M A I L B A G

Indo-US ties on a new high

It was a pleasure reading H.K. Dua’s article “Breaking from the past: India and US opt for a new relationship” (March 6). India needs to get foreign investment and help to grow faster as also modernise its armed forces. The pact with the US will give a boost to India’s economic development and promote security in South Asia.

It was feared that the US will force India to bring the fast breeder reactor programme under the US and international supervision. But Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has handled the situation well and we have retained complete control over fast breeder reactors as also sufficient number of other nuclear reactors which can be useful for production of nuclear weapons. Our security experts need not worry about future development of nuclear and thermo-nuclear weapons.

Incidentally, Pakistan was told to control terrorists operating both against Afghanistan in the West and Kashmir in the North during President Bush’s talks with General Musharraf. The latter was asked to introduce democracy and hold free and fair elections next year. President Bush’s visit to India has gone off well.

Maj-Gen RAJENDRA NATH (retd), Chandigarh

II

This has reference to H.K. Dua’s front-page editorial “With vision and statesmanship” (March 3). Indeed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George  W. Bush chose to be statesmen and embarked upon a path to mutual cooperation and world peace.  The nuclear deal is historic and it should be welcomed by all.

India has not toed the US line. The deal will help India solve its energy problems as it is free to carry on its nuclear energy development programme with all its creative and innovative capabilities. The task will be made easier once it gets fuel and technology for its nuclear reactors.

The pace of India’s economic growth depends on the energy sector and a peaceful environment, nationally and internationally. Moreover, India cannot remain in the 21st century-world in isolation. It is in constant touch with other nuclear countries, especially Russia and China.

SUDESH KUMAR SHARMA, Kapurthala

III

President Bush and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have shown what conviction politics can achieve on the path to global development through cooperation and mutual understanding. Without being overawed by the Left and the Samajwadi criticism in India or the accusations by the critics in the US, both leaders have displayed vision and statesmanship of the highest order.

No doubt, the deal will have to approved by the US Congress, which may have to amend the laws and adopt an India-specific legislation to pave the way for a bilateral civilian nuclear cooperation. But President Bush hopes to get the deal approved, which is as useful to the US as it is essential for India.

VED GULIANI, Hisar

IV

India and the US have very rightly clinched a historic nuclear deal and both can look forward to a more positive and trustworthy relationship. Though India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty, still with this pact, India got recognition as a de facto nuclear weapon state. What more do the people want from Dr Manmohan Singh?

Admittedly, it is in the US’ own economic interest to help India in civilian nuclear technology. This would help reduce pressure on the global demand for energy and fossil fuels.

GURDERSHAN SINGH, Chandigarh

V

The Indo-US deal has been the result of arduous efforts by both governments. India’s strategic partnership with the US based on mutual national interests started a few years back has finally matured. India is bound to reap benefits in business, trade, defence, agriculture, industrial R&D, space and atomic energy.

Yet, the gradual in-depth understanding of the US about the problems of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism on our soil is the direct fallout of our strategic relationship. President Bush’s refusal to General Musharraf for a similar nuclear deal with Pakistan shows his concern about that country being an irresponsible state.

Lieut-Col V.K. NAYYAR (retd), Chandigarh

Towards a culture of peace Today is Women’s Day. Woman has always been regarded as the embodiment of love, peace, care and patience. She plays a pivotal role as a daughter, mother, sister, wife, daughter-in-law and mother-in-law. A culture of peace can flourish only when it is part of a child’s daily life. A mother has to teach her child about cooperation, non-violence, respect for elders, speaking truth, respect and love for nation, kindness to animals and plants, sharing and exchanging common courtesies, justice and equality to develop a culture of peace. How can she inculcate them into her child? Only by being a role model for the child to follow. A woman has raised voice against violence, exploitation and eve teasing. If she is harassed and exploited, she can’t propagate peace. She has to respect each other’s feelings, think positively and develop a sense of security. Sadly, fashion shows and beauty pageants are developing a culture of vulgarity and indecency in society. The woman must come forward and propagate peace in society. The destiny of the universe lies in the women’s hands who should make the world a peaceful place to live in. RUPINDERJEET KAUR, Lecturer, LHR College of Education, Moga