Henry Kissinger's Legacy: An Architect of American Diplomacy and His Complex Relations with India

Henry Kissinger's Legacy: An Architect of American Diplomacy and His Complex Relations with India

Introduction

Henry Kissinger, a towering figure in American foreign policy, passed away yesterday at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that is both celebrated and controversial. Born on May 27, 1923, in Fürth, Bavaria, Germany, Kissinger's journey from being a Jewish refugee escaping Nazi Germany in 1938 to becoming a pivotal figure in American foreign policy is nothing short of remarkable. The Nazi persecution in his early life shaped his worldview. His influence on U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War, particularly in the opening to China and the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971, reflects the complexities of his diplomatic decisions. This article will explore Kissinger's contributions to American diplomacy and his intricate relationship with India, delving into the controversies that surround his legacy.

A Cold War Architect

Henry Kissinger's imprint on American foreign policy is indelible, with his tenure as the United States Secretary of State and National Security Advisor under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford spanning from 1969 to 1977. With his strategic acumen and diplomatic finesse, he played a pivotal role in shaping America's strategies during the Cold War, engineering the ground-breaking opening to China, negotiating the end of the Vietnam War through the Paris Peace Accords, engaging in shuttle diplomacy to resolve the Yom Kippur War in West Asia and recalibrating power dynamics with the Soviet Union. His policies, known as détente, aimed at easing tensions with the Soviet Union, showcasing his commitment to diplomatic solutions over military confrontation. The architect of the historic initiative to establish diplomatic ties between the U.S. and communist China, his intellect and vision left an indelible mark on the geopolitical landscape. His role as a leading figure in the Republican party and a Nobel Peace Prize winner further solidified his prominence in U.S. foreign policy between 1969 and 1977. The loss of Henry Kissinger signifies the culmination of a significant period in American diplomatic history.

In October 1971, Henry Kissinger, the National Security Advisor of the United States at the time, embarked on a diplomatic mission to China to initiate relations, symbolized by his visit to the Great Wall of China. © - / AFP/File

Kissinger and India: A Complex Relationship

Kissinger's relationship with India was complex, multifaceted and evolved over time. Born in Germany, he fled the Nazi regime with his family in 1938, setting the stage for a life shaped by geopolitical upheavals. Serving as the Secretary of State during the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, Kissinger's policies were a source of controversy in India. Despite concerns and opposition, he supported America's military alliance with Pakistan, leading to strained relations between the U.S. and India. His attempts to rehabilitate his image in India were met with mixed reactions.

In the 1970s, Richard Nixon (left) and Henry Kissinger emerged as two of the most controversial figures of the era.

Controversies Surrounding the 1971 War Between India and Pakistan and Kissinger’s Role

Despite his significant contributions in the diplomacy and foreign policy of America, Kissinger is viewed by many Indians as a controversial figure, with a legacy that remains toxic for some. His role in the 1971 war, where he backed Pakistan and urged China to act against India, has left a lasting impact. To understand this controversy, it is crucial to delve into the background of the 1971 war. 

Internal tensions in Pakistan, stemming from power imbalances between West and East Pakistan, led to a political crisis in Pakistan, where East Pakistan (Presently Bangladesh) sought autonomy from the dominating West Pakistan. Despite East Pakistan's majority, power resided in the West, causing discontent in East Pakistan. The 1970 democratic election saw the Awami League win. However, the Pakistan military, led by Yahya Khan, refused to hand over power. The Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman popularly known as Bangabandhu responded by signing a Declaration of Independence, giving rise to the creation of Bangladesh. This political crisis escalated into a military crackdown which had been marked as the beginning of Operation Searchlight by Pakistani military. This deadly crackdown in East Pakistan labelled as a genocide by US diplomats. Despite all of this, Kissinger and Nixon both supported Pakistan's military during this crisis due to Pakistan’s role in facilitating US relations with Communist China. Despite calls from U.S. diplomats in Dhaka to intervene, Kissinger played a key role in aiding Pakistan, even violating the arms embargo imposed after the 1965 Indo-Pak war. The New York Times reported arms shipments to Pakistan, violating the U.S. arms embargo and sparking criticism. Nixon even sought economic aid for Pakistan despite Congress voting against it due to ongoing atrocities at that time. Kissinger’s this role during the conflict was very controversial, as he supported Pakistan despite clear evidence of human rights abuses in East Pakistan.

As the resistance in East Pakistan grew, India stepped in to assist Awami League, as millions of refugees pouring into the Indian states bordering East Pakistan. Kissinger, prioritizing China, referred to Indians as "bastards." His historic visit to China in 1971 shifted U.S. policy to pro-Pakistan. At that time, Kissinger and Nixon both believed supporting Pakistan would maintain its credibility in the Cold War struggle against communism, as the two perceived India aligning with the Soviet Union against an American ally. Kissinger's actions during the 1971 war were driven by larger geopolitical considerations. The U.S. was using Pakistan as a backchannel to establish relations with Communist China. 

Facing the imminent victory of Indian and Bangladeshi forces, Kissinger and Nixon decided to send a task force led by the USS Enterprise to the Indian Ocean. This move pressured Indian strategists to hasten the end of the war. Despite these efforts, a UN Security Council resolution failed, and just days later, Pakistani forces in East Pakistan surrendered to India. Despite their failed policy, Nixon and Kissinger claimed they saved West Pakistan from Indian domination.

On December 16 1971, Pakistan was defeated and forced to publicly surrender to India–the largest military surrender since World War-II.

Kissinger's Evolving Views on India

Kissinger's views on India during 1970s were characterized by a complex interplay of geopolitics. However, over the course of time, his perspective on India underwent a significant transformation. Despite initially harbouring a strong disapproval towards India's Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1970s, later he developed a fervent support for fostering strong bilateral relations between India and the United States. Out of office, Kissinger praised the strength of the India-U.S. partnership, especially with the entry into the 21st century. Furthermore, in recent time, he actively promoted and advocated the idea of forging closer and robust ties with India during the tenure of Prime Minister Modi. His efforts to rehabilitate his public image in India were met with mixed reactions, reflecting the nuanced nature of international diplomacy. However, it is important to note that India-US partnership has succeeded despite, not because of, his controversial legacy. 

Back in 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a photo featuring Tony Blair, John Howard, and Henry Kissinger on his Twitter account.

Legacy and Reflection

The passing of Henry Kissinger represents a significant milestone in the realm of American diplomacy, signifying the conclusion of a remarkable era. Kissinger's intricate and controversial legacy encompasses a multitude of facets. Undeniably, his impact on shaping American diplomacy throughout the tumultuous Cold War era cannot be understated. However, it is his involvement in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and its consequential aftermath that continues to spark heated debates and division in India. Nevertheless, Kissinger's immense contributions to the development of U.S. foreign policy, both on a global scale and specifically in relation to India, are destined to be remembered and analyzed for countless generations to come.

In this archived image, Henry Kissinger, former US Secretary of State, arrives in a wheelchair for a luncheon at the State Department in Washington, DC, on June 24, 2023. The event, held in honor of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was jointly hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Tony Blinken.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Henry Kissinger's legacy is a testament to the intricacies of international diplomacy. His impact on American foreign policy during the Cold War is significant, but controversies surrounding his role in the 1971 war underscore the challenges of balancing geopolitical priorities and human rights considerations. His diplomatic journey, spanning critical decades of 1960s and 1970s, leaves a lasting imprint on the annals of international relations. While his legacy may be contentious, his strategic acumen and influence on global affairs are undeniable. As we bid farewell to this diplomatic giant, the world reflects on the intricate tapestry of his contributions and the evolving nature of his relationship with nations like India. Moreover, his legacy serves as a reminder of the complexities inherent in diplomatic decision-making and the lasting impact on global relations.