua rightly says: “India’s rights and obligations are the same as those of any nuclear power and also Indian interests have been taken care of”. Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington has, certainly, brought the two countries closer.

M.P.S. RANDHAWA, Dhapai (Kapurthala)

Towards effective administration Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has rightly initiated steps for the abolition of the Annual Confidential Report and introduction of a self-assessment system for IAS and IPS officers. In fact, the ACR system, introduced by the British, was misused by incompetent officers, charged with pride and prejudices. This system has created sycophant and corrupt officers who dance to the tune of their bosses. The honest and hardworking officers who want to work hard have been demoralised. This has resulted in abysmal corruption. The abolition of the ACR system should pave the way for effective administration. RAJ RANI, Ambala City