July 20, 2005
 

Manmohan Singh at the US Congress

Here's the text of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's address to the US Congress and an analysis on Rediff.

Did he take a dig at the US electoral system when he mentioned a statutory independent election commission? There were quite a few pointed digs at Pakistan.

Our Army has remained a professional force, subject throughout to civilian control.

We know that those who resort to terror often clothe it in the garb of real or imaginary grievances. We must categorically affirm that no grievance can justify resort to terror.

In this context, I would also like to reiterate that India's track record in nuclear non-proliferation is impeccable. We have adhered scrupulously to every rule and canon in this area. We have done so even though we have witnessed unchecked nuclear proliferation in our own neighbourhood which has directly affected our security interests. This is because India, as a responsible nuclear power, is fully conscious of the immense responsibilities that come with the possession of advanced technologies, both civilian and strategic. We have never been, and will never be, a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies.

The point he made on the restructuring of the UN Security Council was interesting. He said "The UN Security Council must be restructured as part of the reform process.", which is a little closer to the US position, i.e. UN reforms, including accountability, budgeting, processes, monitoring etc. need to be carried out before we think of the UNSC. Does this mean the G-4 initiative is on hold for the present?

As Nitin points out, his tailpiece was really nice.

This is what former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee spoke at the US Congress in September 2000.

Labels: proliferation

Rambled @ 9:54 AM

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