US Ambassador to India Richard Verma said here on Tuesday that both India and the United States have entered into a “strategic plus” phase in their relationship, sharing a common vision of a peaceful, prosperous and a stable world.
He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated building of the Oriental Research Institute (ORI). The renovation was funded by the US Consulate, which donated 50,000 dollars in 2012. The ORI, which is affiliated to the University of Mysore, was established in 1891 and is a treasure trove of more than 50,000 manuscripts.
Mr. Verma said the two countries have recognised that they not only share democratic values but certain common objectives that could be best realised by elevating the long-standing strategic partnership.
The US Ambassador described a ‘strategic plus’ relationship as one not merely shaped by convergence of a few common interests but from sharing a common vision. “How we work together to achieve this common vision defines our strategic-plus partnership, be it with regard to economic and trade relations, energy space, climate change, space, science and technology, etc.,” he added. The US Ambassador referred to the ancient Indian treatise of Arthashastra authored by Chanakya or Kautilya who lived in the court of the Mauryas more than 2,000 years ago – and said Chanayka was a strategist whose thoughts were relevant to modern times.
Copy of Arthashastra
The reference to Chanakya came about as ORI – whose renovated building was inaugurated by the Ambassador – possesses the only extant copy of Arthashastra and which was discovered in the Institute by Prof.R.Shama Shastry in 1905.
“I had referred to Chanakya in a speech in New Delhi a few days ago and what a thrill it was to see the only copy of this historical work in Mysuru,” said Mr.Verma. K.S. Rangappa, Vice-Chancellor, University of Mysore; and H.P. Devaki, Director, ORI, were present.
