Author: Kalyani Shankar
Publisher: Macmillan
Year: 2007
Language: English
Pages: 468
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9780230633759
Description
This book provides fascinating insights into the Indo-US relations during the sixties. It deals with the ups and downs in the Indo-US relations from 1963 to 1969 – during the Lyndon Johnson presidency. The political maneuverings of Johnson come through the secret and confidential documents reproduced for the first time in this book.
Delicate subjects ranging from food crisis, nuclear development, Vietnam issue, to Stalin’s daughter Svetlana’s escape have been carefully scrutinized with the help of documents. There are also references to the state visits of Nehru and Indira Gandhi which brings out the subtlety in the diplomatic relations.
The book is supported by documentary evidences mostly from Lyndon Johnson Library. It provides sensitive complexities between Lyndon Johnson and Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi on various issues. This book will prove to be a rich resource material to scholars.
In the sixties Americans wanted India to be a model third world country as it was the most populous and largest democracy in the world. The Americans were very impressed by the smooth transition of power from Jawaharlal Nehru to Lal Bahadur Shastri and from Shastri to Indira Gandhi.
Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's visit to America during 1966 was one of the turning points in Indo-US relationship. There was an issuance of a joint communiqué in 1966 relating to many ticklish issues including military aid, food crisis; economic and nuclear. Indira Gandhi and Lyndon Johnson developed warm family ties and state dinners honoring the Indian Prime Minister were hosted. Lyndon Johnson and the US Congressman and Senators were completely bowled over by Indira Gandhi’s charm and personality.
In 1967 nuclear arms and the Vietnam War were among the two sensitive issues that Deputy Prime Minister Morarji Desai discussed with President Johnson. To get over the food crisis in India in the sixties, America not only offered food aid to India but also offered new developments in agricultural science.
India set itself to achieving the Green Revolution. In 1965 the Indian Agricultural Minister C. Subramaniam visited the US and briefed President Johnson that India was well on its way to achieving the Green Revolution.
Contents
Preface
List of Appendices
Introduction
1. Johnson and Jawaharlal Nehru
2. Johnson and Lal Bahadur Shastri
3. Johnson and Indira Gandhi
4. India's Nuclear Programme
5. Three Prime Ministers and the United states Food Aid
6. Johnson and the Indo-Pak Relations
7. Three Prime Ministers and the Vietnam Issue
8. Svetlana
9. Personalities
Notes
Index