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The Future Is in India: Ackerman

A P Kamath

One of Pakistan's strongest critics in Washington, Congressman Gary L Ackerman (Democrat-NY), insisted this week that the Clinton administration should not "in any way, fashion or shape" support the continuation of a military regime in Pakistan. He also asked the members of the India Caucus in the House to step up pressure on the administration against soft-pedaling opposition to military rule in Pakistan.

Ackerman, a leading member of the House International Relations Committee, said the US had to reorient its policy toward south Asia, placing more emphasis on better ties with New Delhi.

"The future is in India," Ackerman said during a 45-minute-long meeting with Indian National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra.

Ackerman joins a handful of senators and representatives who have been warning the administration not to get confused by the pro-military sentiments in Pakistan and soften demands for a return to civilian rule.

Calling General Pervez Musharraf a dictator, the New York lawmaker said the administration should work hard to prevent Pakistan's military rulers from entrenching themselves in positions of power.

Ackerman, the co-chairman of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, said, "We [pro-India forces in Congress] shall keep up the pressure on the administration on this issue."

He congratulated Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for his "wise, prudent and statesman-like" conduct during the Kargil crisis and said, "He has won many new friends here."

"India's display of responsibility and maturity as a nuclear power during that crisis helped score a tremendous number of points on Capitol Hill," he said.

Ackerman congratulated Mishra, who also serves as the prime minister's principal secretary, for his successful trip to Israel as part of India-Israel strategic dialogue. Ackerman praised "the growing relationship" between New Delhi and Jerusalem.

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