Modi was refused a US visa in 2005 on human rights grounds due to anti-Muslim riots three years earlier in Gujarat. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
WASHINGTON DC: A politician close to India's incoming prime minister Narendra Modi called earlier on Thursday for strong relations with the United States after speculation he could bear a grudge over past treatment.
Sudhanshu Trivedi, national spokesperson for Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) that won a resounding victory in recent elections, said there had also been "many apprehensions" about the Hindu nationalist BJP before it last took power in 1998.
But the 1998-2004 BJP government of prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee "was the golden era of Indo-US relations, so we have proved that we are capable of maintaining relations to new height," Trivedi told a conference in Washington by phone.
Citing former US president Bill Clinton's past remark that the world's two largest democracies should help shape the global order, Trivedi said: "I think the actual time of realising this dream has now come."
Modi was refused a US visa in 2005 on human rights grounds due to anti-Muslim riots three years earlier in his state of Gujarat in which more than 1,000 people died.
Modi, who was Gujarat's chief minister, was accused of turning a blind eye or worse to the violence although investigations cleared him of personal responsibility.
Modi has not expressed bitterness in public toward the United States, but US policymakers and experts are carefully scrutinising his remarks as he has little foreign policy experience.
Trivedi, addressing a largely sympathetic audience at the US India Political Action Committee, an Indian American group, did not bring up the visa issue.
But he criticised outside perceptions of Modi, saying the BJP "should not be seen as right-wing fundamentalist."
President Barack Obama spoke to Modi by telephone after the election to congratulate him and invite him to Washington.
Nisha Desai Biswal, the US assistant secretary of state for South Asia, told the conference that the Obama administration hoped to work closely with the Modi government once it takes over next week.
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@Bakhtiyar Ghazi Khan:
May be it's just that Muslims are paying for the heinous crimes they committed against humanity for thousand odd years. Look at it that way. Either way, cry me a river while you are at it.
@Bakhtiyar Ghazi Khan A hate monger from a Aid dependent country can not harm World 3rd largest economy.
@Rex Minor: Ummm..Obama has already invited him and Kerry has reiterated the invitation. You should read newspapers once in a while.
Lesson learned: If you are a small genocidist, murderer or rapist, Western countries will sanction you until you become an even bigger genocidist, murderer, and mass-rapist, at which point they will establish relations with you and try to get on good terms with you.
West sees Modi as an ally against impoverished Muslim masses and this is why the Hindus elected him. True justice will come. Modi will have to pay for his crimes. Hindus will regret electing him.
@Rex Minor: You give a lot of credibility to the Chaiwala Every time someone calls Modi a chaiwala, they might be trying to come across as insulting him. However, this insult as an opposite effect - its a tribute to Modi's acumen and India's vibrant democracy. Makes me proud of our Chaiwala who raised to position of leading the whole nation of 1.2 billion. . Sincerely
@ rex minor you are delusional. Stay in that happy state. World realises the importance 3 largest economy,worlds largest pluralistic democracy, worlds highest population of many religion,ethnicity,language.strategic location, soft power image, second largest potential market. Space technology,IT,pharma,cut diamond,giants like reliance,tata etc.So burn how much you want to burn. Already stocks are rising which growing investment from abroad since his win you can't stop the unstoppable now.
@Brute Force My bet is that his first visit outside of the UN will be to Japan. Modi's foreign policy is focused on economic self interest therefore Russia is not likely. China maybe but that might miff Japan's Abe who has a good personal relationship with Modi. Therefore, Japan. Also look for Japan to be involved in a great deal in the mega infrastructure projects under Modi.
@M's Supporter:na o
You give a lot of credibility to the Chaiwala and reckon that be it Beging or Washington, they are all in the waiting for the leader of a poor country whose only interest is to buy weapons and flog mangoes in exchange.
Rex Minor
@brute force modi's first visit will be in this other 1.japan,2.russia, china, South Korea and other east asia, then Israel,Brazil,australia,Nepal,bangladesh,iran,rest gulf states,srilanka, than USA ,maturities,Fiji etc where other indians reside. One things for sure its "look east policy first" not USA Obama. They will have to build bond with modi only then he will warm up.
The previous BJP government, when it came to power, started off with the worst India - US relations. US was fuming and extremely angry at India after India tested nuclear device. A group of top Indian scientists were visiting US Department of Energy in Colorado on invitation from US. They were already inside the DoE building when they were asked to leave suddenly. It was insulting and was a reflection of the extreme anger in US administration for India. However, within two years, President Clinton came to India, celebrated Diwali and Holi with his family. President Bush took it further and showered India with nuclear technology.
As I have said it before, US refusing visa to modi was just to please Pakistan as it needed Pakistan's support in Afghanistan at that time. Now, US is getting out of the region and do not need Pakistan anymore.
Modi has come to power in India with thumping majority at the right time. He would take India - US relations to unprecedented levels. Under the Congress government, even US was not sure how India would react if it takes a tougher line on islamic terrorism emanating from Pakistan. Congress Party's strange conception of secularism is known to US also. Now, US will see Modi's clarity in issues of secularism and terrorism, will strike harmonious chords deep in the hearts, not just US but also in China and Russia. Don't we not see the huge placards that Chinese are holding after the terror attacks in China this wee that says “We should learn anti-terrorist methods from the US and Israel which is about talking less nonsense, showing less mercy and killing them all". Link: http://tribune.com.pk/story/711608/31-dead-scores-wounded-in-attack-in-chinas-xinjiang/
I think Modi will attend, and should attend the upcoming UN General Assembly. He will hold summit level meetings with leaders of other countries and this would be a game changer.
I am sure his first visit will be to Japan.
Modi is a very innovative politician. I am more than sure that he will surprise the world by his positive actions. Like he has become a house hold name in India, he will do the same internationally. He is expert in implementing high tech ideas at very low cost. He is an expert motivator. He will motivate public to implement many projects. He talks of a clean India by 2019. We can expect massive change in India during his prime minister-ship.
This era will be golden era of India . A PM who keeps trade ministry under Foreign ministry has already set its goals . All aspirants of politics should take a look into his moves .