surya kiran
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I'm always confused when people who should know better start spewing standard rhetoric better left to dim wit politicians to make. This is a military forum & such a question should be debated on merits. I, for one, don't see any harm in giving the U.S. access to the bases in the Andaman & Nicobar islands. It is giving access, not handing over a base. The comparison with Pakistan is silly because the intended targets are not in India. However there is no such thing as a free lunch. We can give the U.S. access but only if we get something in return, that something being of good value for us. To behave otherwise would be to be cussed when not required to.
What is in it for us?
1. Will we be offered the F-22?
2. Will we be offered to not sign the constricting defence rules set for exports CISMOA?
3. Will the US stop offering aid to Pakistan, if we tell them to?
4. Will the US lift all exceptions on India's trade with Iran?
5. Will the US provide an iron clad guarantee that in case of a further nuclear test by India, the sanctions will not kick in?
6. Will the US side with India on environmental issues?
7. Will India be provided with preferential access to the US markets, if we setup manufacturing hubs? Which means diverting imports from China to India.
If the answers are in the positive, then we should talk. But, if the above are going to lead to discussions then there is no point talking.
Having said the above, does it fit into our overall requirement. The Malacca straits is as of date a choke point. It is and will remain in the forseeable future a strategic tool for India to monitor movements. Which means we will have equipment and tools which are sensitive to our interests. Would we want to share this with a new found acquaintance? Would it not be better to initiate routes where we provide information to strategic partners where control rests with us? That would in my opinion serve us better.