Hillary Clinton in India to discuss Pakistan, terrorism and trade
by Nirmala Carvalho
These are the central topics on the US secretary of state’s agenda. A professor of Moral and Political Philosophy says Washington is interested in India’s security to protect its economic relations with New Delhi. Clinton’s visit comes a week after explosions kill 19 and injure 141 in Mumbai.
Mumbai (AsiaNews) – US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is on a visit to India (18-21 July) to take stock of bilateral economic relations and reassert their mutual commitment against terrorism. The trip comes only a week after explosions killed 19 people and injured 141 in Mumbai.
Yesterday, in his first meeting with Clinton, Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna remembered the victims of the explosion, thanking the United States for its solidarity. Right after the attack, Ms Clinton confirmed that she would make her visit.
In their joint press conference, Clinton mentioned Pakistan as a “key ally” in the fight against terrorism. She also said that she had urged Pakistani authorities to cooperate speedily and openly in bringing to justice the culprits for the 2008 Mumbai attack
According to Nishant Irudayadason, professor of Moral and Political Philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, the US secretary of state’s statement reiterating both nations’ commitment to the fight against terrorism reflects the growing interest in Washington for trade with India.
“Clinton will also visit the Ford Co Plant in Chennai,” he explained. “This is significant for India as it becomes more concerned about instability in neighbouring Pakistan.”
This is happening at a time when “Western troops will soon leave Afghanistan,” Prof Nishant Irudayadason said. At the same time, “the trust the Pakistani Government enjoyed so long from the US government is on the decline,” whilst “Islamabad moves closer to Tehran and Beijing wants to emerge as the world leader.” In short, “political equations are changing in South Asia.”
“The visit of the US Secretary of State happens at a precise moment when, on the one hand, India and Pakistan are working out details of the resumption of peace talks and, on the other hand, a series of explosions claimed at least 19 lives in Mumbai. India has not pointed the finger at Pakistan, but if investigations reveal any Pakistani link with the recent bomb blasts in Mumbai, it would be enough to freeze any sustained discussion process between Islamabad and New Delhi.”
Yesterday, in his first meeting with Clinton, Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna remembered the victims of the explosion, thanking the United States for its solidarity. Right after the attack, Ms Clinton confirmed that she would make her visit.
In their joint press conference, Clinton mentioned Pakistan as a “key ally” in the fight against terrorism. She also said that she had urged Pakistani authorities to cooperate speedily and openly in bringing to justice the culprits for the 2008 Mumbai attack
According to Nishant Irudayadason, professor of Moral and Political Philosophy at Jnana-Deepa Vidyapeeth, Pune, the US secretary of state’s statement reiterating both nations’ commitment to the fight against terrorism reflects the growing interest in Washington for trade with India.
“Clinton will also visit the Ford Co Plant in Chennai,” he explained. “This is significant for India as it becomes more concerned about instability in neighbouring Pakistan.”
This is happening at a time when “Western troops will soon leave Afghanistan,” Prof Nishant Irudayadason said. At the same time, “the trust the Pakistani Government enjoyed so long from the US government is on the decline,” whilst “Islamabad moves closer to Tehran and Beijing wants to emerge as the world leader.” In short, “political equations are changing in South Asia.”
“The visit of the US Secretary of State happens at a precise moment when, on the one hand, India and Pakistan are working out details of the resumption of peace talks and, on the other hand, a series of explosions claimed at least 19 lives in Mumbai. India has not pointed the finger at Pakistan, but if investigations reveal any Pakistani link with the recent bomb blasts in Mumbai, it would be enough to freeze any sustained discussion process between Islamabad and New Delhi.”
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