Page 67 - DENG101_Communication Skills-I

Communication Skills-I

Notes Pranab Mukherjee: You know, what takes place in the back channel is never discussed in
public. Otherwise there is no need of having a back channel at all. I cannot comment on
what Quereshi told, but it is not our practice to make any comment, any observation on
back channel.
Karan Thapar: Let me come to America. We have a new government, a new administration
in America, recently Richard Holbrooke has repeated something that President Obama has
said quite frequently that America would like to see some reduction in tension between
India and Pakistan so that Pakistan can concentrate on its western border. How do you
respond to such thinking?
Pranab Mukherjee: We have made it quite clear. When we had interactions with Mr
Holbrooke or any other official coming from USA, we made it clear that the issue is not the

relationship between India and Pakistan.
The issue is how to fight against terrorism. How to dismantle the infrastructural facilities

that is available on Pakistan’s territory used by Pakistani elements to attack on India.
How to bring the terrorists to justice. These are the issues and not the India and Pakistan
relationship.

Karan Thapar: Did he understand that point?
Pranab Mukherjee: We conveyed it quite clearly and I don’t see why is there any reason to
not understand it.

Karan Thapar: In his address to American people a few days ago, President Obama said
that he would stop tax breaks to companies that ship jobs overseas. Many people believe
that this could be a direct hit to Indian IT industry.

As you know that 60 per cent of India’s IT property comes from America alone. Is this
something that we have to accept or can the government persuade President Obama not
to be protectionist?

Pranab Mukherjee: We cannot fi nd country-specific solution to these kind of problems.
The issue is that our IT industry will be affected with the impact of meltdown and fi nancial
crisis. It is not merely in USA but other parts also will be affected and we have to address
the problem.
Karan Thapar: Is this an issue you can take up at the WTO because many people believe
that what Obama intends is protectionist and therefore could be raised at the WTO?
Pranab Mukherjee: We are opposing protectionism, any form of protectionism, not only
here, because that would be according to all assessments done. And Prime Minister
Manmohan Singh while participating in G20 summit in last November made it quite
clear.

Karan Thapar: So you could raise it in WTO?
Pranab Mukherjee: We are not only raising it but opposing it in every forum. Any attempt
of protectionism.

Karan Thapar: And you are making it clear to President Obama that this is not the policy
you agree with and that you think is justifi ed?
Pranab Mukherjee: No question of fi nding any justice in it. Any kind of protectionism at
this time should be avoided.
Karan Thapar: Mr Mukherjee, a pleasure speaking to you.
Source: www.thehindubusinessline.com

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