Nations are built and developed over centuries and millenniums. Look at what Germany was doing just less than a century back, in fact whole of Europe. So ideally, one should not form relations with any European country. So too with the Islamic world. Even Japan was imperialistic sometime back. Now the ghost of imperialism has caught hold of America, at least of its present President. But in a democratic setup, common fundamental values are much better and safer than a Maoist Communist ideology.
Epstein’s files are no worse than what China does to its citizens. The difference, however, is not about what the present-day leaders are doing but the foundational principles on which a civilisation stands. Leaders will come and go, but the fundamental principles on which a race or a group of people stand endures. Decisions of the relation between nations are not taken based on temporary inconveniences and moral judgment of their leaders, but on the foundational principles on which the country stands. Let China return to its spiritual past or even its Buddhist leanings, and one can surely get cosier and closer. But right now, it is pursuing a materialistic communism, which is the most unreliable group of all.
America is no saint, but its Presidents, barring the present one, have displayed a sense of civilisational values that is enough to form a basis of friendship. Despite the present glitches, India and America are natural allies. There is some hope if they come together. It will benefit both the countries and be good for the world at large.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
