Letter from New Delhi

For the first time since the Indo- Pakistani war of 1971, relations between India and the United States are approaching what the headline writers call “normalization.” That is, although relations are not likely to be really friendly in the near future, they are getting better. Short of suspending diplomatic relations they could hardly have been worse.

Angered by the Nixon Administration’s policy during the war, India went on an unprecedentedly strong anti- American binge. In addition to the obvious cooling of relations at the diplomatic level, petty harassment of American residents was stepped up. Tapped phones have long been a way of life for foreigners living in India, but until recently the mail was considered relatively safe, with only an occasional letter being opened en route. Now it is the occasional letter that arrives intact. In addition to the increased surveillance, the vast GOI (Government of India) bureaucracy has been busy formulating new sets of regulations designed to make life even more difficult. The net effect has been to discourage American tourists and to encourage resident Americans to leave. Many U.S. aid programs, both governmental and private, are being phased out and the once sizable American community in New Delhi is shrinking daily.

ST

About the Author

S. R. Turner

For the first time since the Indo- Pakistani war of 1971, relations between India and the United States are approaching what the headline writers call “normalization.” That is, although relations are not likely to be really friendly in the near future, they are getting better. Short of suspending diplomatic relations they could hardly have been worse.

Angered by the Nixon Administration’s policy during the war, India went on an unprecedentedly strong anti- American binge. In addition to the obvious cooling of relations at the diplomatic level, petty harassment of American residents was stepped up. Tapped phones have long been a way of life for foreigners living in India, but until recently the mail was considered relatively safe, with only an occasional letter being opened en route. Now it is the occasional letter that arrives intact. In addition to the increased surveillance, the vast GOI (Government of India) bureaucracy has been busy formulating new sets of regulations designed to make life even more difficult. The net effect has been to discourage American tourists and to encourage resident Americans to leave. Many U.S. aid programs, both governmental and private, are being phased out and the once sizable American community in New Delhi is shrinking daily.