Rather unexpectedly, Narendra Modi as Prime Minister has excelled in India’s foreign affairs. As an administrator, he was mainly involved as Chief Minister of Gujarat State. Hence, there was a perception that Modi may not be able to distinguish himself in foreign affairs. However, as is his wont, right from the beginning when he took over as PM on 26th May 2014, he started taking initiatives in this field and has already visited 25 countries in the short period of 15 months and has thus remarkably boosted India’s image abroad.
Neighbourhood
Knowing well that friendly relations with neighbourly countries can help concentrate on economic development of the country, Heads of State /Government of the member-nations of SAARC ( South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation) were invited for his swearing-in ceremony. It was thoughtful of the Government that Mauritius ,one of the most friendly countries of India, was added to the list. After this initial step, Modi has moved fast in strengthening relations with these countries. Top-level bilateral visits have already taken place. In short, in over a year’s time the present government has established better relations with all the neighbouring countries, except Pakistan.
Pakistan
For obvious reasons the above–mentioned happy narrative leaves out the troublesome neighbour. This Government appears to be clear that Pakistan is hardly interested in having good relations with India. It is more interested in promoting separatism in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. In the initial stage of this government, Pakistan had created huge problem on the border. The government knows it well that whenever Pakistan talks about starting a 'composite dialogue' with India, its target is Kashmir, rather than promotion of bilateral trade or other measures which can help in the welfare of the people of the two countries. Accordingly, this government does not seem to have any illusion that friendly relations can be established with Pakistan in foreseeable future.
China
As regards China, this government is understandably anxious that the border problem gets settled as early as possible so that peace is maintained in the north, leaving India to concentrate more on the economic development of the country. However, presently China is not keen to settle this problem, leaving India in suspense and anxious in the matter. However, inspite of this long-standing pending problem, both the countries have been happy to strengthen bilateral economic relations, including increased investments and trade. This policy has led to substantial growth of India’s trade with China, as last year two-way commerce totalled US$71 billion. With several agreements signed by Chinese President and Prime Minister Modi during their recent trips to each other’s country, Chinese investments in India and bilateral trade are expected to rise significantly.
Basically China is determined in becoming economically and militarily as powerful as the super power USA, if not a bit superior. Hence ,China, like India, seems to be interested in the maintenance of tranquility in the northern border region of India. However, without taking any chance as in the year 1962, India has been taking adequate steps in developing required infrastructure , logistics and military preparedness to handle successfully any localised military incursion by China. The government led by a decisive leader like Narendra Modi can not be found amiss in this regard.
China has been busy establishing strategic position at the Gwadar port of Pakistan and Colombo of Sri Lanka. India has also been trying to face this adverse situation by establishing a position at Chabahar port of Iran and taking necessary measures in the Indian Ocean countries such as Mauritius and Seychelles with a view to ensuring for itself legitimate Maritime rights in the international waters of Indian Ocean and South and East China Sea. India has also been developing close relations with concerned countries such as Vietnam, South Korea and Japan. With a view to preventing China acquiring a dominating position in the region, including in East Asia, India has been strengthening relations with Australia , South Korea and Japan which are also anxious that China is not in the position to intimidate them. Such common efforts of these countries have tacit support of USA so that China is restrained from any aggressive designs in this region.
Apart from taking necessary military measures to face any possible Chinese incursions in the northern region, Modi Government has started taking adequate steps to promote people to people contacts, hoping that ultimately Chinese people may influence their government to soften its intransigent stand on the border problem. During his recent visit to China, Modi made references to India as the original source of Buddhism and the Buddhist pilgrimage places in the country. His declaration during the tour that India will grant electronic tourist visa (e-TV) to Chinese nationals obviously pleased the latter.
Relations with Developed Countries
Modi’s visits to developed countries such as USA, France, Germany ,Canada , Japan and Australia have had an important objective of inviting them to make investments in India. Apart from promising investments, all theses countries have agreed that their investments will be in line with India’s objectives of 'Make in India' and 'Skill Development' in the country. The development of personal relationship with the top leaders of these major countries may also prove useful for the Prime Minister to talk with them directly in times of any international crisis in which India may be involved. Modi’s good rapport with foreign leaders is bound to attract capital, technology and best practices to the country.
Initiative in regard to West Asia
The West Asian region is very important for India as it is the principal source of crude oil and gas requirements for the country. The region also hosts about seven million Indians. As the first step in the direction of strengthening relations with this region, Modi had a very successful visit to the United Arabian Emirates (UAE) on 16-17 August 2015. This was the first time that Indian Prime Minister visited UAE in last 34 years. Almost making a visible shift from its close relationship with Pakistan, UAE has now become a strategic partner of India as a result of Modi’s visit to the country. It has agreed to counter-terrorism measures, including seeking an end to terrorist camps from where cross border terrorism occurs. This had obvious reference to Pakistan. UAE has also agreed to invest US $ 75 billion in India in next 5 years and has expressed the desire to raise the bilateral trade from the current level of $ 60 billion to US $ 100 billion. Modi’s spirited address to the huge Indian gathering of over 50,000 in Dubai is bound to result in increasing the remittances from this community to India from the present annual level of US$ 50 billion. With such a sound beginning, further scheduled visits of Prime Minister Modi to other West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia. India is bound to derive rich dividends in the economic as well as political terms from this region.
Strengthening Relations with Africa
This government's proactive foreign policy juggernaut will get a further boost as the government has started measures to advance relations with the Africa also. Africa is important for India as huge Indian diaspora is settled in almost all the 54 countries of that continent. India has had traditionally friendly relations with the countries. Indians in those countries have been making substantial contribution to the economic development there. India is scheduled to host a Summit Conference in October this year when Heads of Government /State of all the African countries will be present. The Summit Conference is accepted to result in mutual advantages for India and Africa in economic and as well as political terms. The development of closer relations with the African countries can particular help India in getting their support for its claim for a Permanent Seat in the United Nations Security Council.
Special Attention to Indian Diaspora
Modi has given fillip to his pet policy of maintaining and strengthening relations with Indian Diaspora which numbers about two and half crores settled in almost all the countries of the world. Having worked vary hard, they have not only made excellent progress for themselves, but have also contributed to the development of the countries where they are settled. In the countries such as UK and USA, they wield considerable economic and political influence. Wherever Indians are in large numbers, they contribute to the promotion of good relations between those countries and India. Apart from contributing substantially in terms of donations etc. for educational institutions and other infrastructural projects in their original home towns, they have been sending remittances to India in foreign exchange to the tune of about US $ 70 billion a year. Such huge remittances are very useful in maintaining a sound balance of payment position for India.
As the Indian diaspora is a big asset for the country, it may be worthwhile to have a Cabinet level Minister in charge of the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs. While presently a Minister of State handles the portfolio under a Cabinet Minister, in the previous government this Ministry was headed by a Cabinet level minister. He was able to devote his full time attention to the matters relating to the diaspora. Apart from organizing annual Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in India, he could organize and attend Regional Pravasi Bhartiya Divas in different parts of the world from time to time. With a view to remaining in constant touch with our diaspora, the government can consider holding annual diaspora conferences in the countries with the large number of people of Indian origin. The participation of host government officials in such conferences can also contribute to enhancement of cooperation between those countries and India.
Concluding Remarks:
Mr. Modi’s projected visit to Israel will be the very first visit by an Indian Prime Minister. That visit will particularly boost collaboration between the two countries in the vital defense sector. Israel’s further assistance to India in the field of counter-terrorism will be appreciated by the people of this country.
Modi government’s dynamic foreign policy moves have improved the image and the profile of India in the world. India has begun to be more respected in the global arena. Recent evacuation measures by the Indian government of thousands of people, including large number of foreigners, from the war-ravaged Yemen and earthquake-stricken Nepal added to the prestige of India. U.S. President Obama’s presence as Chief Guest at the Indian Republic Day celebration parade in Delhi in January this year and Obama himself writing a profile of Modi in the American prestigious Time magazine clearly indicated the high esteem with which USA holds India now. In short, most of the outside world is keen to develop relations with India which has the fastest growing economy in the world with a democratic system of government .
It is indeed creditable and unprecedented that during the short period of a little over year, the government has dealt with more than 102 countries at the level of Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Minister of State for External Affairs, and that the government as a whole, has usefully interacted with over 166 countries. All this means that the government has been extremely proactive in the field of foreign affairs. The economic diplomacy being the basis of this government’s foreign policy,39 % growth has been reported in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the past year. Such excellent performance in the foreign relations field during a rather short duration indicates that openly announced objective of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make India a leading power in the world can become a reality in foreseeable future.
NOTE: The author is former Indian Ambassador & is currently Chairman of Non-Resident Gujaratis (NRG) Centre Committee , Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry , Ahmedabad. The views expressed in the article are his personal.
