Predicaments of Modi’s visit to UK and Turkey

Modi’s upcoming visit to UK and later to Turkey for the G-20 summit is going to be a mixed bag. Unlike the state visit to other countries where Modi’s political credence was largely unchallenged, BJP’s recent debacle in Bihar assembly might become a moot point. Analysts too opined that Modi’s electoral loss might overshadow his visit. Squashing these concerns, just before his visit, Modi bolstered confidence of Indian industries by announcing a slew of reforms. Displaying unwavering commitment towards the promised developmental agenda, Modi gave a new momentum to Indian economic system by opening up 15 sectors including defence, agriculture, pharma, real estate and broadcasting for foreign direct investment (FDI) and raised the FIPB’s limit from 3000 Crores to 5000 Crores.

Drubbing of Modi by media received a shot in arm with party’s poor show in Bihar. BBC which has been gunning for Modi might leave no stone unturned to vilify him. The defeat of BJP in the assembly elections in fact characteristically sparked the egregious slander carried out by the effervescent BBC. The opinionated open-ed’s published in the left-leaning newspaper The Guardian and The Independent has already ratcheted up passions of the leftist-groups who has been protesting against Modi’s visit to UK. In the meanwhile, it is learnt that Pakistani Embassy is slowly instigating Khalistani rebels and other disgruntled immigrants to raise protests and cynically obstruct Modi’s cavalcade in London.

Indeed UK boycotted Modi since 2002 and the ban was lifted when Modi’s candidature for the post of Prime Minister has become certain in 2013. Despite dormant ignominy UK will be hosting Modi to garner support of the influential Indian diaspora. Interestingly while UK had no qualms in rolling out reddest of red carpets earlier in October to President Xi whose actions are under scanner for his alleged human Rights violations in Xinjiang province and Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) vested groups in UK are raising cynical protests commemorating Modi’s visit (despite Modi being exonerated of various charges). Modi unlike President Xi is an elected leader of the World’s largest democracy and won wholesomely with absolute majority. The Labour Party which had been highly critical of Modi and vehemently opposed Modi’s visa in a major rejig is espousing great interest in welcoming Modi. While the media remarks that Modi’s UK visit is ill-timed, the infectious enthusiasm, elaborate preparations and adulation of the Indian Diaspora for the most popular Indian prime minister may prove it otherwise.

Association of India and UK dates back to several centuries and the current visit to UK will be the first by an Indian prime minister in a decade. The trip comes at a time when disillusioned UK is looking forward for greater economic engagement with Asia to boost up its financial prospects. UK is the third largest foreign investor in India worth $22 billion and India’s investment in UK is $500-600 million is third largest. The volume of trade between both countries is around $ 11 billion. Indian students form the second largest group in Britain. The three day long tour will almost have the same itinerary as the President Xi except that the 70,000 excited Indian community will be cheering the Prime Minister in a first ever massive welcome accorded to any leader so far.

Calibrating Modi’s visit to UK as “extraordinary”, British Prime Minister David Cameron expressed that both countries would attempt to build modern partnership to combat the challenges of terrorism, climate change and poverty. In fact UK is now increasingly concentrating on revving up its economic fortunes by effectively engaging with the dynamic Asian economies. Earlier, Xi has committed to deliver $ 45 billion to UK which includes a promise of setting up world’s costliest nuclear power plant in UK. While India can’t match China in terms of financial bounty Modi might ameliorate lucrative investment opportunities for potential British investors. Major announcements that can be expected might include-a defence contract between the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and the BAE Systems regarding the up gradation and development of a combat Hawk Mk 132. Hawk Mk 132 is an advanced trainer jet with capabilities to be used as ground attack air craft and is equipped with Global Positioning System, head-Up display, Hands on throttle and stick controls. As per the recommendations of the Indian-UK Financial Partnership (IUKFP) agreement might be reached to deepen financial links between India and UK whereby Indian companies can issue bonds easily to overseas.  A breakthrough can be anticipated wherein UK may provide both civil and military nuclear technology to India and further India’s ambitions of joining major nuclear export control regimes. According to some reports deals in trade and investment worth $15 billion are likely to be materialized during Modi’s visit.

Sadly the larger disconnect between India and UK may hamper the relations from reaping greater dividends. UK’s foreign policy stratagem thus far has been anachronistic to India’s interests. The Labour Party of UK is an unequivocal supporter of territorial claims of Pakistan and China and plebiscite in Kashmir. The irresponsible statements of David Miliband, former foreign secretary has in part damaged the strategic partnership of 2005 forged between ManMohan Singh and Tony Blair during the later visit to India. The partnership has since then remained as a namesake affair. In contrast, David Cameron stuck chord with India on his first visit in 2010 by warning Pakistan against exporting terror and by seeking close security partnership with India. He indeed is quick to realise India’s potential as an economic power in South Asia. Conservatives have supported India’s membership for UNSC, extended a hand of friendship and are keen on engaging in trade with India. By far “UK’s foreign policy is mercantilist”. In reality, both political parties of UK are vying with each other in warming up to Modi to woo 1.7 million strong Indian diaspora.

During his three day long stay in UK, Modi will have bilateral talks with David Cameron at 10, Downing Street and have a lunch with Queen Elizabeth. The focus areas of bilateral talks will be defence manufacturing and clean energy besides issues of bilateral cooperation in fields of education, science and technology will also be discussed. Modi will garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament Square coinciding with the fly-past by the Red Arrows Royal Air Force (RAF) aerobatic team flying the tri-colored Indian flag.  He will be the first ever Indian Prime Minister to address both Houses of Parliament, a rare honor bestowed on select leaders. Modi will address City of London at an event in The Old Library, Guild Hall and will proceed to Cameron’s country residence at Chequers in Buckinghamshire for an over-night stay. Modi will also visit Jaguar Land Rover Factory owned completely by Tata Motors to send out a message that India is a “job maker” and not “job taker”. In a bid to spring interest in British investors, Modi laid a strong ground for India’s economic aspirations by introducing major economic reforms. With India bettering its performance in ease of doing business, investors might be enthused to pledge investments in its markets. Modi will potentially highlight global projections of India’s economic stature as fastest emerging economy at the CEO forum to drive home lucrative FDI.

On November 13^th Modi will attend the most ravishing, “Olympic Style” event organized by the Europe India Forum (EIF) at Wembley Stadium. The event themed as “Two Great Nations, One Glorious Future” will also mark the greatest fireworks display as a part of Diwali celebrations in UK. London city played a vital role in Indian independence struggle considering the fact that many Indian freedom fighters lived, worked and studied there. Modi will unveil the statue of 12^th century Kannada philosopher and poet Bashaveshwara and later visit the place where Dr. B. R. Ambedkar lived during his stay in London. This place was recently acquired by state government of Maharashtra which plans to convert into a Museum.

On November 14^th Modi will travel to Antalya, Turkey to attend the 10^th G-20 summit to review the progress on the decisions made after the Brisbane summit. Clearly the discussions in the summit will be centered on adoption of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and plans will charted out to arrive at crucial agreements for the upcoming COP-21 climate meet at Paris. India’s focus in the summit will be on tackling the menace of black money, tax erosion. Modi will  hold several bilateral meeting with heads of various countries and other world leaders.

Currently, British perceptions towards Modi are far-fetched and mired by unfounded apprehensions. The close links between the leftist cabal with the labour party and its leadership has tried its best to tarnish the image of Modi. Partisan narratives rule the roost in UK and cancellation of discussion on Indian economy by Subramaniam Swamy, Rajiv Malhotra and Gautam Sen by Oxford University clearly echoes dogmatic views. While it has no misgiving is hosting the incendiary religious talks of jihadists. The distasteful projection of “Modi not welcome” displayed on the British Parliament for 8 long minutes created by Awaaz network is reflection of bigoted perceptions prevalent in UK. The visit will be closely watched for its enchanting diplomatic dimensions, spectacular celebrations organized by Indian diaspora amidst voices of admonitions.

@ Copyrights reserved.