The State Department doesn't understand that the fate of Afghanistan must not be permitted to rest in the hands of the Taliban extremists and their supporters in Pakistan and elsewhere. It is time to bolster our relationships with India as well as other important states of Central Asia. Such action would help minimize the role of our embassy in Islamabad in future policy decisions concerning Afghanistan, and would take appropriate action to confront the danger that the Taliban present not only to the West, but to other Muslim governments that do not share extremist ideology. India's existence as a state,, which has an unwavering commitment to freedom of expression, political pluralism, democracy and international consensus making, makes it an irreplaceable leader in today's world. As we celebrate this occasion, India's government continues its struggle with some members of the Security Council who question its attempt to ensure that it can defend itself from nuclear attacks.
Every nation has a right to ensure that it has an adequate defense and deterrence system.
Recently India's Defense Minister, George Fernandes, came under attack from China's spokesmen when he honestly pointed out that China is India's primary threat due to its transfer of nuclear and ballistic technology to Pakistan and China's targeting of nuclear weapons on India. Earlier this month, China's state-run media began a virulent tirade against India's Urban Affairs Minister, Ram Jethmalani, for his remarks on Taiwan's political status in which he suggested a strong case for India to recognize Taiwan. Two weeks ago, the Confederation of Indian Industry hosted an important conference in India that was attended by leaders from around the world. China's delegation canceled its participation when they learned that His Holiness the Dalai Lama would attend. Like President Lee of Taiwan and His Holiness the Dalai Lama of Tibet, India's leaders are pragmatic men and women who are under pressure to deal with the powerful communist government in China.