WASHINGTON DC: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, in his address to the joint session of the United States Congress, said India and the U.S. must make common cause against terrorism whose rise was threatening open societies more than ever before.

The very openness of the societies made them vulnerable, yet they had to deal effectively with the threat without losing the openness that both valued and cherished. "India and the United States have both suffered grievously from terrorism and we must make common cause against it," he said.

Those who resorted to terrorism often clothed it in the garb of real or imaginary grievances. He declared, "We must categorically affirm that no grievance can justify resort to terror." Democracies provided legitimate means for expressing dissent and the right to engage in political activity. "However, for this very reason, they cannot afford to be soft on terror," he noted.

Stressing that the United States and India must work together in all possible forums, he declared: "We cannot be selective in this area. We must fight terrorism wherever it exists, because terrorism anywhere threatens democracy everywhere."

India's commitment to democracy and its successful working as an open and pluralistic society was the running theme in his address that touched upon economic growth and poverty, non-proliferation policy, growing need for energy including nuclear energy and India-U.S. partnership in a wide range of areas.

Noting that democratic societies with established institutions must help others nations to strengthen their democratic values and institutions, Dr. Singh referred to the U.S.-India Global Democracy Initiative agreed upon on Monday to help build democratic capacities in all societies that sought such assistance. The capacities related to electoral, parliamentary, judicial and human rights processes in emerging democracies. Respect for cultural diversity, minority rights and gender equality would be an important goal of the initiative.

Explaining India's approach to economic development, he noted that "there is no other country of a billion people, with our tremendous cultural, linguistic and religious diversity that has tried to modernise its society and transform its economy within the framework of a functioning democracy."

The economic policy changes initiated by Rajiv Gandhi and continued by successive governments had liberated Indian enterprise from government control and opened the economy to global flows of trade, capital and technology. "We are often criticised for being too slow in making changes in policy, but democracy means having to build a consensus in favour of change," he said.

During the process of reform, doubts and fears often arose when people faced the impact of change. Elected representatives had to assuage the doubts and calm the fears. Many of the fears were exaggerated, but they still needed to be addressed. "India's economic reforms must be seen in this light: they may appear slow, but I assure you they are durable and irreversible," Dr. Singh said.

Referring to the growing economic ties between India and the U.S., the Prime Minister pointed out that the information technology revolution in India was built primarily on U.S. computer-related technology and hardware. U.S. firms were leading the foreign investment drive, and 400 out of the Fortune 500 companies were already in India. Noting the American contribution at the start of the green revolution in India, he said a second generation India-U.S. collaboration in agriculture would be launched now.

Civilian nuclear energy

The field of civilian nuclear energy was a vital area of cooperation between the two countries. "As a consequence of our collective efforts, our relationship in this sector is being transformed. President Bush and I arrived at an understanding in finding ways and means to enable such cooperation," he told the American lawmakers.

Dr. Singh pointed out that India had adhered to every rule and canon in the area of non-proliferation and its record was impeccable. India's neighbourhood had witnessed "unchecked nuclear proliferation" which had directly affected the country's interests. India as a responsible nuclear power was fully conscious of the immense responsibilities that come with the possession of advanced technologies, both civilian and strategic. "We have never been, and will never be, a source of proliferation of sensitive technologies," he said.

Natural partners

Referring to India and the U.S. as "natural partners in many respects," Dr. Singh emphasised that it was a partnership based on principle as well as on pragmatism. The objective of his visit was to lay the basis for transformed ties between the two countries.

He sought the support and understanding of the U.S. Congress so that the full benefits of the India-U.S. partnership could be realised.

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