Hidden agenda of Hillary Clinton’s visit

- Anil Narendra

US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's three days visit to India is important on several counts. Generally an American is an expert in killing many birds with one stone. Hillary's visit to West Bengal and giving much importance to Mamata Bannerjee could not be without purpose. Did she come to Kolkata on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's calling, because Mamata Bannerjee has been a thorn in the flesh for the UPA Government for quite some time. Whether it is Indo-Bangaladesh Teesta Water Treaty or FDI in retail sector, Mamata has always been adamant on her stand. I have referred to these two issues, as Hillary Clinton came to Kolkata direct from Dacca. Her meeting with the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Bannerjee, is being considered first such exercise by any US Secretary of State. It is clear from her visit that how much importance US attaches to Mamata Bannerjee and her government. On the second day of her visit, Hillary met Mamata Bannerjee at the Government Secretariat at Writers' Building. In fact, this meeting was long awaited, when the Times magazine had included Mamata Bannerjee among most powerful 100 persons of the world and announcement of the India visit of Hillary Clinton. There is nothing unusual in the way Hillary Clinton expressed hopes about solution to the issue of water sharing between India and Bangaldesh on reaching Kolkata from Dacca, but important thing is the issuance of such a statement from Kolkata. Perhaps, she is aware of the fact, that water sharing agreement, especially the Teesta River Water Sharing agreement can only fructify when Mamata Bannerfee adopts favourbale attitude. In fact, she should have expressed her opinion not at Kolkata, but at New Delhi. Before coming to New Delhi, the way she did not even blink her eyes in telling that India should keep off Iran, clarifies that she has an agenda? In fact, India's weak foreign policy has allowed US to further its agenda. US not only want India to keep off Iran, but it is trying its best to stop India from buying crude oil from Iran. The Government of India must categorically tell US that in case India stops buying oil from Iran, then how will it fulfill its needs? The US is just telling India not do this or do that, but has not suggested any alternative to the problem. The US has its own agenda and it always keeps its interests paramount while dealing with other nations. Whether it's Iran or Pakistan, it always frames its policies with keeping its interests in mind and it does not bother about India's interests. This fact must be understood by the Central Government as well as by Didi. Mamata Bannerjee must not vitiate her mind and thoughts with the importance being given to her by Hillary. If Hillary is according undue importance to her, then there must be some policy decision by the US administration as its base.