Better to Have Indian Nukes on Our Side
November 17, 2006, 9:34 am |
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By Andrew L. Jaffee
The Senate yesterday passed legislation by a super majority (85-12), proposed by President Bush, that would allow the sharing of nuclear technologies between the U.S. and India, for civilian uses. While detractors claim this is a setback for the non-proliferation cause, I have long argued that closer ties between the U.S. and India are natural and necessary.
India has nuclear weapons. It is a fact. What more natural alliance than one between two democracies? India’s arsenal is under the control of its people through democratically-elected representatives. India has given up on its failed socialist experiment, and is now a free-market powerhouse, with a middle class of 250 million. Also making the subcontinent a natural ally, India has suffered from the scourge of Islamo-fascism. India is an outpost of democracy in a sea of corruption and dictatorship. Pragmatically, what better strategic counter-balance would there be in Asia to the insane tyrants ruling countries like Iran, who insist that “Islam must ‘conquer the world’ by defeating the West?”
It should not be forgotten that India has broken from the Third World herd mentality, by voting against Iran at the UN, and forging diplomatic and military ties with the “pariah” State of Israel.
Despite its geographic location, India is practically part of the West, partially by virtue of its Anglosphere (British) legacy, but also because its major religious traditions, both Hindu and Buddhist, advocate quite tolerant philosophies. (Article continues below).
There is more to Indo-U.S. relations than strategic and tactical concerns. Indian culture started making inroads into U.S. society during the 60’s, as flower-children looked to expand their horizons by exploring alternative spiritual traditions. But Indian cultural influence has never been as strong as it is now. Many Indians have immigrated to the U.S., and their contributions to our society are no less than amazing. Their ties to the homeland help bind our two nations together.
Young Americans are dancing to Punjabi Bhangra music. More and more U.S. citizens are tasting Indian cuisine. Americans are discovering the beautiful teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita and Upanishads. Poets and writers are voraciously consuming the verses of Rabindranath Tagore
India is a free market, pluralistic society — the biggest on Earth. It is destined to become one of the world’s most influential countries — economically, culturally, technologically, and strategically. It is only natural for the U.S., the most powerful democracy, to ally itself with the most important up-and-coming democracy.
President Bush articulated sound reasons for bringing India closer to the U.S. He:
…hailed the move as bringing India into the “nuclear non-proliferation mainstream”.
“As India’s economy continues to grow, this partnership will help India meet its energy needs without increasing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,” he said. …
Amen, brother…
Related: United States, War Against Islamo-fascism, India