A section of the Indian political and diplomatic communities has reacted sharply to Barack Obama’s remarks he made in an interview to Press Trust of India (PTI), in which he held out no assurances on issues such as India’s quest for a permanent membership of the UN Security Council and ending curbs on export of dual-use technology.
The visit seems to have failed before it began, said a source, reacting to Mr Obama’s remarks.
The political reactions to Mr Obama’s interview were equally strong with the Congress and the Left parties expressing disappointment over his remarks.
Congress spokesman Manish Tewari did not agree with Mr Obama’s view on outsourcing, saying that for India and Indian companies outsourcing is a reality.
On Mr Obama’s comment that India’s quest for a permanent UNSC membership was “very difficult and complicated”, Mr Tewari said, “While we respect President Obama’s views, the fact is not only India but other major players in the world want the Security Council to reflect the reality of 2010 and not the power balance of 1945.” He added, “There is a UN reform process which is underway. The US and various other stakeholders are very actively engaged in this process”.
CPI(M)’s leader in the Lok Sabha Basudeb Acharia told PTI that “it was a disappointing statement”.
CPI’s national secretary and Rajya Sabha member D. Raja said Mr Obama’s remarks reflected a “clear reservation” of the US in supporting India’s cause.