Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice emphasized the strong bond between India and the United States, stating that regardless of the outcome of their respective elections this year, the relationship will continue to flourish. The remarks were made during a panel discussion titled "Strengthening Trust With India: Implications Of The 2008 US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement" organized by the Hoover Institute and Stanford University.
Rice highlighted the enduring alignment of strategic interests between the two nations, noting that while there may be variations in rhetoric, the fundamental convergence of interests remains solid. She underscored the shared values of democracy and the historical ties that further cement the relationship.
Acknowledging her role in fostering bilateral ties during her tenure, Rice traced the origins of the current positive trajectory back to the prime ministership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. She recalled the challenges faced in negotiating the 2008 US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, emphasizing the necessity of garnering global support and navigating domestic legislative processes.
Former national security advisor M K Narayanan reflected on the genesis of the nuclear deal, citing a pivotal meeting between then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and former President George W. Bush. Narayanan highlighted India's energy needs and the subsequent evolution of the deal into a cornerstone of bilateral relations.
Shiv Shankar Menon, former foreign secretary and national security advisor, contextualized the nuclear agreement within India's broader strategic objectives of modernization and security. He stressed the imperative of a robust relationship with the US in advancing India's interests on the global stage.
Overall, the sentiments expressed by the panelists underscored the enduring strength and significance of the India-US partnership, transcending political transitions and reaffirming the shared commitment to mutual progress and prosperity.
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