Aid to Pak shouldn't be used against us: Indian MPs tell US

A delegation of Indian parliamentarians has asked the Obama administration to make sure that Pakistan does not use the American aid to build up its forces against India, as was the case in the past.     

Members of Parliament (MPs) "firmly and unequivocally" conveyed India's concerns of contemporary significance, Congress MP Abhishek Manu Singhvi, leader of the delegation, told reporters here.     

"At several meetings we made it clear that the Af-Pak policy must necessarily have an inbuilt safeguard component to prevent the direct or indirect diversion of enormous US aid for potentially anti-India activities by Pakistan," Singhvi said before leaving for India.     

The MPs told the US officials and lawmakers that their aid to Pakistan was welcome, but they need to make sure that it is not used against India.     

The group of 11 MPs from five parties and nine sates were in the US last week as part of the 3rd India–Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme.     

During their week-long trip, the MPs attended classes by top Yale faculty and met senior officials of the Obama administration, including those at the State Department, senior Congressmen and think-tank.     

"We also conveyed the huge Indian concern about the continued non-reduction of aggregate carbon emissions from the US," Singhvi said.

Singhvi said that the delegation conveyed India's "legitimate concerns regarding the scope for progressive reduction and elimination of agricultural subsidies by developed countries including US".     

"In these and several other matters, despite our clear and unequivocal views frequently not fully in sync with US policy we were heard with full patience and appreciation," Singhvi said.     

Senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar said the MPs were able to convey India's concern very clearly.     

"Definitely there are concerns on climate change, agriculture subsidies and Af-Pak approach. I think it will be noted," Javadekar said.     

The Yale Parliamentary Leadership Programme was launched in 2007, in collaboration with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry and India–US Forum of Parliamentarians.