Trump as it has always been - had his Bravado.
His adviser Navarro -- tried to play Bizarro !!
The word 'Reciprocity' caused a re-calibration that showed how the world viewed India or should view India in the modern times.
India's foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar said when it comes to ties with the US; New Delhi is not looking for lectures or duplicity but for meaningful partnerships. That is Reciprocity.
Sensibility also .... -- maybe.
The word worked like a 'master classic'. There was no return-bravado despite provocation from the Congress party and others too. The brilliance lay in using the 'tool of the opposition' without sounding aggressive. Thar exposed the loopholes in Donald Trump's strategy. The US President had presumed it was an old world -- and that India would readily play 'second fiddle'.
But the game has been changed.
India declined to toe the US line and this made Donald Trump virtually take Pakistan army chief on his lap.
The SCO Summit, however, has reiterated that time has come to change the games.
As PM Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin walked in jovial mood virtually with arms on each other's shoulders; Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stood in a corner waiting to 'catch' glimpse possibly of Moscow man. But the occasion was a big let down for Islamabad.
But more than Pakistan; the veiled message was for Washington and the arrogant boss around. You may take someone on lap (Pak army chief Munir) but that does not mean -- he and his Prime Minister (Shehbaz) can be snubbed publicly.
That was a Modi-Putin joint snub to the man in White House.
On Jaishankar and his remarks on 'reciprocity' and double standards of the US and also the Europe ought to be taken note of.
Indian foreign minister emphasizing India's need for "partners, not preachers" ---- was another winner.
Dr Jaishankar highlighted Europe's struggle with double standards, urging it to align actions with principles. He also dismissed transactional approaches linking India's China challenges to its Ukraine stance.
Amid heightened India-Pakistan tensions, he contrasted the EU's restraint call with its active Ukraine support, exposing diplomatic inconsistencies.
He envisioned partnerships rooted in mutual respect, reflecting India's growing confidence on the global stage.
Over the decades we know the Babudom in India has created a million rules (regulations) in self-interest. It is this custodianship of the 'steel frame' that India was an elephant almost not moving. Indian Babus have given themselves the power to deliver and not deliver (in most cases). There will be immense number of excuses.
No one has mandated; but they have the power not to move a file at all or move (when they want) as the speed of the light.
But Jaishankar seems to be 'not of that variety' and hence his inclusion in the cabinet and to be given the charge of foreign ministry has given dividends to the Modi Govt. He has proved that with some Babus - they need the plot and the place and they can perform !
Analysts say just by using the word 'Reciprocity' - Dr Jaishankar could carry the weight of billion people's aspirations and the inherent strength of the Indian civilisation.
It was just not a word -- it was a declaration of independence wrapped in a diplomatic language. And that Reciprocity word left Washington shattered.
ends
No comments:
Post a Comment