David Miliband

Foreign Secretary

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Wednesday 14 January, 2009

In India: An Update

Amethi

I am at the airport on the way to Amethi district in Uttar Pradash. 800m Indians live on less than 2 dollars a day, 450m on less than 1 dollar. Today I will get a chance to see some of the gap that exists between metropolitan middle class India and the rest.

The Anguish of Mumbai

I think that many in Britain do not realise the scale and depth of Indian anguish over the Mumbai attacks. The Prime Minister came to India in December to show his solidarity and sympathy, and I will be at the the Taj Hotel tomorrow. But India has been struck to its core: its people want a hearing, and they want action from Pakistan against those involved. The anguish is doubled because of the efforts India has made to work with Pakistan. Those need to continue. The support by the Indian government for the Pakistani IMF loan is real leadership and real vision.

Sunny Gavaskar or Kapil Dev?

I recorded for New Delhi TV a question time session with Indian students this morning. We talked terrorism but also climate change - a shift in attitudes since 2007 - and cricket. I was lucky: the High Commission residence had a copy of Mihir Bose's book on the history of Indian cricket and I had a look last night - so I was refreshed on Dilip Doshi's time out of the side while Bishan Bedi reigned (he played 33 tests and took 114 wickets after BB retired). I confessed that I am a fan of tests rather than one day cricket. 

Posted at 14:28 14 January 2009 by David Miliband  |  Comments[25]

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Mr.David, the leaders and people in India always wanted friendly relations with Pakistan, but on the contrary Pakistan was always hostile towards India. Indians around the world want a democratic and prosperous Pakistan with full control over their Intelligence Agencies and Military, only then efforts for peace can be realised. Infact for every single good gesture from Pakistan India had reciprocated twice. Regarding your comments in New Delhi on there's no extradiction treaty between India and Pakistan for the suspects to be handed over to India you're right FYI India and Pakistan are bound by SAARC Convention where criminals had to be handed over. Pakistan has to come clean and co-operate with India atleast on world's common threat Terrorism. David, you're going to have the taste of India in Amethi. Enjoy yourself. Regards / Venkat.

Posted by VENKATRAGAVAN M SANTHANAM on January 14, 2009 at 10:59 PM GMT #

Mr.David, the leaders and people in India always wanted friendly relations with Pakistan, but on the contrary Pakistan was always hostile towards India. Indians around the world want a democratic and prosperous Pakistan with full control over their Intelligence Agencies and Military, only then efforts for peace can be realised. Infact for every single good gesture from Pakistan India had reciprocated twice. Regarding your comments in New Delhi on there's no extradiction treaty between India and Pakistan for the suspects to be handed over to India you're right FYI India and Pakistan are bound by SAARC Convention where criminals had to be handed over. Pakistan has to come clean and co-operate with India atleast on world's common threat Terrorism. David, you're going to have the taste of India in Amethi. Enjoy yourself. Regards / Venkat.

Posted by VENKATRAGAVAN M SANTHANAM on January 15, 2009 at 12:17 AM GMT #

On Israel - Where do you get off calling this occupatory and terrorist state 'a beacon of democracy?' After all that you see and witness, you still can't accept the truth on this issue. If any other country in the world, "democracy"or not, had unleashed an onslaught of such devastating ferocity against 1.5 million defenceless people caged in the most densely populated area on earth, the British government, along with governments across the world, would be expelling its ambassador as Venezuela has done, stopping arms sales to that country as Greece has done and making plans for a wider embargo if the carnage did not stop.

Posted by Shazad Nawal on January 15, 2009 at 01:44 AM GMT #

David - please no more cricket until the unspeakable Israeli attacks on the Palestinians have been halted. 20 days is just an unbelievable length of time for the civilian population to sustain, with horrific loss of life through world inaction. This lassitude towards gross injustice, including your own, can only presage huge problems in the UK in a breakdown of Muslim-Christian-Jewish relations which many people have tried so hard to build up. I had always thought you were fair-minded but can only see you as avoiding the issues which I trust you will now return to actively confront. Yours sincerely Angela MacTavish

Posted by Angela MacTavish on January 15, 2009 at 12:37 PM GMT #

While you are about statistics - do you know that 650 MPs are elected by over a billion Indians.. don't you feel a little superfluous????in a country of 65million.

Posted by Ronald T. Walker on January 15, 2009 at 02:11 PM GMT #

Hi! Im an avid fan of your policies. I was reading your blog, my questions reagrding your mention of India's relation with Pakistan as a Pakistani are: 1. You have mentioned what India has done to help us, however you have not mentioned on your blog what Pakistan has done for India. May I tell you? . Pakistan has kept quite on the atrocities of the extremist Hindus,their party & chief Moodi, who had confessed killing 1000s of muslims in Gujrat. . Pakistan has taken steps of confidence building while India continued refraining the right of plebicite of Kashmiris. 2. My other question is what is your comment on the murder of Indian anti terrorist cell's chief in Mumbay attacks who held extrmist Hindu army man responsible for Samjhota train bomb attacks in which also many inncoent got killed? I really endorse your policies on environment, education but what about justice? I alongiwth other peace-loving as humans as other nations, Pakistani's are waiting for your reply.

Posted by fatima on January 15, 2009 at 04:25 PM GMT #

Dear Sir, I am from India and I just saw your interview on the news channel. All I wanted to say is your career journey and views on some of the important issues are extraordinary and inspiring. My best wishesh for your bright future.. Cheers!

Posted by Sandeep on January 15, 2009 at 05:18 PM GMT #

Hi David, I saw your intriging interview on NDTV. I know there are alot of important issues taking place like the economic crisis, terrorism, climate change etc but as strong cricket fan I agree with your comment about test cricket. It is the highest level of cricket where the best of the best prove themselves. It would be a shame if its mantle is taken over by the shortest version of the game. Anyway I would just like to add that you are a charismatic speaker and I hope we can work towards the issues you raised on climate change. Thanks Shreekant Khaitan

Posted by Shreekant Khaitan on January 15, 2009 at 05:45 PM GMT #

hello, I wanted to respond to Mr. miliband's comment on India's vote against IMF loan to Pakistan. The situation in Pakistan is not as simple as stated. I think its time that the world community should recognize the dire state of civility in Pakistan. Would you give more candy to the kid with cavities. I would say that let Pakistan first treat its cavities then India would be the first one to help.

Posted by Prashant on January 15, 2009 at 05:51 PM GMT #

Dear Mr. Miliband, I am quite unlucky to be not there to see the magic of Rahul n yours. but its quite appreciative that u visit Amethi and saw the ground reality. I am also belongs from the near by city of Amethi Raebareli and may be on your next visit I will be among those who will talk to u on local issues. Thanks for your Visit Plz visit again Regards Naved

Posted by Hasan Naved on January 15, 2009 at 06:33 PM GMT #

Thank you sir , for your time with aspire Indian students. I would like to thank you for your contribution with young Indian leaders too. I read your views on mobiles in India and Climate change. I really liked that you are so much concern about Climate change.

Posted by Dhananjay Kumar on January 16, 2009 at 03:12 AM GMT #

Dear Mr. Miliband, it is really a happy occasion for me to read your comments about Mumbai attack. It is right time that world leaders should unite together to counter terrorism. We have to drive away this inhuman tendency from such people. I am sure youth leaders like you can have forward plan to counter this with a YOUTH STRATEGY in order to engage the youth not to think about it. If I get your mail id I will attach a model YOUTH STRATEGY designed for the youth.

Posted by S.THIRUNAVUKKARASU on January 16, 2009 at 06:28 AM GMT #

Hello David, I watched your interview last night on New Delhi TV. And i would like you to know that behind every good gesture of pakistan, India has always suffered loss. Its high time now that the we keep patience and watch for the things that are happening in Pakistan. As usual this would not lead to any conclusion or action. The way the Pakistani govt is denying the proof send by India to Pakistan to take a corrective action against the ISI camps by saying "India has sent some information". Do you think they have the courage to take any action against the terrorist camps?

Posted by himani saxena on January 16, 2009 at 06:42 AM GMT #

Sir, I have been following your career since a few months now.... and it is inspiring to know that Britain has leaders like you to lead it into the future......your words show maturity and honesty, very rare in a politician these days.... though everyone may not agree with them, like your view that perpetrators of 26/11 should be tried in Pakistan, which I strongly disagree with..... However, your thoughts on climate change, the problems of the African Continent are commendable..... I especially liked your speech at the University of South Africa in July last year..... for you touched topics as varied as poverty, democracy, climate change, agricultural growth,etc and put it all in the context of Africa's development.......I wish you good luck... and I shall hope to see you as Prime Minister one day.

Posted by Harsh Mody on January 16, 2009 at 11:20 AM GMT #

What UK govt going to do about Taliban banning girls education in Swat valley ? Do Pakistani govt care about these things ? Will you be talking these issues with PAK PM?

Posted by Dave on January 17, 2009 at 01:23 AM GMT #

After seeing your interview I have become a big fan of yours.As your ideas are open and true from your heart.You are an individual who looks to the well being of all.hats off to you.and wish u a bright future.May god give strength and courage in speaking the truth.Be as you are .I wish to meet you some day and I would think it’s a dream come true.After seeing your interview I have become a big fan of yours.As your ideas are open and true from your heart.You are an individual who looks to the well being of all.hats off to you.and wish u a bright future.May god give strength and courage in speaking the truth.Be as you are .I wish to meet you some day and I would think it’s a dream come true.

Posted by syed abdul wadood on January 17, 2009 at 08:07 AM GMT #

Hi Miliband, Your comments on Kashmir and 26/11 trial reminded me a fox called Robert Clive. As the Foreign Secretary you indeed gave the correct idea of what it means to be a British Diplomat. Divide and rule policy beneath a veneer of diplomacy is what it means to be a British Diplomat - I guess.

Posted by Biren M Kantharia on January 17, 2009 at 10:42 AM GMT #

Hi Miliband, Your comments on Kashmir and 26/11 trial reminded me a fox called Robert Clive. As the Foreign Secretary you indeed gave the correct idea of what it means to be a British Diplomat. Divide and rule policy beneath a veneer of diplomacy is what it means to be a British Diplomat - I guess.

Posted by Biren M Kantharia on January 17, 2009 at 10:43 AM GMT #

Dear Mr.Miliband, I am a Kashmiri who has lived in Srinagar most of his life. We in J&K see you as a person who may become the future British PM as your inspiring comments seem to be just and very close to what the truth is. We in Kashmir want the Indian army out of our land and despite repeated calls from Kashmiris to the International fraternity to emphasize upon India/Pakistan the need to hold a plebiscite in J&K , our demand for our birth right of self determination continues to be on the back burner. Your recent statements about J&K are most welcome and a breath of fresh air in a very foul environment. I wish you all the best for your future and hope that your good offices will do all it can to help resolve the J&K issue. Regards Dr Ejaz Rabudi Do visit some authentic Kashmiri blog sites like:http: //kashmir.forumakers.com/forum.htm

Posted by Ejaz Rabudi on January 17, 2009 at 12:03 PM GMT #

Mr.Miliband Your comments on the Kashmir issue while in India were most ill advised and portrayed a rather simplistic way of viewing issues that you obviously have not grasped fully. You have implied that the Indians got what they got because of what they had done in Kashmir. Have you not heard of Global Islamic Jihad or do you shout it from the rooftops only when it suits you? Going by your logic, should one - wrongly - presume that the terrorist attacks in London were related to your dear ex-leader's invasion of Iraq? Do you remember advising a pullout to prevent further attacks? Do you not feel a bit of a hypocrite advising India against extradition of Pakistani citizens suspected of terrorism while actively petitioning Russia for extradition of suspects in the Litvinenko case? And did you have anything to say on the US of A's activities in Guantanamo? Diplomacy is an art and unfortunately you have none of it.

Posted by Chris Francis on January 18, 2009 at 06:19 AM GMT #

Hello David, Saw your interview on NDTV... Its absolutely outrageous a British Foreign Secretary to link Kashmir to the Mumbai attacks... The bottom line being every nation has its own interest and foreign policy is an extension of National policy. Please hence forth ask your Prime Minister to teach you some basics in foreign policy dealings or else dont come over to India. You are not welcome here anymore.

Posted by Santosh Iyer on January 18, 2009 at 07:47 AM GMT #

David, The mumbai attackers killed Britons, Americans and Jews also. So, clearly any "root cause" talk should also include Palestine, Iraq and Afganistan. As we all in civilized world clearly denounce any root cause theory for terrorism in west, why do you try to suggest the same for India? Why only Kashmir? Also, if a terrorist attacks London, surely you will not depend on the judiciary of a failed state like Pakistan to deal with it, will you ? Not sure what your real aim of the visit was, but certainly you have done a lot of harm to India UK relations. India should not allow UK firms to get any contracts on Indian civilian nuclear industry. Also, India should not support UKs fight against terrorists like the way India supports US India even offered its terrority for fight against Taliban after 9/11. US policy is more pragmatic, and for a change, has less hipocracy. UK is a world power no more, and your views portrays the thinking of an insignificant power. Regards, Anupam

Posted by Anupam on January 18, 2009 at 06:17 PM GMT #

David I think u really need to know something - look before u leap and think before u talk. I know in politics people forget to think before they talk. If u think that India should not ask for extradition of people involved in Mumbai attacks then go and release that man who is unnecessarily wasting his time in ur prison for lockerbie issue. One other thing u british need to know is that u have lost ur right to talk about kashmir when ur forefathers divided the land - u can read about the british complicity in this issue on ur own bbc site. Learn some history n better sort out ur economic mess rather than lecture us on issues u probably have no grasp on.

Posted by Raj on January 20, 2009 at 10:48 AM GMT #

Hello Mr Miliband, I saw your show on NDTV and was rather surprised at your comments on the Indo-Pak issues. You said that ''we'' India need to look towards the prosperity of our neighbour Pakistan as in our neighbour's prosperity is our prosperity. This is entirely wrong. India has always been a peace loving nation. Rather, Pakistan should respect our integrity and look towards our prosperity. We cant have one ''good'' neighbour and one ''bad'' neighboour.

Posted by Austin Victoria on January 20, 2009 at 02:24 PM GMT #

I just want to appreciate and thank Mr. Miliband for his true, genuine and courageous remarks that relate the attacks on Mumbai - which are equally an act of terror - to the core problematic issue of Kashmir. It is not a concealed fact any more. By nature, I'm a very optimistic person but at the same time, I'm realistic too. I've grown up viewing and observing all this hide-and-seek nature of friendship or relationship between Pakistan and India. And being a keen reader of history, I can say that there still lies grudge and feelings of contempt - solely based on the difference in religious tenets and subsequent intolerance that led to the justified division of united India - in the hearts of the people of both countries. I endorse Mr. Miliband strongly that the core issue of Kashmir must be resolved according to the UN convention and also would add that the people of both countries need to think beyond the religion and cultural differences to build good friendly relationship.

Posted by Kashif Ali on January 23, 2009 at 07:55 PM GMT #

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