Selective Outrage: A Proprietary Right of Leftist-Liberals

Top tier institutes of the national capital which should be making headlines for momentous academic achievements are hijacking the news headlines for abject fracas orchestrated by their political mentors. The high-drama which loomed large over University campuses, began on Feb 22^nd refuses to die down even after a week. Like the events which unfolded on JNU campus around the same time last year, the main stream media had yet again managed to chisel a hero to garner all the sympathies. By and large this phenomenon of making heroes and playing victim card to portray current political administration as authoritative seems to be the main agenda. This process indeed has its origins in the worst ever electoral defeats suffered by the dynasty and its romantic seasonal bed partners.

Ever since Modi’s ascent to power, Indian public is bombarded with new and non-decrepit phrases which have become routine words in normal parlance. Terms like- freedom of expression, intolerance, fascist regime, extremism, oppression, anti-national, right to dissent began to dominate the political discourse. Each of these phrases traces their origins to synchronized desperate, dramatic events aimed to tarnish the Narendra Modi government, who is viciously targeted, trolled by the combined opposition. Every significant uprising since then was aimed at creating more turbulence and widening the binaries. The absolute majority of the NDA in 2014, has denied the grand old party of India to even clinch the position of leader of principal opposition. Congress critically fell short of the required numbers to claim the post. Unrest was brewing among the opposition. Besides the major upset in 2014 general elections, Congress was drubbed in every other assembly election post-2014. Subsequently, Lutyens Circle and its confederate intellectual cabal was reduced to a minor-league. Sulking media and fretful opposition combine unleashed a campaign to aggravate dormant ideological asymmetries. While this might appear to be an irresponsible allegation, the series of uncanny assaults on the political establishment validates these charges.

The campaign made its first significant impact through mysterious attacks on Churches in capital city a week prior to the state assembly elections. This adversely impacted the electoral prospects of BJP in Delhi. Emboldened by its malicious campaign- a spree of wild but potentially disruptive events began to dominate the political scenario. Heralded by protests at IIT Madras that implicated the high-handedness of Ministry of Human Resources followed by stiff opposition and massive media outrage towards sale of beef in Maharashtra. Though the ban on sale of meat was in vogue for past several years of Congress rule, a sudden upsurge in outrage was witnessed with MSM taking sides under NDA government. Even before this uproar could die, unfortunate lynching of Mohammed Akhlaq by a mob over suspicions of beef consumption had created a national furor. Akhlaq later succumbed to death. Media castigated the government for the crime. Extensive media coverage coupled with intellectual outcry of growing intolerance provided enough meat for all international newspapers. Consequently, articles titled “Ïndia being ruled by Hindu Taliban” began to make their appearance. Back home, Nayantara Sehgal, nephew of Jawaharlal Nehru gave fresh impetus to intellectual cabal by returning the Akademi award triggering the Award Wapsi row. This orchestration began to spread like a wild fire. The intellectual elite later milked the suicide of a Dalit student, Rohit Vemula on the University of Hyderabad campus alleging Dalit-suppression. It is widely known that the student unions in Universities have strong political affiliations. Political leaders of various hues made a bee-line to campus, lashing out at the University administration and condoning the central government. Soon this fueled agitations in different universities. It is important to ponder over all these issues to reiterate the fact that Leftist-Liberal outrage had always been selective. To foment more trouble for ruling party which had a pro-Hindu image, Left brigade pulled up all strings to oppose Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, World Cultural Festival along banks of Yamuna, stall the inauguration of 112-ft statue of Adi Yogi at Coimbatore, intensified campaigns on ecological grounds against burning of firecrackers during Diwali.

Alternatively, media-intellectual outrage blissfully opted to ignore incidents of same intensity and amplitude that occurred during the same period. Attacks on temples which have increased manifold never received any attention or condemnation. Communal clashes in UP, mass exodus of Hindus from Kairana village of UP, Kaliachowk riots, Dhulagarh riots in Bengal, merciless beating of Hindu students of Tehatta High School in Uluberia, West Bengal for celebrating Saraswati Puja, killings of Sangh followers in Kannur, killings of gau rakshaks in Karnataka haven’t ever made to headlines of any major newspaper. Suicide of Rohit Vemula was protested but suicide of 21-year-old Abhishek in Sringeri, Karnataka wasn’t ever debated since Abhishek belonged to ABVP. The hypocrisy of the intellectual elite is glaring.

The political narrative of independent India has been hijacked for the past seven decades by the Left- brigade. Campuses, Universities, academic institutions, media have been strong bastions of the Left. Naturally, students passing out from these institutions were indoctrinated with these ideologies. Globally, elite educational institutions have been breeding grounds for leftist ideology who were categorically referred to as Liberals. Any alternative narrative that tried to question or challenge was unsparingly pushed back. Dissenting voices were muffled. So globally debates cornered around Liberal Vs Conservative/ right-wing thinking. As a result, academia, curriculum and education set-ups are devoid of alternative facts, data sets or counter-arguments. In India, too all other counter-arguments challenging the existing ideology became extinct reflecting the intolerance of dominant ideology that even laid siege on policy-making bodies. This explains the systemic cleansing of non-left academia in India and why economic models of non-left economists like Shenoy, P.C, Mahalanobis, Jagadish Bhagwati have few takers. While the doctrines advocated by Amartya Sen are widely taught and accepted. Leftists especially dominated social Sciences. Indeed, noted Leftist-historians, Irfan Habib and Romila Thapar thwarted peaceful resolution of Ayodhya-Babri Masjid issue. Dr. KK. Muhammed former regional director of ASI in his autobiography revealed that excavation led by Professor BB Lal, DG ASI, in 1966-67 claimed to have found remains of the temple at the disputed site. The cabal of leftist historians have misled the Allahabad High Court. The seminal works of historians and sociologists who offered alternative thought process was brandished as saffron literature and stiffly resisted.

Sanjeev Sanyal, Principal Economic Adviser reflecting on the same indicated that independent India was a “reluctant reformer" since the dominant talent pool was averse to new changes. By 1970s when the socialist model advocated by Nehru failed to revive the Indian economy and cloaked a Hindu Growth Rate, economist Raj Krishna prompted Indian leadership to bring in new reforms. It was only in 1991, when India plunged into deeper financial crisis did India reluctantly accepted economic reforms as a final resort. Thus, it needs no rocket science to infer that the so called intellectual elite and AISA (All India Students Associations) have their loyalties towards left.

Last year, JNU students raised anti-Indian during a cultural program commemorating martyrdom of slain terrorist Afzal Guru calling for destruction of India. As the news broke out and charges were slapped on these AISA students the intolerance brigade lashed out at government for curtailing the freedom of expression. Various political parties thronged JNU campus to express solidarity and reiterated dissent is integral to democracy. Political leaders instead of condemning the malicious sloganeering that threatens sovereignty and integrity of the country stood by them citing freedom of speech entitled by constitution of India. Earlier, similar program honoring Afzal Guru was held in University of Hyderabad and Rohit Vemula was part of it. Hence the sloganeering which started in Hyderabad resonated audaciously in JNU campus indicating the existence of a nefarious network. These campuses have been bastions of the Left and none can easily breakthrough. For calling these activities anti-national, Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and by consequence BJP were thoroughly reprimanded. Modi was labelled as fascist and authoritarian. From 2014 till now, left has created several heroes from the ordinary people to play victim card. These include-Mohammed Akhlaq, Rohit Vemula, Kanhaiya Kumar and now Gurmehar Kaur. News just broke out that while sedition charges against Kanhaiya Kumar were scrapped Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya and seven others were charged with raising anti-national slogans. Nine other sloganeers identified were outsiders and Kashmiris. Now contrast this with Kamlesh Tiwari who was slapped with sedition charges for calling Prophet Mohammed first homosexual. He is languishing in jail without any investigation from Dec 2015. There wasn’t a murmur of protest by advocates of free speech.

The present ruckus between ABVP and AISA erupted over Ramjas College extending invitation to Umar Khalid, accused of raising anti-Indian slogans for a seminar on Culture of Protests. When ABVP objected, invitation was withdrawn. (Intriguingly, AISA forced JNU to withdraw invitation Ramdev Baba from entering JNU, Prof Makarand Paranjape was stopped by JNUSU from entering his office-no protests) But this entire episode soon turned ugly with reports suggesting ABVP has resorted to stone throwing. Gurmehar Kaur, a 20-year-old student of Lady Shriram College and daughter of a martyr began to troll ABVP with hashtag #studentsagainstABVP. This latest entrant into college fracas has for a while taken off the sheen from the protests. Instead she was trolled for her one year old video propaganda for peace- which read “Pakistan didn’t kill my dad, war killed him”. This message elicited sharpest responses from a wide range of people on the social media. The trolls she claimed included a rape and death threat. Political cahoots soon charged ABVP of threatening the young girl. ABVP was singled out as a solo villain. Soon twitter was flooded with tweets condemning the Right of being bigoted and misogynistic. The following day Kaur tweeted that she was withdrawing from the protest and left Delhi. Intellectuals resurfaced again, condoning the social media backlash faced by Kaur and linked it to collapse of freedom of expression and hinted of weakening democratic credentials of the country. For the past one week, ABVP alleged that students and faculty of Ramjas College has raised anti-India slogans and hence they protested. But AISA vehemently denied. But the video clippings shown by India Today clearly validated ABVP’s claims.

In the past few decades, Indian political and academic discourse was going through significant churning. The dominance of leftists at least in some pivotal positions is petering out. For various reasons, people with contrarian narratives, untouched by the leftist indoctrination are steadily streaming up in the hierarchy. The momentum for fresh narratives is gaining more strength. While the existing narrative still prefer to call them by various names as illiberal or conservatives or rightwingers, these alien outliers are now grappling with the old world liberal ideologists for their space. These ideologues who monopolized the political and intellectual arena are now resisting the new change. Precisely due to their intolerance, the space for debate and discussion is shrinking. Also, Prime Minister Modi through his diplomatic outreach has significantly reshaped World’s perception towards India. Previously Diplomats and intellectual elite who represented India abroad carried messages and identities of the country shaped and steered by leftist ideology. Now messages deeply reflective of Indic identities, Indic narratives are being presented to the World.

The panoply of events from May 2014, till date clearly reinforces the selective outrage of Leftist Liberals who project themselves as saviors. But they wreaked havoc in a democratic and secular republic by pandering to certain sections of community for their narrow political gains. They have monopolized the political and intellectual space of India and aspires to exert strangle hold. In fact, the dubious raising intolerance campaign stemmed from their deep-seated insecurities. For the first time, the Right is challenging their hegemony over academic and intellectual spaces. The message is now loud and clear, if the Left is unwilling to concede space for debates and discussion, episodes of campus ruckus might become more frequent.

Finally, for all the ruckus over intolerance, will the leftist brigade care to explain their studied silence towards the fatwa against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh, Tarek Fatah, Subhash Chandra issued by Imams of Kolkata & others and for dropping Shazia Ilmi from a session on Triple Talaq organized by Jamia Milia Islamia. Eruption of the campus wars at the fag-end of UP Assembly elections and Award Wapsi tirade rocking the nation just before Bihar assemblies can’t be mere coincidence…..

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Modi tears into Congress

Yet again Congress found new pretext for boycotting the Parliament. Needless to say, the budget session is gearing up for complete washout. Congress is miffed again, u heard it right. Yesterday Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the motion of thanks for Presidential address on Jan 31^st lashed out at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Rather, Singh earned the remarks for his uncategorical allegorical references to demonetization by calling it “organized loot” and “legalized plunder”. Singh further described implementation of demonetization as a “monumental failure”. Ironically it was under the regime of Singh country’s resources and finances were marauded. The malaise of corruption wreaked the emerging economy. The humongous losses accrued to treasury were simply dismissed as mere zeroes.

Modi’s unapologetically remarked at the tenure of the Singh saying the “in this country, perhaps there will be hardly anyone from the economic field who wielded significant influence over country’s financial affairs for half of country’s 70 years of independence. Out of 70 years, for 30-35 years, he has been directly associated with financial decisions. So many scams occurred… we politicians have lot to learn from Dr Sahab. So much happened, there is not a single blot on him. Dr. Sahab is the only person who knows the art of bathing in a bath room with a rain coat on”.

Modi who opened discussion on the floor stressing the need for curbing black money and corruption made a swipe at Singh. He began by saying “Manmohan Singh ji had delivered a speech here…Recently a book was released in which Manmohan Singhji had written a foreword. Initially I thought he is a renowned economist and the book will have his contribution. But then I realized it was written by somebody else and he had only written the foreword. In his speech, also I felt the same”. This has triggered uproar among the Congress. Modi took a dig and added “the word I did not even utter, that too they have understood”.  Congress party leaders raised slogans, interrupted the House and soon staged a walk out. Clearly, Congress is outraged by the “rain coat” jibe. They have threatened to boycott the Parliament till Prime minister apologizes. Opposition too denounced Modi’s remarks about his predecessor as distasteful. But Congress indignation might have few takers as it will be labelled as deliberate effort to stall proceedings of Parliament. Congress for long reveled in “higher than thou attitude” and chided harsh scrutiny of their governance. But never refrained from making pugnacious comments on opposition.

Manmohan Singh was revered for his phenomenal economic reforms that ushered India towards globalization. Despite his illustrious academic credentials, Singh will go down the history as the most incompetent and despicable Prime Minister. During his two stints, as Prime Minister, colossal corruption marred the country. Coal scam, 2G scam, common wealth games scam were carried right under his nose but turned a blind eye to the listless number of financial scandals. In the decade, long UPA tenure, he remained a puppet and carried out the orders issued by the high command.  Congress for long took umbrage under Singh’s integrity and credentials. Singh sat all the investigations by authorities and literally decamped all the government institutions probing various scams. While there is no direct evidence of his collusion with wrong doers, it is highly improbable to assume that Singh is not aware of the large scale financial scandals.

Modi’s audacious remarks, “if you cross the limits of decorum, then you should have courage to listen to the response. We have the capacity to play in the same coin. We do so within the limits of decorum and boundaries of the constitution. They don’t want to accept defeat in any form. How long will it continue?” soon after Congress staged walk-out will open a new chapter in Indian democracy. While Congress alleges that Modi took Parliamentary discourse to a “lowest level”, it should rather be ashamed of unsavory comments of Pramod Tiwari on demonetization, “kisi sabhya desh ne yeh nahi kiya; jisne ne kiya hai unke naam itihaas mein hai, pehle Gaddafi, doosra Mussolini, Hitler aur chautha hai PM Modi”. For that matter, even Rahul Gandhi’s khoon ki dalali comment on surgical strikes was appalling. It is rather amusing to watch Rahul jumping into fray to criticize Modi calling his scathing attack “shameful” and saying that “when a Prime Minister reduces himself to ridiculing his predecessor, years his senior, he hurts the dignity of the parliament and the nation”. Maybe he should better be asked: was his act of tearing the ordinance in a Press Club with impunity elevated the dignity of Parliament? Congress’s new found respect for Singh is rather intriguing. Sonia Gandhi’s “maut ka saudagar” and “Zeher ki Kheti” references are still afresh in people’s minds. For that matter, was the uninterrupted spiteful background commentary by a Congress leader throughout Modi’s speech until they staged walk-out any sanctimonious? Manmohan Singh’s immoderate comments at a press conference referring to Modi as one “who presided over massacre of citizens” and added “without going into credentials of anyone, I think it will be disastrous for the country to have Narendra Modi as the PM”. It would be an understatement to say that India has become a banana republic under Singh. The dynasty had held Indian democracy under siege of for long and claim to be more equal than others. The grand old party has the least credibility to lecture on according respect to former Prime Ministers or party leaders. Former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao’s body wasn’t even allowed to pass near the party office while Party President Sitaram Kesari was locked up in a bathroom. Reality check and gutsy rebuttals by Modi has clearly rattled the Congress whose depleted electoral strengths has become cause of concern. Congress is perhaps, feeling the heat of a tenuous opposition.

Parliament is regarded as temple of democracy and exchange of barbs might be a necessary predicament for conducting the business. But there should be level-headed playing. Criticisms must be taken in a right stride. Every elected representative has right to voice out his opinions without fear or favor. Crying wolf would eventually erode the credentials of a political party in democracy. After Congress walk out, Modi broached about the reluctance of Indira Gandhi despite Justice Wanchoo committee’s recommended demonetization of higher currency. Fearing electoral drubbing Indira Gandhi refused to roll out demonetization. Modi cited the references from the Unfinished Innings written by former home minister Godbole. Modi also reiterated that Communist leaders Jyoti Basu and Harkishan Singh Surjit on different occasions batted for decommissioning of higher currency notes. He even apprised the Parliament of Jyoti Basu’s speech on Aug 26^th 1972 where he strongly pitched for implementing the recommendations of Wanchoo Committee report of 1970. In his speech he alleged that black money has become lifeline of Indira Gandhi’s government and hence she was unwilling to bring about demonetization and hence report of the committee wasn’t tabled in parliament. In another address on Sep 4^th 1972, Jyoti Basu on the floor of house reiterated dire consequences of proliferating parallel economy and unabashedly pronounced that her regime has become “government of black money, for black money and by black money”. Modi also Harkishan Singh Surjit’s speech on 27^th Sep, 1981 once again questioned the intentions of government in curbing black money and called for demonetization of high value currency. Certainly, this kind of stinging attack had upset Congress which was least prepared to hear facts which are extremely harsh.  Modi’s temerity to call a spade a spade had punctured bloated ego of the dynasty and its sycophants.

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Dubious Chinese Investments in South Asian Countries

Chinese investments and developmental loans to third world countries are propitious and not a subject matter of debate. But the inimical geostrategic assertiveness of China under ruse of trade diplomacy is posing a grave threat to balance of power in South Asian region. Though critics might take up cudgels for questioning the veracity of dissecting trade diplomacy of China, veritable hegemonic aspirations of China have upended the harmony of Indian sub-continent.

Pakistan

Systemic warming up Pakistan to China from the late 1950’s, firming up of their relation which steadily graduated into “all-weather friendship” is posing grave threat to India. Cementing ties, President Xi on his visit to Islamabad in 2015, unveiled $51 billion CPEC connecting Kashgar in Xinjiang passing through Gligit Baltistan region of PoK to Gwadar port along the Arabian Sea. It is a common knowledge that Sino-Pakistan had its foundations in geopolitical or strategic benefits and spear-headed by a common anti-India agenda. With a panoply of 51 bilateral agreements and CPEC, China wooed Pakistan for eternity.  Substantial opacity about the details of investments and bank credits are raising serious doubts about the real intentions of China. But what emerges is that unlike other projects, Gwadar port project worth $3.5 billion is financed by zero percent China loans underlying the geostrategic significance of Gwadar port. China even clinched 43-old lease deal of Gwadar port till 2059. Gwadar port was opened in 2007 with initial Chinese funding of $200 million, but it wasn’t commercially viable. Until 2013, China hasn’t seriously calibrated the geostrategic advantages of the port. President Xi has resurrected the project for its vital geostrategic position. He strongly backed Gwadar port development to exercise control over Straits of Hormuz 400km away, overcome Malacca Dilemma, gain accessibility to Indian Ocean and pivotally strengthens strategy of “Containing India”. Akin to Chinese strategies of establishing close links with resource rich regions, through CPEC, China has laid its eyes on the $70 billion Saindik copper and gold resource mining project in Chagai district of Baluchistan. But Baluchistan would receive a paltry 1% of total earnings. Also, local economy or employment opportunities are unlikely to improve as project contract mandates employing Chinese labor. Chinese labor wages having gone up several folds. The extra financial burden of employing 70-75% of Chinese workforce for higher wages will be credited to project costs. Though China continues to stubbornly defend its trade investments as an effort to uplift under developed countries, docking of armed Chinese nuclear submarine at Karachi suggests otherwise.

While Gwadar port development is making quick progress, there is no news of infrastructure projects (mostly power plants) inked under CPEC. Reports indicate that China’s FDI in Pakistan surged to 38.8% making it the single largest investor. Other major investors-US, Norway, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Germany are now slowly withdrawing their investments. Senators of Pakistan’s upper house are at logger heads with political establishment and raised serious doubts about CPEC and its benefits to Pakistan. Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development expressed concerns saying that “Another East Indian Company is in offing; national interests are not being protected. We are proud of the friendship between Pakistan and China, but the interests of state should come first”. Small and medium industries are feeling threatened as cheap Chinese goods are flooding Pakistan markets. Besides, CPEC China now has stakes in premier bank-State Bank of Pakistan. Common strategic interests herald Sino-Pakistan relations. Its iron brotherhood is likened to US-Israeli ties. Friendship apart, China’s muscular investment patterns should be taken with a bag of salt.

Reports are now emerging with China’s mouth piece Global Times expressing concerns about increasing fiscal deficit of Pakistan. In a veiled caution, it said “China may need to diversify its way of financing the CPEC projects. Currently, many projects are financed by Chinese government concessional loans. It is unrealistic and unsustainable to pin hopes on government loans from China. Such lending model is likely to drive up the debt level of the recipient country and toss it into a vicious cycle of inflation and currency devaluation”. Clearly, this suggests that Pakistan is heading towards a debt default as Sri Lanka.

Maldives

Timing of Chinese infrastructure projects on the Indian Ocean archipelago followed a clear pattern. Ending the three-decade rule of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Mohammed Nasheed, stormed into power in 2008. President Nasheed courted India, West and promised to reinforce democratic values in administration. But was thrown out of power in a coup carried out by supporters of Gayoom in Feb 2012. He was replaced by President Waheed, who cancelled the single largest Indian investment of $511 airport construction deal awarded to GMR. China was one of the first countries to support Waheed’s government and since then Maldives pivoted towards Beijing. India reacted rather lately to these developments and China in meanwhile, seized the opportunity and replaced India. Reports indicate that China agreed to grant Maldives $500 million, (equivalent to quarter of its GDP) in loans during President Waheed’s visit to China. In Feb 2013, President Nasheed at the height of legal proceedings against him took refuge in Indian Embassy at Male for 10days. But Delhi chose to stay away with Opposition parties of Maldives alleging India’s interference in their internal affairs. In a botched-up election of November 2013, President Abdulla Yameen, clinched the reigns. He drastically reoriented the island by reinforcing religious conservatism and Chinese engagement. Both Yameen and Gayoom believed in indispensability of China as China is a supporter of association of 56 Islamic countries, Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). Yameen accepted a $8.2 million Chinese grant towards implementation of developmental projects. In Jan 2014, Chinese ambassador announced a plan for construction of 15,000 houses. Next day morning, a Chinese Naval ship, Peace Ark, reached the shores of Maldives to provide medical aid across the country till July 5^th.  After Sri Lanka, China has set eyes on Maldives which is ideally located in Indian Ocean through which one-fifth of World’s trade is routed. Soon China roped in Maldives under the MSR initiative, both Presidents exchanged visits in early 2014. President Xi laid foundation stone for construction of 1500 houses at Hulhumale, nick named China town on his visit to Male. Maldives awarded the cancelled airport contract to a Chinese company, Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) for $800 million. In addition, China has clinched a contract to build Gadhoo port, in the Southern Atolls, which will be a key addendum to MSR. This period also witnessed a sudden spike in number of Chinese tourists visiting Maldives by 44.5% replacing Great Britain.

In 2015, Maldives government passed a constitutional amendment allowing foreign entities or companies to own land if they have made investments of over $1 billion and could reclaim over 70% of land (for project) to buy land. Implications of such irresponsible bill were discussed in detail at https://myind.net/Home/viewArticle/india-wary-constitutional-amendment-maldives.  Earlier, foreign entities could lease land for 99 years. While President Yameen asserted that this will boost Male’s economy, the bill is awfully biased towards China. Unlike India, China with its deeper pockets can invest in commercially unviable but strategically important projects to tighten its strangle hold over Maldives. Opposition is now worried as Maldivian government owes 70% of external debt to China. With these fresh overtures and pro-China posturing, Maldives is at the brink of falling into a debt trap. Gadhoo Island would soon be another Gwadar or Hambantota as analysts believe that Maldives can’t be a commercial hub. But China is determined as Gadhoo is close to US base Diego Garcia. It is keen on turning the port into China’s submarine dockyard.

Nepal

Due to historical, traditional, mythological, linguistic, and religious connect, India and its Himalayan neighbor had close friendly ties with no restrictions on movement of men and material. But the 2015 blockade took a toll on long-standing bilateral ties and China milked these fissures. Promising development through which it can challenge India, China wooed Nepal with the OBOR initiative on a precondition that Nepal will uphold the One China policy. Singing to the tunes of miffed Nepal post blockade, China condoned India. Beijing affirmed that it understands how Nepal is suffering due to Indian hegemony and thrusted incentives of OBOR.  In 2016, Prime Minister K. P Sharma Oli signed a transit agreement wherein a strategic railway link will be built between two countries passing through Tibetan mountain terrain.

A close look at the surging Chinese investments in China since 2008, clearly indicates that the economic cooperation has an underlying strategic angle to it.  As of 2015-16, China accounts for 42% of Nepal’s FDI. Chinese Official Development Assistance increased from $19 million to $38 million overtaking India’s $22 million. According to reports, energy projects and infrastructure sectors topped the list. China’s increasing presence in the region is in part facilitated by the dominant political opposition which majorly include Maoists, Communists, and Nationalists. This group which is averse to India’s investments heartily welcomed China’s dubious hydropower dams. China has not only used its ilk in Nepal to crackdown on Tibetans travelling to India but also obtained disproportionately large stakes of 75% in the 750-megawatt West Seti Dam. Aside the strategic value of Nepal (reducing Nepal’s dependence on India and coerce South Asian nations to adhere to Chinese line) China wants to control bountiful water resources of Nepal.

Numerous rivers originating in Tibet flow through Nepal. China wants to build a cascade of dams in Nepal to control water flows of Ganges into lower riparian countries India and Bangladesh. China is also funding the Pokhara airport, Upper Trishuli hydropower project and investing $3billion to develop birth place of Buddha, Lumbini into a cultural hub.

Afghanistan

Of all the investments and economic links forged by China, Afghanistan’s case must be analyzed very critically. For all those, who vouch for China’s symptomatic support to third world countries towards development, Beijing’s support to Afghan Taliban dashes, all Chinese claims as a benevolent power. China established ties with Afghanistan during Hamid Karzai’s administration around 2001. Unlike other international donors China’s foreign aid stands at $200 million (a fraction of its $25 billion global foreign aid). China’s interest in Afghanistan is two-folds: to harvest the benefits of sizeable chunk of Afghanistan’s abundant natural resources and integrate it with the crucial five-country railway systems (China-Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan-Iran). Through this China wants to reduce transport distance between China and Iran or the East which is a major oil supplier. Moreover, China is attempting to use its investments (under its Western Development Strategy) in Afghanistan to offer training to Afghan Police to secure its Western border and monitor the restive Xinjiang region.

To foster its aspirations, China is heavily bidding for mining natural resources. Two groups of China’s Metallurgical Group Corp., (MCC) won joint bid of $3.5billion undeveloped Mes Ayank Copper Mine field in Logar province in Central-East Afghanistan. In addition, China is eyeing the unexplored iron deposits in Herat Province; gold reserves of Badakshan, Takhar and Ghazni; three copper, two gold deposits and oil basin in Mazar-e-Sharif. (Badakshan is the headquarters for Turkistan Islamic Party, a militant organization of Uyghars. Reports confirm that Chin is conducting joint counter-terrorist operations with Afghanistan in this region).While mining operations which include construction of roads, power generation units would boost employment opportunities for Afghan youth, with American troops all set to withdraw, Chinese plans might be hampered. Interestingly, China chalked out alternative plans to brace the prospect of Taliban taking over crucial areas around Kandahar. Chinese companies have started paying Taliban to prevent any attacks on their mining investments. Further, Russia and China citing IS threat in the region asked the UNSC to withdraw sanctions against select Taliban leaders.

But as of now, Mes Ayank, the largest copper deposits lying beneath the ruins of blown out Bamiyan Buddha statues has become a bone of contention. China won the contract in 2008 but the mining work hasn’t started till now. While President Ghani is keen on tapping the $1 trillion worth mineral deposits to mitigate the tapering foreign aid, there is stiff opposition from environmentalists and archeologists from mining this region. In the meanwhile, China is demanding slashing of royalties to begin the project. But such an agreement would potentially dent Afghan government’s revenue. With Taliban expanding their offensive and extending control over newer territories, Afghan government is in tight situation and might give into Chinese demands. Afghanistan is at cross roads of Central Asia and South Asia and gateway to the Persian Gulf region. It is last straw in China’s great game, China’s renewed interest in Afghan security and Afghan peace process testimonies the same.

India

India and China have been active trading partners for long. But India must be wary of burgeoning bilateral trade imbalances that run close to $53 billion. Cheaper Chinese products inundating Indian markets are stunting India’s manufacturing industry. While splurging on profits from Indian markets, China is not only restricting entry of Indian goods into their markets but stifling Indian rise globally. China’s intransigence towards India’s entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group and blocking sanctions against Masood Azhar mirror the same. China is making strategic investments in Indian startups like Paytm, Snapdeal, MakeMyTrip, Ola, Hike, Ibibo which rose of $2.3 billion. But experts suggest that Chinese investors altogether have wider interests in India. Now they are increasingly focusing on merger and acquisitions.

By and large, China is significantly expanding its foot hold in South Asia through strategic investments pivoted on “China First” doctrine. 

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A Propitious attempt to Assert Hindu Identities: Inauguration of Statue of Adi Yogi

Mahashivaratri has been one of the most auspicious occasions celebrated by devout Hindus with utmost fervor and devotion. While different legends have various interpretations about Mahashivaratri dedicated to worship of Mahadeva or Lord Siva, the occasion marks destruction of darkness and ignorance. Lord Siva, who is one among the Trimurti, in yogic convention is revered as Adi Yogi or the first yogi or the progenitor of yoga.  Lord Siva is believed to be the one who had attained “full enlightenment” around twenty thousand year ago, transmitted the knowledge of this yogic science, which enables a human being to transcend physical limitations. As Adi Guru, he imparted seven different aspects of Yoga to Saptharishis who guided the mankind to overcome limitations and compulsions in search of enlightenment. Yoga is thus the knowledge repository of the Indian Civilization which has become immensely popular in contemporary times. Yoga is a scientific way to catalyze man’s spiritual ascent towards the Creator. But over a period, the core of yoga has undergone tremendous transformation and now it has become a billion-dollar industry in Western Countries. Yoga is India’s gift to the world and with UN declaring June 21^st as World Yoga Day, India asserted its claims over the scientific knowledge. Consecration of 112-ft Adi Yogi statue on the sanctimonious Mahashivaratri day, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Coimbatore has a special symbolical and religious significance. Besides, these connotations, this occasion has augured spirits of Hindus who have for years abysmally refrained from asserting their identities.

India, a seat of oldest civilization has glorious culture and heritage. Thousands of years of plunder, loot, brutal assaults, forced conversions, rampant proselytization has drained the cultural vitality of the great land. Further, colonization, idolization of the west had virtually annihilated the Indic identities, more prominently Hindu identities. European Colonists and foreign invaders connivingly created fissures in the Indian society and subjected the santana dharma to Abrahamic tests. Foreign subjugation had in fact set new precedents and deliberately distorted essence of Hinduism. Further, with Western ideologies and systems dominating the narratives, the traditional knowledge systems were forced to undergo the logical scientific test for total acceptance. Lack of congruent understanding about the Vedic Culture and Dharmic philosophy left especially Hindus intellectually challenged. Owing to decades of minority pandering, despite being majority, Hindus lost their prominence. Hindus now no longer take pride in professing their identities.

Unveiling of Adi Yogi statue, at a time when the entire world was thoroughly convinced of potentiality of Yoga, added heft to Indian claims of being one of the prized civilizations of the World. With the head of the state inaugurating a grand celebration that essentially reflected the Hindu culture, traditions, values, and rituals this event boosted the spirits of Hindus (since Lord Siva is among the most highly worshipped deities of Hindus). Commemorating this momentous occasion, even a book, Adi Yogi penned by Sri Jaggi Vasudev was released by Modi. Jaggi Vasudev emphasized yoga’s unparalleled contribution towards pursuit of happiness. Modi extolled the importance of yoga and stressed the need for protecting nature. Reiterating that diversity is source of strength not conflict for India. In a veiled dig, he asked people to “have open mind” and added “rejecting any idea which is ancient is potentially harmful”. He said that by practicing yoga, a spirit of oneness is created. Oneness of mind, body and intellect, oneness with our families and with the society we live in, with fellow humans and with birds, animals and trees.” Truly at a time, when countries are ravaged by wars, the message of oneness, inclusivity and togetherness clearly reflects the profoundness of India. In fact, Indians should be immensely gratified having born in such a hallowed land, whose prayers are for peace, exuberance, and wellbeing. 

Modi in his speech has also underlined the need for peaceful co-existence and cited the example of Lord Siva’s family as how rat, snake, peacock (the vehicles of Lord Ganesha, Lord Siva, Lord Karthikeya) which are symptomatically hostile towards each other stay together. He aspired for women-led development and added that “divine status of woman is unconditional (nari toh narayani) while men’s divine status is conditional”. Men have to earn the divine status by good deeds. He said “if the body is a temple, yoga creates a beautiful life. That is why I call yoga a passport to health assurance”. Finally, the firm resolution of building a great nation through building great human beings had succinctly summed up the implication of the divine knowledge, YOGA.

It is unfortunate but true that till now, Indian leadership had never openly prided in India’s traditional knowledge systems or cultural values. Modi with his phenomenal diplomatic outreach brought international recognition and acceptance for yoga. It was just a beginning. While literally nothing has changed for Hindus after Modi’s ascent, his unabashed proclamation of Indic identities in a public meeting in US had ignited a ray of hope. Indeed, a kind of revivalism and an iota of Indic renaissance is need of the hour with border states of India witnessing severely screwed religious demographics and communal clashes. Till now political parties to preserve their core vote bank have ruthlessly degraded and denigrated Indic-values, identities and systems. May this event herald a new resurgence….

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China’s dubious trade diplomacy

Sri Lanka buckles under mounting Chinese debt trap

No other country in the contemporary times has mastered the skill of intricately entwining strategic interests with trade dealings as China does. Mounting evidences and an in-depth analysis of China’s expanding footprint across the countries clearly validates the fact. The “Middle Kingdom” which is fiercely ambitious of realizing the “China dream” scrupulously adhered to a long term foreign policy which though overtly benign had paved for its formidable hegemonic rise. China began its modest journey by fostering ties with resource rich nations initially to satiate the unquenchable appetite of its burgeoning economy. At the height of financial boom, China made deeper forays and strengthened trade ties with strategically important countries by extending loans and positioning itself as a benevolent power. As the mounting debts and economic downtrend began to loom large on China around 2010, China shifted gears. To keep its manufacturing sector running and to save its economy from decline, China unveiled high-profile infrastructure initiatives- 21^st century Maritime Silk Route (MSR) or One Belt One Road (OBOR). It quickly lapped up support of several Eurasian, East African, South Asian, and South East Asian countries with a promise of increasing connectivity and prosperity. Under OBOR and MSR China undertook major infrastructure projects like construction of airports, deep-water ports, highways, railways, oil and gas pipelines. This systematic engagement reached new heights with countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Central Asian countries, Africa, Latin American and Australia.

Through OBOR, China plans to connect land-based economic corridors of Eurasian region while MSR aims at linking the ports across the South China Sea, Mediterranean Sea, and Indian Ocean.  Through various phases China aims to reconstruct 2^nd Century BC, Han Dynasty rulers’ ancient silk route.

Phase 1: China to Mongolia and Siberia

Phase 2: Gaining access to Indian Ocean by connecting Western province of Xinjiang to Arabian Sea through CPEC (China Pacific Economic Corridor). Alternatively, a network of ports, railways, oil pipelines passing through India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, (BCIM corridor) will connect South Western provinces of China to Indian Ocean.

Phase 3: Unstinted connectivity to vital trading hub of around Malacca Straits, through China-Indo China Peninsula Economic Corridor. Through a series of ports and high speed rails China aims to stay connected with the financially robust South East Asian countries. Phase 4: two robust rail networks, one-connecting Henan province, Sichuan province and Xinjiang to economic corridors in Poland, Germany, and Netherlands via Central Asia, Iran, and Turkey. Second, a Eurasian Land Bridge reaching Europe through Russia.

Under MSR, China is also simultaneously developing a network of ports which include Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique to Red Sea passing through Greek Port of Piraeus, Central and South Eastern Europe (through a high-speed rail network to Serbia, Hungary and Germany). To implement and execute this massive infrastructure projects China had created financial institutions-AIIB and New Development Bank with lending capacity of $200 billion. It has precociously instituted a regional bloc and diligently groomed the group under the aegis of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) seeking the cooperation of all the key partners (Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and recently offered membership to India, Pakistan, and Iran) vital for implementation of its infrastructure initiatives. China which officially unveiled its plan in 2013 had prepared ground for realizing the 21^st century MSR by bringing several countries on board much earlier. To advance its geostrategic interests, China began effectively utilizing all the economic tools at its behest. It began offering huge amounts of loans for infrastructure development to developing countries which are strategically beneficial for China and not necessarily financially viable for the recipient countries. Eventually countries soon found themselves caught in a debt trap, subservient to Chinese overbearing.

In a case of classical neo-colonization by China, Sri Lanka is bearing the brunt. China, keen on establishing a foot hold in Indian Ocean region befriended Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka facing a worst domestic insurgency. It helped Rajapaksa government to crush Tamil Tigers and later cemented the ties by offering Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to a tune of $14billion between 2005- 2015. China extended ODA of $12 billion in infrastructure, energy, and services sector at an interest rate of 2-5%. The two flagship projects of China in Sri Lanka are the Hambantota Port Development and Colombo Port Project, both located along the strategically important trade routes. In 2005, China’s FDI investment was $16.4 million or just 1% but now it is $338 million making it 35% of FDI overtaking traditional aid providers Netherlands, Japan, India, Malaysia, and Singapore. Hambantota port built from $1.7 billion Chinese loans in 2008 hardly generates any revenue and even the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport near Hambantota opened in 2013 soon became world’s emptiest airport. The huge infrastructure embellishments have now become white elephants. Sri Lanka in a bid to decongest the only international airport at Colombo and to reduce social and economic disparities between different regions of the country aspired to transform Hambantota into the second most important city of Sri Lanka. China capitalized on the aspirations of Rajapaksa who wanted to develop this city since it was his native region. While the interest rates on the loans is now reaching whopping $17 million a year, this immense infrastructure has hardly stimulated local economies. Needless to say, this colossal project failed to generate employment to locals since China would always bring its own manpower for management of their projects. While Sri Lanka is grappling mounting debt trap China is hardly worried as things are working the way it wanted. China wooed Sri Lanka to make the island a hub for MSR in Indian Ocean and it served another purpose of containing India.

Hambantota is 1300km away from India’s two strategically important ports at Visakhapatnam and Andaman &Nicobar Islands. It is 500 km away from India’s most prized scientific station, Sriharikota. With China in India’s backyard, New Delhi’s traditional contention of Indian Ocean its “sphere of influence” has ended. Though China, repeatedly asserted that Hambantota port will not be used for military purposes, things on ground are rather the opposite. In 2014, two nuclear submarines of China docked at Chinese operated Colombo port twice. New Delhi raised alarm and reminded President Rajapaksa that under the bilateral maritime deal Sri Lanka is mandated to inform India about port calls. But apparently, Sri Lanka neck in debt trap laid by China was helpless. As per a report, it is estimated that, the debt to GDP ratio of Sri Lanka is currently 75% and over 95% of government’s revenue goes towards debt repayment. Now with the euphoria of China collaborated infrastructure development dying down; the real intent of Dragon has become imminent. With expensive ports and airport registering losses, public outrage stoked by political opponents led to overthrowing of the pro-China, Rajapaksa government which turned the island into a Chinese colony in 2015. The new President, Maitripala Sirisena rode to power on the promise of scrapping all China-based projects. Upon assuming charge, he suspended major Chinese projects including the Colombo Port City citing the need for proper environmental clearance. Colombo part project is supervised by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), a subsidiary of China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) which was blacklisted by World Bank. Accordingly, the company was barred from participating in any constructions funded by World Bank implying that projects undertaken by CCCC will be entirely financed by China (which offers loans at high interests). With pressure of debts increasing, Sirisena needed fresh credit. He ordered for restarting the suspended projects, awarded new projects, and agreed to sell 80% stake in Hambantota port to China. But China stalled $1.1 billion investment for Colombo port development linking it to finalization of acquisition of 15,000 acres near Hambantota airport, 99-year lease of the 110 hectares reclaimed land and sale of 20-hectare land near the Colombo International Financial City. India uses Colombo port for more than 70% of its shipping and hence raised concerns over sale of 20-hectare land to CHEC. Sri Lanka’s bid to sell 15,000 acres near Hambantota is now facing stiff domestic and political opposition backed by Rajapaksa. Now the deal is challenged in court.

In past one decade, China successfully reduced the island nation into its conclave by replacing all its donors. It steadily emerged as its largest donor, investor, and biggest trade partner. Fearing the wrath of Western nations for human rights violations perpetrated in culling the Tamil Tigers, Rajapaksa embraced China. China shielded Sri Lanka against international condemnation by vetoing discussions at Security Council. Now by desperately reducing the island into its colony and deftly coercing Colombo to sell 15,000 acres near Hambantota port, China accomplished its goal of positioning at a strategically important location along the MSR. China has by now excelled the use of economic tools to coerce nations to fall in line. With its deep pockets, it slowly turned small nations into neighbor by capitalizing on their pitfalls.

Understandably so, hawkish strategic experts aren’t shying away from pronouncing China as the 21^st century East India Company. Undeniably, Chinese foreign policy reminisces the vicious strategies of the 19^th Century European Colonial powers. In the ensuing articles, which will run as a series, the intricate nuances of China’s foreign policy formidably rooted in trade diplomacy with various countries will be discussed.

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Modi’s Parliamentary Speech defends timing of Demonetization

In one of his best speeches of recent times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his parliamentary address reduced the opposition to smithereens. The speech which was high both on rhetoric and facts have decimated the ridiculous outbursts of opposition. Parliament which emerged as platform for meaningless rattle today witnessed a discussion which was grounded in commitment towards nation. Besides, highlighting the urgent need for all political parties to work together for the upliftment of poor, Modi has come down heavily on sycophancy afflicted workers of oldest political party. At a time when political analysts are categorically alleviating the declining prospects of BJP in the recently concluded assembly elections in Punjab and Goa, Modi has reenergized the party cadres with a resounding rebuttal. In this election season, political parties of various hues have colluded to take head-on their principal opponent BJP. Invigorated by political windfall of the Mahaghatbandhan in Bihar, Congress and Samajwadi party have formed an alliance to capitalize on the minority vote bank. BJP on the other hand is riding on two main issues- surgical strikes and demonetization.

Modi’s speech couldn’t have come any better time. In a befitting reply to Rahul Gandhi’s taunt who in December threatened that “there would be an earthquake if they allow me speak”. Modi in his reply to the discussion on motion of thanks to President’s address, deftly bulldozed the earthquake jibe and quipped “How can someone see seva or any other positive virtue in a SCAM?” Earlier Modi used the acronym SCAM (Samajwadi Party, Congress, Akhilesh Singh and Mayawati) appealing the voters to root out SCAM and give a chance to Lotus in an election rally at Meerut. Irked Rahul Gandhi redefined the SCAM as Seva, Courage, Ability and Modesty. Twitterati gaga over Rahul’s definition delivered a troll treatment of epic proportions. Modi had equally retorted to opposition leader Mallikarjuna Kharge’s statements extolling the sacrifices of Indira Gandhi and other leaders of Congress for the country “while not even a dog” from BJP could match those contributions. Modi scathingly remarked that “we are not brought up with sycophancy” (Hum Kutton Wali pampara se pale bade nahin hai). He added that “there are many people like me who are born after independence and we weren’t lucky enough to take part in the freedom struggle but we have been living and working for India. I have said it in the past- every prime minister has contributed to nation. But there is a party here that wants to attribute everything to single family”.

Despite all the ground work BJP is clearly aware that demonetization as a core issue can change its political fate. Hence in anticipation of massive political surprises, Modi for the first time defended the timing of demonetization. He argued that post-Diwali businesses usually experience sudden dip in sales for a month or so and recovers in 50 days. Government timed the well-thought out process of demonetization to match that period to reduce inconvenience. In response to decommissioning of high value currency when economy is robust and healthy, Modi drew an analogy to a doctor who prefers to conduct a surgery when a person is in pink of health. He remarked as why no one questioned the secrecy of surgical strikes but were taken aback by the sudden announcement of demonetization? Modi reiterated that demonetization is pro-poor and likened it to Swacch Bharat mission (to clean up of black money and corruption). In response to the poor implementation of demonetization and change of rules and regulations for almost 150 times, Modi reminded the Congress that MNREGA was amended 1035 times.

While crediting Congress party for initiating various welfare schemes, absence of commitment and zeal to reach out to the poor appalled him. In this connection, he questioned the grand old political party of India for failing to notify the bill on benami property for 26 years. “In 1988 when Rajiv Gandhi was prime minister, he had more majority in both houses than Pandit Nehru. The Congress was everywhere from Panchayat to Parliament. A bill was made to tackle benami property but was never notified?” He also commended previous state and central governments for initiating social welfare measures for the poor. But sadly, most of them failed to yield desired results because of poor planning and existence of leakages. On the contrary, Modi pronounced that in the past two years’ government managed to stop leakages worth Rs 7633 crores and constructed about 22,27,000 houses.  He then enunciated that procedural changes in the existing schemes under the NDA government began to make desired impact. Modi then elaborated about the new changes in crop insurance schemes, popularization of LED bulbs, supplying of neem coated urea to farmers etc.

In response to presentation of budget just days before the state elections, Modi replied that “we don’t see everything from the prism of elections. The interest of nation is supreme for us. It doesn’t matter how big you are, you will have to give what belong to poor. My fight is for the poor” MNREGA project which was once highly criticized by BJP while there were in opposition, received the highest allocation. But unlike the UPA, all the beneficiaries of MNREGA are now registered through Aadhar card and the cash benefits are directly transferred to their accounts. Modi even highlighted advantages of digitization and elucidated how government is making use of technology to check leakages and for direct cash transfers.

While Modi’s oratorical skills are nonpareil, his agility to change the tone and tenor of speech to suit various audience is impeccable. He questioned the democratic credentials of Congress party and reminded them of media censorship and jailing of political rivals during 1975-77. Breaking the suit-boot the Sarkar myth created by Congress, Modi steadily focused on the welfare schemes and potentially stressed BJP’s objectives of empowering the poor. Throughout the speech, he critically attacked the opposition for looting the coffers and reiterated efforts of NDA governments in steadily building national resources. Modi also reminded Parliament, the power of janshakti which made it possible for a person hailing from poor family to become prime minister of India. The speech which symbolically highlighted the achievements of NDA government also faintly exudes trepidation of party’s electoral gains. Psephologists are highly skeptical of repeat of BJP’s 2014 magical performance in UP and believe that demonetization would cripple BJP’s chances of reclaiming UP’s throne. By and large while Modi seized this opportunity to make an indelible impression, its impact can be construed after March 11^th.

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Welcome to the days of blunt diplomacy in Trump Era

Although it’s just little over 10 days that Donald J Trump occupied the most powerful office, he is rattling the World. As the 45^th President of United States, Donald Trump in his inaugural address made an uncharacteristic reference to an “America Carnage” and expounded a dystopian view of the country. His belligerent, mocking and triumphalist message devoid of finesse and niceties had taken Americans by surprise. Remarking it as a protracted election rhetoric, analysts failed to read Trump’s next moves. To begin with, Trump’s obnoxious loose talks failed to rekindle interest in intelligentsia. The media miffed by his outrageous comments conflagrated his controversies. They had completely written off the possibility of a Trump’s victory and never bothered to analyze his perspectives. Labeling him as an “outsider” and political novice, liberal media, and experts surmised that Trump’s Presidency will be unpredictable. On the contrary, the series of the executive orders signed by Trump from the time he assumed charge, demolished so called veiled unpredictability. He signed more number of executive orders than any President in contemporary times.

An analysis of series of executive orders, Presidential Proclamations and memoranda signed by Trump clearly testimonies his American dream. Incidentally, all the executive orders rolled out by Trump were his core electoral promises. Moments into office he repealed Obama care, expedited environmental clearance for infrastructure development and declared his inauguration day to be a “National Day of Patriotic Devotion”. By stroke of pen, Trump had annihilated legacy of his predecessor- Obama Care and environmental concerns, the two top most deliverables of Obama. Media came down heavily on Trump when he pledged to erect a wall to curb entry of illegal migrants into US. They were even skeptical of Trump’s idea of pulling out the trade deals like TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership) and even NAFTA. But he unapologetically pulled rug under the TPP. Further, he had no qualms in asking Mexican President not come for a meeting if he is not keen on Mexican wall. Instead Trump spoke with his Mexican counterpart over phone and issued an executive order reiterating his commitment for erecting a strong boundary between the North American countries and directed hiring of 5000 patrol officers. He fast tracked construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and Dakota Access pipeline. Earlier, Obama scuttled both these plans following objections from environmentalists. Trump who was keen on generating American jobs, had no second thoughts, clearly over rode the criticisms from various agencies.

In the past Seven Decades, America mastered traditional style of iron fist in velvet gloves kind of diplomacy. Post-World War II America prevailed over the World with an enticing sweet talk while unceremoniously arm twisting irritants. Trump literally changed the stakes of game by setting a template of what can be expected in his presidency. He obliterated the niceties and subtleties of the international diplomacy and is challenging the World for a new method of bare-knuckle diplomacy. Disparaging comments or bipartisan vilification seem to barely detest Trump from carrying out blunt force diplomacy.

More recently the executive orders calling for “instituting deportation proceedings, to include any non-citizen not yet charged a crime but who, in the judgement of an immigration order poses a risk to public safety or national security” and the most controversial order 13769 “Protecting the nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into United States” elicited worst public outrage and earned utter condemnation of dissenters. But Trump administration refused to give-in. The original order called for suspending the entry, regardless of valid non-diplomatic visa, of alien nationals from Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen (for at least next 90 days until the procedure for extreme vetting is in place). Later Department of Homeland Security offered a small concession by exempting lawful green card holders. This outlandish halt on the movement of people was immediately branded as Muslim ban and Trump was severely criticized. Ironically President Obama chose the list of seven countries included in the list with its roots in visa-waiver program. Indeed, the complicit Obama government imposed a ban on refugees from Iraq for six months. Democrat President Bill Clinton in 1997 first pledged to come down heavily on illegal aliens. He said: “Our nation is rightly disturbed by the large numbers if illegal aliens entering our country. Illegal immigrants take jobs from the citizens or legal immigrants, they impose burden on our taxpayers. That is why we are doubling the number of border guards, deporting more illegal immigrants than ever before, cracking down on illegal hiring, barring benefits to illegal aliens, and we will do more to speed the deportation of illegal immigrants’ arrest for crime”.  While earlier Presidents sowed the seeds, no one belled the cat fearing international censure. Media by precariously labelling executive order as “Muslim ban” flared up the situation.

It is becoming increasingly clear that Trump is not a kind of President who would give-in. His audacious adventurism and alacrity in acting on the promises made to his electorate were top most in his mind. Clearly, unruffled by dread and dubiety of International community Trump is bent on acting on the proclamations that catapulted him to the highest position. Unflustered by public rebuke for delivering on controversial issues, Trump has emerged as a great disrupter. Things which were once unthinkable like questioning the relevance of NATO, telling Mexican president that he is not welcome to Washington if he doesn’t pay for the wall, pulling out of TPP, imposing bans on immigrant Muslims are now a reality. Trump with his tremendous pace of action he is effectively incapacitating pillars of American establishment. While the media threatened dire consequences just before his inauguration, Trump trounced the relevance of media by communicating directly through twitter handle. He confused Deep state which was highly hostile towards him by introducing a panoply of executive orders at rapid pace. Trump rendered the lobbies, institutions and multilateral bodies supporting globalism ineffective. With his unyielding protectionist approach and shaping narratives that points all bad economics of globalization, he is creating fractures in the EU. With far reaching populist ideas, Trump is steadily winning perception war by categorically pitching for nationalism i.e., essentially defending nation’s interests. Clearly put, Trump is threatening to recalibrate the nation’s narrative by taking refuge in America First doctrine. Alternatively, he is changing the perceptions of the modern world by driving the most powerful country to embrace anti-globalization and xenophobia. Fortunately, the executive orders will be thoroughly vetted by Congress, judiciary before fructifying into policies. But the precedents set by Trump might undoubtedly have a serious toll on the US’s role in World order.

With President Trump, all set to sign a new executive order on overhauling work visas like H1 B and L1, India is precariously poised. H1 B visas, life line of Indian software industry have been under political scanner for some time as it was widely believed that outsourcing generated lot of jobs and prosperity in India at the expense of American jobs. Though the details of the order aren’t public, it is likely that job prospects for Indians are going to be hit. Even the duration of extension of optional training work visas might be cut which may not be a good news for Indian students traveling to US for higher education. Unlike in previous regimes, lobbying by multinational companies will not stand a chance. Shares of Indian IT companies fell by 10% yesterday when media leaked Trump administration’s order on work visas. Till now, Indian leadership cozied to US administration by asserting strategic partnership and shared interests and managed to retain strategic autonomy without committing itself strongly. But negotiating with a highly transactional Trump administration isn’t going to be a cake walk for Modi. Any amount of diplomacy may fail to yield results until India reciprocates US substantially. Earlier India enjoyed little leverage, dillydallied before signing two foundational agreements, things are going to be rough now. Trump’s outreach to Russia, altercation with China for allegedly contesting the One China Policy, belligerence towards Iran, unambiguous position on Afpak are going to have drastic implications on India.

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