Hindu Vivek Kendra
A RESOURCE CENTER FOR THE PROMOTION OF HINDUTVA
   
 
 
«« Back
US Senator questions India sanctions regime

US Senator questions India sanctions regime

Author:
Publication: Agence France-Presse
Date: February 7, 2001

Influential US Senator John Kerry on Wednesday added his voice to mounting calls for a review of US-led sanctions on India, imposed after it conducted nuclear weapons tests in 1998.

Many in the US Congress believe the package of measures containing investment restrictions and bars on military sales hinder better US ties with India, which many see as a natural US ally.

"The time is long overdue for the United States to distinguish once and for all, between India and Pakistan," said Kerry in a speech on the Senate floor.

He said that Indians were constantly irritated by the US habit of balancing India and Pakistan, a US ally in the Cold War which also faces sanctions for its own nuclear tests conducted following those of New Delhi.

"From their perspective, India's commitment to democracy and economic reform dictate that the United States have a different relationship with India than with Pakistan, which has a military regime that supports terrorism."

"That the United States lumps them together or even worse is soft on Pakistan is clearly unacceptable from the Indian point of view."

"To a certain extent, they have a point," said Kerry, a Democratic Party senator from Massachusetts, who is active in foreign affairs, especially in Asia, and is often talked of as a possible presidential candidate.

Kerry said that although many sanctions against India had been waived by former president Bill Clinton, it was time to lift restrictions which prevent loans to India by international financial institutions.

He said discussion was also needed on restrictions which prevent foreign investment in India's military.

President George W. Bush last week made a small step towards lifting US sanctions on India by easing restrictions on the sale of US-made helicopter spares to New Delhi.

The Indian government has made no secret of its desire to have all sanctions lifted, saying their presence hinders closer ties with the United States.
 


Back                          Top

«« Back
 
 
 
  Search Articles
 
  Special Annoucements