‘The PM’s Not A Friend But I Worked On His Behalf In The US’

Sant Singh Chatwal is no stranger to controversy. The latest saga involves a decision by the Indian government to bestow the Padma Bhushan on the New York City hotelier. In an exclusive phone interview with Ashish Kumar Sen, Chatwal defends himself. Excerpts:

Are you surprised by the uproar in India over the government’s decision to give you a Padma Bhushan?

Nothing surprises me!

Did you actively seek this award?

No one can actively seek this award and I certainly did not. There is an awards committee and they have selected my name. I have read that there were approximately 1,400 nominations this year for the Padma awards.

Some in India believe you do not deserve this award. What have you contributed to US-India relations?

My middle-class background and what I have accomplished, both as a businessman and a public affairs man, is known to most people. Lobbying for the Indo-US nuclear deal was not an easy job, and despite what newspapers in India report, this was one instance of non-bipartisan politics in the US. I worked closely with Nancy Pelosi, the current speaker of the House of Representatives, and Senator Charles Schumer (New York, Democrat) and also some others to make sure it happened. So whether the Democrats and Republicans are bitter enemies or not, this deal was struck in the best interests of India.

Making friends with the Clintons was not an easy task either. After 24 years, a US president made his way to India. That was President Clinton, and I came with him from the US. I assure you that I was not just chaperoning the president!

Yes, a large majority of my public affairs work has to do with the Democrats in the US, but if I can use those relationships in the interest of India, where does the problem lie? Also, no president or secretary of state would befriend me without their own due diligence.

In the past, you have been accused of defaulting on loans from US and Indian banks. Can you tell us about these cases. Do you have any cases pending against you?

There are no cases pending against me. In May 2009, I was awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honour, won previously by past presidents, senators and congressmen. This award, I assure you, would not have been given to me without due care and investigation.

Your critics also say the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which sued you for recovery of $12 million you borrowed from First New York, reduced this amount considerably before Bill Clinton took office because of your association with him.

I was a director of the bank (First New York) at the time and it was a bad time for banking. Like several banks, this one failed too, and all the directors, including me, were sued. Whatever the federal court decided I should pay, I did, and the chapter is closed.

What’s your relationship with the Obama White House?

Vice-President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Christopher Dodd, chair of the US-India Senate Caucus, are close friends; I’ve known them for over 20 years.

Were you upset that the White House did not send you an invitation to attend the state dinner with Manmohan Singh?

I had lunch with Vice-President Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton [at the State Department]. I was invited to the state dinner [at the White House] and I attended it.

Are you affiliated with, or a supporter of, any Indian political party?

I have supported every party in India so far!

Would you call Prime Minister Manmohan Singh a close friend?

Dr Manmohan Singh cannot be called a personal friend. I have worked on his behalf in the US and I have the greatest regard for him.