TNN, New Delhi
With Narendra Modi leading BJP’s electoral sweep in India, world leaders are waking up to a possible decisive direction in India’s foreign policy.
US President Barack Obama called and congratulated Modi on his emphatic election victory. He said the largest democracy in the world has given a decisive mandate and he wished that under Modi’s leadership India will contribute at the global stage. Both leaders discussed Indo-US strategic partnership and the prevailing global economic situation. The White House said India’s PM-in-waiting would be welcome to the US.
Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh and Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka were among the first to congratulate him. Rajapakse spoke to him first and invited him to Colombo. Among the western powers, UK PM David Cameron spoke to Modi, followed by a conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Australian PM Tony Abbott.
Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, too, congratulated Modi and invited him to visit Islamabad. Sheikh Hasina and her opponent, Khaleda Zia both sent congratulatory messages to Modi, with Sheikh Hasina asking Modi to make Dhaka his first overseas destination.
Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai also called Modi to congratulate him. French ambassador Francois Richier said France is keen to work hand in hand with the new Indian leadership. “This massive vote of confidence highlights the vitality of Indian democracy,” Richier said.
In its first reactions, the US National Security Council tweeted, “US congratulates BJP on its victory in India’s historic election. We look forward to working with the government once formed to advance our partnership.”
What would Narendra Modi’s foreign policy look like? First, Modi is likely to concentrate on repairing the Indian economy, which is bound to have an effect on India’s foreign policy. Second, Modi’s first area of focus is likely to be India’s immediate neighbourhood, not including Pakistan. Bangladesh will occupy greater mindspace, not only for foreign policy, but also because in the northeastern states, the massive mandate for Modi is predicated on the hope that his government will find a solution to the illegal migration issue. Third, MEA has to get used to becoming more proactive in the area of economic diplomacy. Modi has indicated diplomats on foreign missions would have to devote a lot more time to promoting trade and investment.
