We are not pleading for UNSC seat, says Ronen Sen

In an interview with Meeta Chaitanya Bhatnagar, the Indian Ambassador to US shares his views on various impending issues.

Is it true that on his recent visit to the US the Prime Minister was lobbying for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council?

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The Indian envoy to US Ronen Sen with US President George W Bush

We are neither lobbying, nor pleading for a berth in UN Security Council. We are just stating the simple fact that the world as it is today is very different from the world as it was post Second World War. And, therefore, things need to be revisited from that standpoint.

India is one sixth of all humanity, it has the third largest armed force, and it is growing and succeeding like no other country -- be it IT, science and technology, economic progress or any other criterion. We have been living as a multicultural society, not just respecting but also celebrating our differences. The world cannot be simplistically slotted into 'developed' and developing' countries any more. We want the world to acknowledge our candidature in that light.

How do you react to the hoopla surrounding outsourcing?

Outsourcing is a negative word. Businesses are multifaceted everywhere. To make profits, companies look at how to get work done in the best possible manner. Foreign companies come to India because India not only offers cost advantage, but also gives world-class quality. Businesses are now globalized; they cannot afford to go cherry picking. They have stayed with India because of the quality we offer. It isn't surprising therefore that so many corporates have their R&D centers set up in India.

Indians too feel inadvertently that they are being paid much less than they deserve…

That isn't so. Income should be related to buying power. And in that sense India is not at a disadvantage.

Where do you see the Indian community in the US fitting in?

Well first of all Indians abroad is a very broad term. It also includes Americans of Indian origin. I think that there shouldn't be divided loyalty among Indians living abroad. They ought to be patriotic and should place their duty above all else. And, our primary duty is to be patriotic. In any case, it isn't as if there is a conflict of interest between India and America. If at all, there are vast similarities. Both nations are multicultural and follow a federal system of governance.

Do you think that India is still perceived incorrectly by the West? Isn't it time we changed the 'oriental land of the snake charmers image'?

Well changes in perception take time. The best way to do so is to bridge the gap between perception and reality. Yes, we are one of the fastest emerging economies, yes we are the fastest growing democracy, but you cannot change the fact that when someone lands in Mumbai he has to drive through the biggest slum in Asia. That sadly, is the first impression. And yet, a state like Kerala has some of the highest literacy rates. We cannot market India by 'managing perception'.

Is there likely to be a change in foreign policy, with the change of government in New Delhi?

Not at all. We have a history of honoring all our international obligations, irrespective of changes in governments. Barring stray incidents, every successive government has honored the commitments of its predecessor. We haven't gone back on international commitments. We are among the best customers the World Bank has, simply because we pay back. Also, we are a key donor in Afghanistan and Africa and have even written off debts.

When will the issue of dual citizenship be resolved?

You should see something come about in the first quarter of next year.