26 May 2009
State Department Official Discusses U.S.-India Relations
CO.NX webchat transcript, May 26
Gregg Sullivan, director of press and public diplomacy for the State Department’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, discussed U.S.-India relations during a May 26 CO.NX webchat.
Following is the transcript:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of International Information Programs
Webchat Transcript
CO.NX Chat: India and U.S. Relations
Guest: Gregg Sullivan
Date: May 26, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. EDT (1400 GMT)
Gregg Sullivan: Thanks all for joining this webchat. We really appreciate the interest and I will do my best to get to as many questions as possible.
Question [Sam]: Will the good relations of INDIA and USA will affect USA's relation with Pakistan?
Answer [Gregg Sullivan]: For a long time the United States did hyphenate India and Pakistan. Prior to 9/11 we were guilty of not spending enough time on South Asia, but not anymore. The United States enjoys a strong and healthy relationship with India — one that continues to grow. Our relationships with each country, from Canada to Japan to Kazakhstan, all have separate dynamics that are separate from our relations with other countries, encompassing a true bilateral discussion. We enjoy a strong relationship with Pakistan, as well, as evidenced by the announcement of increased bilateral assistance by Secretary Clinton last week.
Prior to 9/11, we could be accused of having no strategic vision, but now we’re working towards the goal of a developing a constructive bilateral relationship between India and Pakistan. We know that it is a bilateral effort that requires work on the part of the United States, but it is one that we’ve seen progress in. For example, we fund a program called Seeds of Peace. This program brings school children to the United States to learn about peace and reconciliation. It has students come to camp together each year from India and Pakistan. Afterwards, they do a home stay in the other country with some of the other alumni of the program in which they stay in Pakistani homes for about six days. After Indian students spent some time in their home stay in Pakistan, the reaction and connection they felt was tangible. One student event commented, “I’m really glad that I got the chance to go to Pakistan, and I honestly feel that if only every Indian could experience what I have, and every Pakistani could experience the same in India, then there would be nothing left of our conflict at all.”
Q: [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: India has a very positive, healthy and strong relationship with the US, but at the same time, hasn't hesitated to differ from the US on certain issues that the US would have looked for 'allies'. In the cold war era India chose to be 'non-aligned' , in the more recent times, India somewhat abstains from participating in certain US initiatives such as the war on Iraq, in the present time there are still several issues on which US finds India not blindly endorsing the US position. India is a very good friend, but still chooses not to take sides with the US on policies that it considers to be in conflict. Would US like to convert India into an ally or rather choose to have greater respect for India as a nation with its own fair views?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: This is a good question, addressing what you expect as an ally. An ally is someone that we agree with on the objectives, the goals. We think our objectives in South Asia are pretty consistent with what the Indian government – and its people – want: peace in the region, freedom from fear and terrorism, and improved economic and social opportunities for everyone. This does not mean that the United States and India will agree on every topic, or how best to achieve those goals, but that’s okay because allies do not always agree on everything. NATO is a good example of how this works. We have a common vision that we work towards, but there is plenty of healthy discussion and and even disagreement along the way to those objectives. But the alliance remains solid. The same thing has occurred and will continue in our relationship with India. We cannot afford not to work together, but even when we do not work together, it will not prevent us from moving forward on other area where we agree. Prime examples range from healthcare cooperation on HIV/AIDS, space cooperation, etc.
Q: [Prashant Tewari]: Do we need to improve the relations? It is a compulsion for both the countries now. We have to work on alternate plan wherein interest of both the countries are looked after well. The focus should be enhancing bilateral trade, reducing global warming and restricting global terrorism spread.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: For a long time the United States did hyphenate India and Pakistan. Prior to 9/11 we were guilty of not spending enough time on South Asia, but not anymore. The United States enjoys a strong and healthy relationship with India—one that continues to grow. This actually is simply following the existing, incredibly positive, people to people relationships that already existed. There are approximately 80,000 Indian students studying in the United States. U.S. businesses thrive in India, people of Indian origin live, work, and take an active interest in U.S.-Indian relations from the private world, and these relations continue to expand each day. All of these existed before and will continue above and beyond the U.S.-Indian governmental relationship. That being said, I feel that we are entering a new era of positive cooperation that will only improve our relationship above and beyond what has already been achieved. For example, last year, the Secretary of State and Indian Prime Minister signed the historic 123 Agreement. Shortly thereafter, a Fulbright Agreement was signed that will double the number of people sent to the United States on Fulbright Scholarships and made the Government of India a full partner in this relationship. I believe that we will continue improving relations, building upon the incredibly strong foundation built by the people-to-people relationships that predated it.
Q: [Mario Ronold]: As USA is a veto nation in the UN can you do something to stop the war in Sri Lanka on humanitarian grounds I do believe that US can do more in this issue. Everyone knows it not right to encourage terrorists like LTTE but the common people there suffer a lot because of violation of human rights by the Lankan government they are very motivated in doing this as they have China in their back.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: We are really worried about the situation and have been working to provide humanitarian assistance. In fact, the United States is the leading donor of humanitarian aid—now we need the Sri Lankan government to let international organizations and relief efforts to operate. We also see the importance of building bridges between Singhalese and Tamil communities during the needed reconciliation process. The end of the conflict brings new opportunities to write a new future, one that should be based in understanding and opportunities for both sides of the conflict.
Q: [Kartik Narayan]: Gregg I am deeply worried that United States is not asking for enough checks and balances from Pakistan before giving it yet another round of financial aid. Admiral Mike Mullen in his 14th May Senate Testimony admitted that Pakistan is increasing its nuclear arsenal. How can the state department assure us ( Indians) that Pakistan state and ISI would be reigned in so as not to attack India to distract its domestic population from their internal problems.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Very good question Kartik. As President Obama said on March 27 during his remarks regarding the strategic review of our policy towards Pakistan and Afghanistan, we're not extending ''a blank check'' to either nation. On Afghanistan, the President noted our expectation that the Afghan Government will work to extend its authority, promote development, and end corruption. On Pakistan, the President made clear that we expect progress in combating extremism and extending its authority into the tribal areas. Though we're not ready yet to list all of the ''benchmarks,'' we're busy putting those together. Periodically - every few months or so, we will be looking at Pakistan's progress and making an evaluation of whether our assistance is helping or hurting the process. I'd note, too, that Vice President Biden was a key player in the legislation last year that established more than a dozen benchmarks on US assistance, so I can assure you that evaluation of our assistance is a high priority for this administration.
Q: [Anonymous Indian]: Some parties are now promising to give 1 lakh rupees to girls after they complete 12 standard for further studies (for eg: BJP). Do boys not need money to complete money to complete further studies? Financial help should be given on the basis of the financial condition of the student, not sex. There are many more examples of positive gender discrimination which turn out to be negative as they deprive males from their rights.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: The Government of India’s education system is capable of producing students in the most elite fields. Looking at any phone directory across the United States would find people of South Asian origin in jobs ranging from Doctors to educators to scientists. South Asian immigrants are arguably the most successful immigrant group in the United States. Like the United States’ educational system, the Indian middle to upper class school system turns out students, researchers, and scientists of the highest caliber. And, India and the US have a similar educational challenge: to elevate the entire system and create opportunities for everyone in the system regardless of social and economic background. We want to work with the Indian government on this common challenge as a founding pillar of our strategic relationship.
Q: [Anonymous Indian]: What about children’s rights in India? Many children are not treated the way they deserve, child labour is an example, but there are many more like teachers beating students at school.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: We all recognize that children learn and fare better in a nurturing environment. The new U.S. administration is committed to bringing opportunities to children of all social and economic backgrounds and will continue to work with the Indian government and others to protect the rights of children around the world.
Q: [Anonymous Indian]: How can we stop corruption in India?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Corruption is a problem in any country; it’s a country’s response to it that determines its outcome. As we’ve seen here in the U.S., one form of corruption and mismanagement produced the crisis in the housing and credit markets. What is key to rooting out corruption is independent oversight. For example, following the stock market scandals of the 1970s and 1980s, new power for overseeing investments and transactions were given to the Security and Exchange Commission. No country is immune, and each country will have to find a way to deal with the issue, but independent oversight is one method that yields immediate results.
Q: [Swaminathan]: India has been the most responsible nuclear power in the World till date. It has an official ''no first use policy'' doctrine. Yet the Govt. of the U.S. of A thro' the State Dept. has been pressuring India to sign the CTBT & NPT treaties, which are very flawed & would reduce India's status to that of nuclear pariahs. On the other hand Pakistan is on shaky ground with Talibs overrunning large swathes of lnd. It is of mutual concern to both India & the U.S. to safeguard the Pak. nuclear arsenal. My questions are: 1) Why is the U.S. so intent of deterring the nuclear weapons of a responsible democracy India which has a ''no-first use” doctrine? 2) Shouldn’t the $15billion assistance to Pakistan also include riders & / or conditions to reduce their nuclear arsenal in a phased manner?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: The United States’ decision to negotiate with India on the Civilian Nuclear deal was a reflection of its view that the Government of India has been responsible in its maintenance of its nuclear power, but there are still many in the U.S. that have misgivings about how India’s nuclear technology was obtained. The U.S., for example, is not satisfied with the unanswered questions surrounding the extent of the AQ Khan network’s activities in nuclear proliferation worldwide. It is vital that we work with the international community to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. International guidelines, such as the NPT and CTBT, help prevent proliferation that would increase the risk of nuclear war. It is vital that we all work together to uphold these norms and principles to ensure a safe, peaceful world.
Q: [Mildred Keel-Williams]: Where can I obtain the little blue Universal Human Rights Booklet?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I'm pretty sure that the publication that you're referring to is from the United Nations. you can also check out the website http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr to receive the text of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Q: [vikram s]: submitted a question earlier in the morning. concerned initiatives to create sustainable rural employment in all parts of the world including india. this arguably is one of the best measures to counter terrorism in my opinion.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I agree Vikram, sustainable rural employment is key to promoting opportunity and eliminating the appeal of extremist ideologies. We want to do more to promote opportunity in rural areas. In my own discussions with agricultural experts here in the US, there's a lot we can do. One interesting idea that came up in my discussions was the need for “cold storage facilities” in South Asia. Cold storage - essentially giant climate-controlled warehouses - not only allow producers more time to find buyers, but allows for the cultivation of more expensive crops that can be shipped further around the world. For example, a cold storage facility in India might permit Indian farmers to grow products like “heirloom tomatoes” or high-priced fruits and vegetables that can be shipped to European markets, commanding higher prices and higher returns for the farmers' work. This may be one innovative area were US-Indian cooperation can bring immediate benefit to indian farmers.
Q: [Nikhil Singh]: Do the Intelligence Agencies work as closely as they should be?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: The Indian and Pakistani Intelligence Agencies do not work as closely as they should be, but they've made a significant start. As strong distrust has been the prevailing sentiment, it was a major accomplishment for them to start cooperating. We ideally would like to see both agencies sharing real time information, coordinating their approaches, and identifying threats before they engage in terrorist activities. The intelligence agencies are not there yet, but that's where we want them to be.
[Gregg Sullivan]: As I'm typing away here, I'd be interested in hearing what people think the US should focus on first in the US-Indian relationship: Education? Agriculture? Trade? Regional extremism? What's on your minds?
Q: [Cavalier]: What would the Obama administrations reaction be to a military response by India against terrorism in Pakistan?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I can't really answer a hypothetical question. The circumstances involved are really important and could and would change any reaction we would have. More importantly we really do not want to see the resumption of armed conflict between Pakistan and India due to the grievous harm it would cause to both populations. This is why we push for intelligence cooperation as a better solution so attacks can be prevented before a plan is put into motion.
Q: [True Indian]: What do You require from India to make this relationship stronger?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Both governments in India and the United States underwent recent elections and are beginning or will shortly begin the expansion of our bilateral engagement. We look forward to expanding our relationship and moving forward with India on a variety of subjects, all working towards our common objective of a peaceful South Asia.
Q: [Mushtaq Sethi]: How does the U.S.A, figure out balancing relationships between India and Pakistan with the Kashmir issue remaining unresolved and also being core issue of dispute between the two neighbors ?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: It's an issue between the Indians and Pakistanis, but it must take into consideration the wishes and needs of the people of Kashmir.
Q: [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: is this a text only chat please?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Yes, it's only text.
Q: [Luthria Girdhari] Thank you
A [Gregg Sullivan]: You're welcome!
Q: [swaminathan]: What is the State Department's position on India's role in the AfPak plan? All we have heard till now is, that it will be a significant role, but will it be necessarily political or cultural & humanitarian as already India is doing in Afghanistan.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: India can play a constructive role in the Afghanistan-Pakistan issue and has already been doing so. India's developmental contributions to Afghanistan have been substantial and can sow the seeds for a good investment and trade climate between the two countries as Afghanistan develops. Obviously, the Indian role in Pakistan is trickier, but India can be commended for a number of steps it's taken. About 18 months ago during a visit to Pakistan, I spoke with Pakistani shop owners and others who commended India for its decision to expand its visa issuing operations in Pakistan. They noted that there had been a backlog of applicants seeking to do legitimate business, visit relatives study in Indian schools, etc. and the decision to expand the Indian visa operations had immediate impact on average Pakistanis.
Certainly, India must be wary of those Pakistanis seeking to enter India for nefarious reasons, but the signal India sent - openness to a better relationship with peace-loving Pakistanis - was a powerful psychological message. As India engages with Pakistan on levels other than terrorism and security, it can have a salutary effect on the entire relationship.
Q: [afifa 2]: could you please explain the 123 agreement? most ppl, including our college lecturers are not clear about the pros and cons of the deal. since there has been some opposition to the deal, i would like to know what is it in the deal that must have resulted in this opposition?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: This is too limited a forum to discuss the issue in as much detail as you may like, but please check out http://www.state.gov/p/sca/c17361.htm and we welcome any more specific questions. Independent organizations have written extensively on the topic, which you should also take a look at on the internet.
Q: [Luthria Girdhari]: We R members of Lions Club Mumbai Sujok. Can we suggest ways to improve Health Program/ This will meet all requirements of the President.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I'll work on finding some contacts to begin a more specific dialogue on this issue and will follow-up via email, if that works for you.
Q: [Pravin]: Much of America's wealth has come from access to Global Markets and through the policies of Free Market. However, now we see Americans becoming Protectionist. Isn’t that hypocrisy?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Pravin, I want to assure you and others who've asked questions along the lines of US economic policy, that the US is not turning its back on its free market roots or support for free trade. I will say, however, that the answer is rather complex, but it is rooted in the fact that the US is important to the global economy as BOTH a producer and a CONSUMER. President Obama is seeking to find a balance between the preservation of domestic US jobs that will be key to maintaining the US role as a global consumer of products from other countries AND maintain the foundations of a free trade policy. As the economy improves and the US job market becomes more resilient, I think I can say that the US Government involvement in the economy will go back to something more consistent.
Q: [rehan]: How far do you see the role of India as a contributor towards the war against terrorism? Please comment on the nature of the role that you expect India to assume.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I already answered this above when I talked about Pakistan and, even more so, when I talked about the relationship between India and the United States. We have a common vision for a peaceful, terrorism free South Asia, and we recognize that we will have to work together to fulfill that vision.
Q: [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: Traditionally the relationship between a developed country and a developing country is based on the notion that the benefits flow from the developed country onto the developing country. India has contributed to the development of United States by offering its IT skills, scientific talent etc among other contributions. Would the US go a little deeper and examine if India has answers to some of its problems, for example, for problems related to healthcare (India's polyclinic, general or family physician model, if not ayurveda), Indian conservatism towards Insurance framework, India's moderation in terms of foreign policy, India's concept of education with emphasis on values, among several good things that can be emulated from India? Some of these values may be eroding in India and US in the process of studying the Indian concepts / solutions could strengthen the good in India in the process. Some societies esoterically have acknowledged that “knowledge flows from East to West” Would US as a mighty nation stop f
A [Gregg Sullivan]: We understand and appreciate what India brings to our bilateral relationship -- the strength of the people-to-people contacts that existed before our bilateral relationship caught up to it proves how reciprocal this is. With our ever expanding relationship, both government to government and between people, we look forward to learning more from each other.
Q: [vikram S]: 1. Providiong sustainable rural employment opportunity is arguably the best way to counter terrorist activity anywhere in the globe. How does the USA plan to directly or indirectly help india create these opportunities? Some obvious ways of creating such opportunities would involve: a. supporting the development of rural heritage tourism with the US. b. setting up American style university towns in different parts of india; creating cheaper international quality health care facilities here to which americans could have easy access; Are there any plans to help small and medium sized entrepreneurs in india and america to realize these goals?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Vikram, you mention a lot of things we'd like to help foster. Over the past few years, I've been involved with an effort to promote dialogue between US and Indian university representatives that would benefit both systems. I think I recall seeing a statistic that there's room in Indian universities for less than 3% of Indian high school graduates. That's something we'd like to help change and there's a host of options aside from large-scale universities: 2-year associate colleges, trade schools, and a streamlined process for admitting Indian students to US and international colleges could all play a part.
Q: [Anonymous Indian]: Is the Education system in India any good?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I answered a question above about the challenges that face education systems and successes in both India and the United States.
Q: [Chor]: Pres. Obama said the following on India's Republic Day, but his subsequent actions have belied his words. So, was it just rhetoric??? Our rapidly growing and deepening friendship with India offers benefits to all the world's citizens as our scientists solve environmental challenges together, our doctors discover new medicines, our engineers advance our societies, our entrepreneurs generate prosperity, our educators lay the foundation for our future generations, and our governments work together to advance peace, prosperity, and stability around the globe.
A [Gregg Sullivan]: Chor, I understand your sense of frustration, but in the past six months, both our nations have been through momentous electoral processes. The President's statement is about the best summation of our high regard for India and the Indian people's salutary impact on the world. As the Administration moves forward, I think you can expect a vigorous development of this relationship. The opportunities for both countries are just too large to ignore.
Q: [Anonymous Indian]: What about gay rights in India?
A [Gregg Sullivan]: I would note that the US is committed to equal rights for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or economic background. We will continue to work with civil societies in other countries towards respect for the rights and promotion of opportunity for all citizens.
Q: [Sivasubramanian Muthusamy]: Is there a way US could foster Internet based collaborative, participative learning on a wide scale between Institutions in India and the US as an answer to the challenges facing Education Systems? India could fill in the value gap and the US could in the (education) technology and standards gap
A [Gregg Sullivan]: We already do some collaboration with English Language training, such as through the ACCESS program, on the Internet and would love to see greater cooperation between universities. In fact, there are quite a few American universities that already have partnerships with Indian institutions. One of the challenges in encouraging these relationships is the decentralized system in which our universities operate in. Most of their relationships are built through their own outreach rather than through the government.
Gregg Sullivan: Well, I want to thank all of you for an excellent webchat. Again, I want to thank you all for your interest and excellent questions. I'd note that from here I'll be going to the swearing-in of our new Assistant Secretary, Robert Blake, former Ambassador in Sri Lanka and former Deputy Chief of Mission to our Embassy in New Delhi. So, I can assure you India will remain a primary focus for all of us. All the best, Gregg.
Gregg Sullivan: We look forward to seeing you on June 9th for a discussion on Pakistan at statedept.connectsolutions.com/Pakistan. Also, please check out http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/New-Delhi-India/American-Center-New-Delhi/60367306581?ref=ts for information on our American Center in New Delhi.
CO.NX Moderator (Mark): The webchat is now closed. A transcript of today's discussion will be published to www.america.gov and http://co-nx.state.gov within one business day.
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