Breaking News
1. Congress in Kerala scrambles to stay clear of Shashi Tharoor’s controversial article on Emergency      2. Air India plane crash probe panel denies filing initial report, says findings to be made public by July 12      3. UK or France? Cabinet waits for DRDO on combat aircraft engine      4. Axiom-4 mission : Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s stay in ISS extended, NASA says crew to undock on July 14      5. Continue, consider inclusion of Aadhaar, voter ID, ration cards: SC to EC on Bihar roll revision      6. Trump puts 35% tariff on Canada from August 1, eyes 15%-20% tariffs for others      7. Supreme Court Bench headed by Justice Dhulia to hear Bihar electoral roll revision case on July 10      8. Stock Market News, July 9, 2025: Trump Says 50% Tariff on Brazil Coming; Nasdaq Rises to Record      9. 11 killed as vehicles plunge into river after Gambhira bridge collapse in Vadodara      10. Seeking ties, not competition with Africa: PM Modi in Namibia      11. Delhi Tremors As 4.4 Earthquake Hits Haryana, Many Say 'Longest In Life'      12. Donald Trump slaps fresh tariffs on 14 nations, 40% on Myanmar and Laos      13. Explosive for Pulwama attack bought via e-commerce platform: Global terror watchdog      14. PM Modi conferred with Brazil's highest civilian award, says ‘moment of immense pride and emotion’      15. Bharat Bandh on 9 July 2025: Over 25 crore workers to go on strike — Are banks, schools, colleges open today?      16. As Trump warns BRICS, China, Russia say group doesn’t target anyone      17. Bharat Bandh: Over 25 crore workers expected to participate, public services likely to be hit on Wednesday      18. Netanyahu nominates Trump for Nobel Peace Prize      19. "Close To Making Deal With India": Trump As He Slaps Tariffs On 14 Countries      20. India will give a ‘new form’ to BRICS grouping in 2026: PM Modi     

Henry Kissinger's Demise: Unsuccessful Bid to Deter India During the 1971 War

  • Posted on November 30, 2023
  • Politics
  • By Arijit Dutta
  • 456 Views

Henry Kissinger, the former US Secretary of State known for realpolitik, passed away at 100. His legacy in global diplomacy involved key roles in US-China relations and the Indo-Pakistan conflict. Initially strained, his views later shifted, advocating stronger Indo-US ties, recognizing India's growing global influence and leadership under Narendra Modi.

Henry Kissinger's Demise: Unsuccessful Bid to Deter India During the 1971 War Image Source -www.ndtv.com

Former US Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind a complex legacy in global diplomacy. Renowned as a proponent of realpolitik, Kissinger played a pivotal role in shaping significant chapters of American foreign policy, notably during the Vietnam War and in fostering relations with China. His pragmatic approach prioritized practical considerations over ideological or moral aspects.

Kissinger's influence extended to the sphere of Indo-US relations, marking a contentious history. Despite his initial preference for fostering friendly ties with India, his tenure was marred by strained relations. Notably, the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) led by India's former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru created rifts between the US administrations of Harry Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Richard Nixon.

The backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistan War shed light on the tense relationship between the US and India. Kissinger's disdain for India, coupled with Nixon's contentious rapport with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was evident in declassified conversations. Their derogatory language towards India's leadership underscored the tumultuous phase in bilateral relations.

Amid geopolitical alliances, where Pakistan aligned with the US while India grew closer to the Soviet Union, Kissinger and Nixon sought to counterbalance India's ascent by leaning towards China, a strategic ally of Pakistan. Their efforts during the 1971 conflict to 'scare off' India through Chinese intervention highlighted their strategy.

Also Read: US Prosecutes Indian Citizen In Foiled Khalistani Terrorist Assassination Plot: Unveiling Nikhil Gupta's Role

However, China's reluctance to intervene stemmed from apprehensions about provoking the Soviet Union, a key ally of India at that time. Similarly, the Soviet Union's deployment of naval fleets signaled a warning against US interference in the war. Despite attempts, the US did not directly engage, considering the risk of confrontation with the Soviets.

The conflict culminated in a decisive victory for India, leading to the birth of Bangladesh. Kissinger's later remarks reflected a change in perspective, acknowledging Indira Gandhi's character and India's strategic acumen. Post-Cold War, he advocated for stronger Indo-US ties, recognizing India's growing global significance under leaders like Narendra Modi.

Kissinger's evolving views underscored the intricacies of global politics and the shifting dynamics between nations, marking a journey from strained relations to advocacy for stronger partnerships in a changing world order.

Author
No Image
Author
Arijit Dutta

You May Also Like