Q: As a former diplomat, how do you look at Indo-US relationship in the aftermath of Devyani Khobragade episode? What are the key learnings for Indian diplomacy?
Mani: This episode is just that, it's an episode. There are certain lessons with regard to consular and diplomatic conventions which I think have already been learnt by both sides.
The Indo-US strategic partnership was always a source of concern for me because I wondered whether India would be able to stand up to the Americans and looked them in the eyes when there was a disagreement. What has happened is that on the Devyani episode, the Govt of India has stood up and looked them in the eyes, and in a way Britain could never do it, France could never do it, Germany could never do it and of course, Pakistan could never do it. So we have proved, at least to my satisfaction, that notwithstanding the strategic partnership with the US, we have not lost our independence. That is a very great source of satisfaction for me.
If you had asked me this question two months ago , you may have received a different answer. But now I'm so proud of my country and govt standing up to Americans especially because I have served in Pakistan, it's the country that interest me the most, and seeing the way in which the alliance with America has reduced them to cringing nonsense. As I read in an article, even the Pakistanis are looking with great admiration at the ability of India to stand up to Americans.
