Kissinger146;s world

It is not difficult to agree with Henry Kissinger that India-US relations are undoubtedly set to move on to greater heights in the coming years. But what he stated in his Walk the Talk interview about other issues needs to be given due attention. Many would be surprised at his conclusion that India has become part of the global concert while America is still learning to be part of the world. But this should be seen in the context of his view that the options America had of being able to choose to withdraw or participate at will in world affairs is now altering for a number of reasons, including the fact that the centre of gravity of global power is shifting from West to East.

More important the Americans, according to him, are finding out now that 8220;there are no final answers to every problem8221;. Taken to its logical conclusion, this 8220;educational process8221; as he calls it, would help both countries to understand each other better and work together on increasing areas and opportunities. What makes Henry Kissinger unique and abiding among world leaders and strategists is that he is not afraid to admit his errors of judgment. And he seems to be making a mistake when he claims that 8220;India wants to prevent the rise of another power between Singapore and Aden8221; and that8217;s compatible with US interests.

What Kissinger may have in mind are Iraq and Iran, the former virtually destroyed as a power, and the second being contained by Washington in a variety of ways. The third potential power, Pakistan, described by Kissinger as a 8220;regional power8221;, has traditionally been supported by the US; while the rise to power of the fourth to the north China cannot be prevented even by the US. A lot of things would have to change if this assessment of Kissinger has to prove itself. And to draw a conclusion that this was Indian policy made by Indians even under the British is a repudiation of history. One also must question whether this approach is consistent with India8217;s geo-strategic interests.