Intro: Both the US and India were against each other in World Trade Organisation (WTO) on the issue of food security. After Modi’s visit, the US accepted India’s concerns. Not only this, the US President Barack Obama openly supported India’s claim for Security Council.
On completion of one year by the BJP-led NDA government it is natural to evaluate its foreign policy—what and how much the nation gained during this one year. However, I believe that one year is very short span to evaluate the outcome of the foreign policy of any government. But whatever is seen today is sufficient to prove that the speed and direction of Modi government’s foreign policy are very much constructive.
If we think in totality it is clear that the foreign policy has received a new energy under the leadership of Narendra Modi, while the previous regime totally lacked it. The objectives were same, but neither India nor the foreign policy was properly reflected at the world stage. People, especially the NRIs, did not know much about India’s interests, prestige, success and the capabilities. Today, it is paramount to be in motion, but it should reflect in action. Modi government has made important leads on this front. Not only the claver of the foreign policy has changed, the offensive propaganda has brought the NRIs closer to Bharat. It is to be noted that many of the NRIs are also MPs and Governors in the countries of their respective living. They can play a key role in moulding the foreign policy of those countries in favour of India. Now India is emerging in a new form at the world stage. We not only talk to the developed countries like the US, China, Germany, Japan, France, Canada and Australia on equal terms but also are seen ever ready for the help of our neighbouring counties like Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Mongolia.
Today it is being made an issue that Modiji visited 18 countries in one year. The outcome of the foreign policy is also being questioned by some. But those who make such claims are basically acting in hurry. The honest analysis of these visits amply makes it clear that all the visits were relevant and necessary. PM’s visit to the US, Nepal, Brazil, Myanmar and Australia were basically to attend the Summits, which were hard for any PM to avoid. Since the countries like Australia, Germany, France, Canada and the US are members of Nuclear Supplier Group as well as G-8 Group, the visits to these countries were unavoidable for the Prime Minister. During the last three decades no Indian Prime Minister visited Australia, Fiji, Canada and Mongolia.
The results of all these foreign visits during the last one year show positive results. Both the US and India were against each at WTO on the issue of food security. But after Modi’s visit, the US accepted India’s concerns. Not only this, Barack Obama openly supported India’s claim to the Security Council. Both the countries entered into agreements for sharing technological knowhow. The governments of France, Canada and Australia also agreed to provide nuclear fuel. The Indian Army, which was waiting for fighting planes for over two decades, also got 36 Rafale Planes. Satisfactory progress was made on the front of manufacturing rest of the planes in India. A total of 26 agreements were signed for various investments. Agreements for improvement in railways, curb on pollution, developing smart cities, etc were also signed. One must not forget that all such breakthroughs on the front of foreign investment are not possible overnight.
Modi government has displayed seriousness on resolving the border dispute with China and Pakistan. The previous governments had also taken some steps in this regard. Before taking big steps to resolve the complicated issues some steps are taken to resolve the minor issues. Now when Modi government is taking similar steps, the Opposition should not make baseless arguments. The dialogue on border dispute is going with China. The rigid attitude of Pakistan is creating hurdles in the dialogue with India-Pakistan. By and large the present government is taking very fast but cautious steps on the front of foreign policy.
JK Tripathi (The writer is India’s former Ambassador to Zimbabwe)
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