In 1971, Jairam Ramesh asserts that Indira Gandhi and P. N. Haksar demonstrated superior strategic prowess compared to Nixon and Kissinger.
Henry Kissinger, a key figure in shaping U.S. foreign policy during the country’s withdrawal from Vietnam, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 100.
Following the demise of former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh reminisced about the challenges India faced in 1971 when then US President Richard Nixon and Kissinger posed significant difficulties. However, Ramesh highlighted that Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her trusted advisor P N Haksar demonstrated resilience and outmatched them effectively.
Henry Kissinger, a dominant figure in U.S. foreign policy during the Vietnam War era, passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday. Ramesh, in a post on X, acknowledged Kissinger’s immense influence and controversy, describing him as “immensely consequential.” Ramesh highlighted the dual nature of Kissinger’s legacy, celebrating his intellectual brilliance and charisma.
Over the last three decades, Kissinger positioned himself as a staunch supporter of India, but Ramesh noted that in 1971, during the Nixon presidency, Kissinger and President Nixon posed challenges for India. Despite this, Ramesh praised Indira Gandhi and P N Haksar for successfully navigating the complexities posed by Kissinger and Nixon at the time.
Henry Kissinger, widely considered one of the most influential diplomats in U.S. history, held a position of immense power in American diplomacy.
In my book, ‘Intertwined Lives: PN Haksar & Indira Gandhi,’ I extensively detail the encounters between Kissinger-Haksar and Nixon-Indira Gandhi, providing archival insights,” stated Ramesh.
He highlighted Gary Bass’s book, ‘The Blood Telegram: Nixon, Kissinger and a Forgotten Genocide,’ wherein Kissinger is strongly criticized for his role in the events leading to the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
In another post, Ramesh mentioned that Haksar, despite admiring Kissinger’s intellectual abilities, believed he lacked moral fiber and sensitivity to democratic processes. The two never developed a rapport. Fast forward to November 1986, Haksar met Anatoly Dobrynin, former Soviet Ambassador to Washington, who remarked, ‘I am very glad to meet the man who outwitted Henry Kissinger.'”
Haksar responded in a friendly and paternal manner, expressing a lack of enthusiasm and questioning whether flattery was anticipated. Haksar, an Indian bureaucrat, gained prominence for serving as Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s principal secretary from December 1971 to February 1973.
