Prime Minister Vajpayee's remarks at the meeting with the U.S. House International Relations Committee

Washington D.C.
September 14, 2000

Congressman Benjamin Gilman, Chairman of the House International Relations Committee,

Congressman Sam Gejdenson,

Members of the Committee,

Ladies and Gentlemen.

    I am delighted to be here today to renew my friendship with some, to establish contact with others and to strike a dialogue with all.

    Your Committee is at the cutting edge of the reach of the United States to the rest of the world. As a fellow parliamentarian, I am conscious of the need for a strong popular endorsement and backing for the foreign policy initiatives of government. You are the channel for the people’s energy, endorsement or disapproval.

    To the world of alliances, power politics, conflict and change, legislatures impart a ballast of morality, principles and ideals. It is not less important that you also control the purse strings of government. No taxation without representation is as relevant as no spending without authorization.

    Members of the Committee, I salute your abiding contribution to the enrichment of Indo-US relations. Spanning different Administrations and times you have imparted to the relationship the stamp of continuity and predictability.

    The challenges that confront us today have a strong moral dimension.

    Afghanistan is an unfortunate example of a country processed into anarchy by outsiders. It has emerged as a world leader of terrorism, drugs and medieval bigotry that challenges civilized societies everywhere. As a neighbour, India is naturally concerned. As leading democracies USA and India must lead the effort to restore to Afghanistan a broad-based government.

    Regrettably, we in India are at the frontline of the fight against terrorism. The area on our west has become the epicenter of this criminal enterprise. It is not only India’s fight but yours as well. Experience has shown that hatred can explode bombs in New Delhi with as much ease as in New York or Moscow. Let us work together to fight these dangers and not accommodate them.

    What happened in Fiji was not only a criminal overthrow of an elected government but the resurrection of racism. Unless checked, such tendencies lead to ethnic cleansing and further conflict.

    Let me also reaffirm that India will work closely with the USA to address issues of international security. Our nuclear policy is transparent and restrained. We have in place a unilateral moratorium on nuclear explosive tests and a policy of no first use. Let us remain engaged and work together to free the world of all weapons of mass destruction.

    Thank you.