How do you see the Bharatiya Janata Party's politics over the nuclear deal? Have they been plain opportunist or will they gain out of it?
The BJP opposes the deal for opposition sake. After (former National Security Adviser) Brajesh Mishra's statement in support of the deal, the BJP does not have a leg to stand on. They can gain nothing out of their opposition.
What will be the impact on Indo-US relations if the government keeps the status quo on the deal?
Indo-US relations will not be affected if the status quo is maintained. India will be the loser and the Americans will have a lower estimation of Indian strategic thinking.
There is a belief in India that China and Pakistan would be the beneficiaries if the deal doesn't go through. Do you see it that way?
Of course. The Chinese and Pakistani contempt for the Indian political class will increase.
Many Indians say the Left's dislike of the US is depriving India of an opportunity to gain access to high technology. Is it in our national interests to have a hard ideological stance in a globalised world?
My view is that the Left's stand is not ideological, but of realpolitik to humiliate and weaken the social democratic Congress party. The Communists of the CPI-M variety have opposed the Congress from 1947. Their support was meant to sabotage the reform programme, in which they succeeded.
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Photograph: Raveendran/AFP/Getty Images
Also read: An interview with Prakash Karat
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