Breaking the glass ceilings with
bold decisions, three months into second term, Modi 2.0 has revamped social,
political and economic fabric of the country. Exuding similar enthusiasm and
replete of indomitable courage, Modi took the World by a storm with his
outstanding speech at “Howdy, Modi” event.
Unprecedented and unparalleled, the
event is celebration of the Indian Diaspora’s phenomenal achievements and
India’s impending arrival on the global stage. Unlike the Chinese Diaspora
which is an extension of the state, Indian Diaspora carved a unique niche for
itself by giving back to the society. Regarded as the “model Diaspora” Indians
through their hard work, expertise, technological prowess and business acumen
has richly contributed towards the progress of the host state. By consequence
they earned laurels for their motherland as well.
True to the theme of the event, “shared
dreams and bright future” Prime Minister Modi eloquently highlighted the
areas of mutual interests and convergence between India and the US sharing dais
with President Trump. Smitten by the prospect of addressing a humongous crowd
of 50,000 at the NRG stadium, Houston Trump accepted Modi’s request. Coming
together of leaders of both countries not only symbolised growing congruence
and synergy between nations but set the stage for deepening of bilateral ties.
Singularly handling the twin
challenges of a rough shod in Indo-US ties over trade issues and spurious false
propaganda regurgitated by self-appointed guardians of human rights, Modi
cleared the mist. Puncturing the fabricated myth of India being run by a
fascist Hindu regime, Modi met various community groups ahead of the event.
Holding testimony to India’s pluralistic credentials, people from diverse
groups attended the event dressed in their traditional outfits. Stumping the raging language debate, Modi
said, “Everything is fine” in ten different languages exemplifying the
liberal and democratic identity of Indian society. Moved by the deep love and
affection showered by Indian Diaspora, Modi proudly introduced them and
millions of Indians back home as his family to President Trump.
From the illustrious platform, Modi
spoke about welfare schemes rolled out for people that made a world of
differences in the lives of millions, he also referred to archaic laws, complex
web of taxes and corruption which were given farewell. In the same stretch, demolishing
carefully nurtured anti-India narrative orchestrated by Pro-Pakistan lobby, Modi
broached revocation of article 370. Mesmerised by the uncharacteristic ease,
with which Modi mooted Kashmir issue, audience took to their feet and cheered
Modi. Holding the temporary and transient article 370 for depriving the state
of development, affirmative action and welfare schemes, and turning it into a
fertile breeding ground for separatism and terrorist forces, he necessitated
the need for its abrogation. Constitution of India calls for equality. To
uphold the constitution, it is but inevitable to revoke the article which
discriminated Dalits, women and children.
Decimating the false claims of
carrying out this exercise under coercion, he detailed the entire process of
open debates in both houses and subsequent voting whereby the bill was passed
with a historic two-third majority. Urging the audience to give standing
ovation to Indian legislators who were instrumental in integration of Kashmir
Modi apprised the US of resounding democratic functioning of India. Astounded
by overwhelming approval from the audience, Trump noddingly acknowledged the
strategic necessity of stripping Kashmir of its special status. Modi’s resolve
to bring development to Kashmir is finding new support from the highly cited
NYT. Betting that Modi will not revoke Kashmir autonomy, columnist Roger Cohen asked
Pakistan to accept the new reality. This shift of stance is truly noteworthy
and it exposed the Pakistan’s insidious propaganda.
Picking up from Trump’s remarks on
the “radical Islamic terror”, Modi took shots at Pakistan. Thanking the
President for openly speaking about terror threat, Modi seized the opportunity
to link 9/11 and 26/11 and lamented perpetrators finding shelter in one
country. By swiftly turning focus towards Pakistan’s nefarious activities, in a
single swoop Modi called the bluff of Pakistan who roped in disenchanted Sikhs
and other minorities to protest article 370 revocation.
Given reliance energy on imports
majorly from the Middle East, India is jittery of brewing geopolitical crisis
in the region. Energy starved India made no secret of its intentions to partner
to energy rich companies in the US. Modi who arrived in Houston the energy
capital of the US, met CEOs of energy companies. He oversaw the signing of $2.5billion
for buying Tellurian Inc stake in LNG terminal at by India’s Petronet. Indian
investment which is expected to create 50,000 jobs should interest Trump who
values the ties for job creation potential.
In line his vision of making India
a $5 trillion economy, Modi government rolled out economic reforms. To make
India competitive, government slashed corporate taxes to attract US business
which are attempting to shift businesses in the aftermath of US-China trade
war. Additionally, India have put into practice several measures to improve the
ease of doing business and sought the partnership of the US energy, investment
and infrastructure.
For long, India is ridiculed for
punching below its weight. Despite its geostrategic advantage, demography,
democratic and pluralistic credentials, clouded by despondency and complacence,
India refrained from overarching global reach. Resurrecting the decadence, Modi
infused new momentum and energy. Unleashing soft diplomacy and revving up
outreach with Indian Diaspora spread across the World, Modi unveiled a fresh
chapter in India’s foreign policy. By far, India was always associated with the
Third world countries and is considered an inferior cousin by developed
countries. India’s steady economic growth and the dynamic leadership changed
global perception towards India. Successive Indian leaderships since
independence including the post-cold war leaders who advocated strong ties with
the US never walked shoulder to shoulder holding hands with American leaders.
For the first time ever, an
American President not only attended the event organised by India-Americans for
Indian Prime Minister but stayed till the end. India Diaspora which is majorly
supports conservative party in India rally behind Liberal left in America. In
2016 Presidential elections, 16% of Indian-American voted for Trump while 77%
preferred Hillary Clinton. Intent on improving domestic popularity for 2020
elections, with no major foreign policy to showcase, Trump grabbed the
opportunity to assert “The USA loves India”. Aware of Trump’s transactional
approach, Modi keen resetting ties with the USA, endorsed Trump’s re-election through
his signature campaign slogan “Ab ki baar Trump Sarkar”. To critics it seemed
to be unwarranted intervention in US elections, but Modi daringly played the
high stakes gamble to mellow down Trump. Reciprocating Modi’s gesture, Trump
hailed Indian Diaspora as legal immigrants and dissed illegal migrants.
Trump’s act of self-inviting
himself to India and reflecting on growing synergy in defence cooperation and announcement
upcoming tri services named “Tiger Triumph” symbolised his pragmatism.
Coming together of Modi and Trump
and the visible bonhomie on display will go a long way in blunting the
China-Pakistan nefarious stratagems. Above all the unmissable convergence of
interests in tackling radical terrorism will invariably weaken Pakistan’s
position. With many unprecedented firsts, this mega event will go down the
history as a watershed moment in the resetting of Indo-US ties.
@ Copyrights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment