Clinton's wrath defeated by Vajpayee's warmth

Post Nuclear tests in May 1998, Clinton administration was very enraged. Firstly, because they could not detect it before the actual test. Secondly, they were worried that South Asia had reached a nuclear flashpoint. The only way Clinton could have taught a lesson to us was by way of imposing economic sanctions and snap all kinds of aid to us. In fact, he did this. He in fact declared that he will heavily come upon India like a ton of bricks. He also went as far as joining hands with Boris Yelstin (Russia) and China and teach India a lesson. His pace was cut down slowly by Strobe Talbott. However, Vajpayee knew such a step would be taken by US even before the Nuclear test. He fully knew the consequences of the Nuclear test. The trump card Vajpayee used now was Jaswant Singh. He saw in Jaswant Singh the qualities of a stateman like himself. He immediatley asked him to meet the US counterparts and explain the case before them. 14 rounds of talks in 7 countries in 3 continents between Strobe Talbott and Jaswant changed the Indo-US equation forever. Jaswant Singh in his first statement with American counterparts told he had come for a dialog and not negotiation. He said under any circumstances India will not go back as far as nuclear tests are concerned. Jaswant did not go as a beggar. Neither did he speak in a submissive language. He was confident and made a sharp point that India will not negotiate its security interests under any pressure. He did a smart talk of doing smart business with US keeping India's interests on the top of everything.

A business and shrewd mindset oriented American diplomats are no easy people to mess around with. If one can convince them, one is genius. Vajpayee knew that he needed US in India's favor so that US policy on India changes. He had strategically calculated that if US doesn't do any good for India, it should not do any good to Pakistan. For 50 years secretly, US helped Pakistan in all possible ways to counter India and Kashmir issue. Now, Vajpayee had to turn the tables in India's favor. Sensing this as an excellent opportunity, Vajpayee chose Jaswant Singh. What happened behind the doors is revealed in 2 major books sources of which I have not revealed here.

But I have given below two links which prove - India achieved more than the US by these talks further proving that Vajpayee scored the biggest ever diplomatic victory by convincing US at the time when US was so enraged and had imposed sanctions. In fact, Strobe Talbott wanted India to give a chance, while Clinton was not ready to listen. Credit very much goes to Strobe Talbott who convinced Clinton that favoring India is in US interest. The result was a dramatic U turn in world diplomacy. Clinton arriving in India, addressing everyone in the Central Hall, jointly agreeing to be long term partners etc. This enabled US to see us as a long standing ally and economic partner. The long term consequence of all these is that today US wants to outbeat Russia in helping India in arms and ammunition (No doubts, US companies will benefit from this, but US doesn't trade with any damn country).

1. http://hrd.rediff.com/news/2004/sep/21inter.htm
2. http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/FG27Df04.html

What is so amazing is how Mr.Vajpayee handled the whole situation. Nobody has the guts to match him in this initiative he took. Imagine what would have happened if he did not take this step? US would have imposed severe sanctions. Forced India to sign CTBT and NPT. India would have ended up in an economic mess. There could have been several more dangerous consequences. However, India's fate was fortunate enough to have Mr. Vajpayee as the PM at that dark hour as a shield. Also, note that India did not sign CTBT or NPT and yet ended up as very good friend with the US despite the bad turn of events ("bad" in US perspective before talks were held)

It is astonishing that just when the relationships reached its nadir, Vajpayee converted it into a pinnacle point. It was a victory to his diplomatic brains which were reflected in Jaswant's talks.
Jaswant Singh made one point very clearly that India faced lot of dangers from China and Pakistan. Also, he convinced with all evidences, facts and information from all intelligent sources that Pakistan was doing everything possible to ensure terrorism spreads everywhere. He also proved that India always has maintained and followed nuclear deterrent and conducting tests was a way of showing deadly neighbors that we are strong enough to tackle them.

Imagine that US turned from hostility to friendship. Friendship in such a way that Mr. Clinton personally took interest in coming to India. A sea change happened for the better of India. Be it self interest, better business opportunity or making US pro India, Vajpayee did what no one could do in 50 years and all in a span of some months. What made Clinton personally take this drastic step? The biggest blunder done by Pak army in crossing LoC and attacking Kargil. Clinton shouted at Nawaz Shariff and blackmailed him that he would expose Pakistan and tell the world that Pakistan is behind terrorism. In fact Shariff got so perplexed that he asked Clinton not to do so. Clinton said -"I or India will not come under the blackmail done by you. Ask your forces to immediately withdraw from Kargil". Can you imagine these strong statements from Clinton himself. This means that he was convinced by Jaswant Singh about India's position and the need for India going nuclear. He found a legitimate reason in India conducting nuclear tests. This is evident from Clinton's speech to Parliament in India where he clearly states " US understands India's security constraints and therefore the need for your nuclear test". Do you think a statesman, in fact most influential person in the world at that time - Bill Clinton would have spoken like this? It was possible only because of Jaswant singh and Vajpayee. Kudos to Mr.Vajpayee!!!

In this aspect, I don't think even Indira Gandhi would have been able to do this diplomatic act. She didn't have the warmth which Vajpayee had. Vajpayee had carefully chosen a team of 3 people - Jaswant, Brajesh Mishra and Advani. Only these 3 apart from him knew all that had to be talked. It is not easy to even perceive that 14 rounds of talks were even possible. US would have allowed it only when they saw a lot of sense in what Jaswant might be talking. In fact, Strobe Talbott's appreciation of Jaswant is very much available on the links I provided above. He in fact has called Jaswant Singh a "HERO" and was impressed by his statesmanship.

Thus, Clinton's wrath was met by Vajpayee's warmth. Clinton who had almost decided to punish India made a dramatic U-turn and blessed India with a friendship that is strategically more important to India than the US. This was possible only because of VAJPAYEE.....Jai ho Vajpayee ji ki...