India in a tough neighbourhood NIRUPAMA RAO - The Hindu

[prasad1]

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As in economic affairs, the tide in global strategic affairs has definitely “pivoted” to the East, to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This shift, coupled with the web of challenges that populate the environment in India’s immediate neighbourhood in South Asia, and in the Gulf region, makes policymaking complex. For India, the perils of proximity have only grown. This does not mean we turn our back on the world or our neighbours. Rather, we must grow our comprehensive national strength in the economic, scientific, technological, military and communication fields, in order to craft astute responses to the challenges.


By virtue of geography, territorial size, economic heft, extent of development, military capability and, the size of our population, India has a preponderant and central presence in South Asia. Each of our neighbours needs to understand, as the late Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kadirgamar noted, where they stand in relation to India, in terms of geographical location, historical experience and national aspirations; how the region also needs to collectively understand India’s “unique centrality” to the region.

 

[sangom]

As in economic affairs, the tide in global strategic affairs has definitely “pivoted” to the East, to the Indian and Pacific Oceans. This shift, coupled with the web of challenges that populate the environment in India’s immediate neighbourhood in South Asia, and in the Gulf region, makes policymaking complex. For India, the perils of proximity have only grown. This does not mean we turn our back on the world or our neighbours. Rather, we must grow our comprehensive national strength in the economic, scientific, technological, military and communication fields, in order to craft astute responses to the challenges.


By virtue of geography, territorial size, economic heft, extent of development, military capability and, the size of our population, India has a preponderant and central presence in South Asia. Each of our neighbours needs to understand, as the late Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Lakshman Kadirgamar noted, where they stand in relation to India, in terms of geographical location, historical experience and national aspirations; how the region also needs to collectively understand India’s “unique centrality” to the region.

India may be an elephant of gigantic proportions but a small, nondescript ant can surely kill an elephant. Nirupama Rao should be aware of this worldly truth!

 

[Vaagmi]

To whom is this addressed?

1. China knows that it can not push around India. India has not only deliverable nuclear weapons, but also battled field tactical nuclear weapons. If push comes to shove India would use them. China knows it and so would not dare take its brinkmanship beyond a point.

2. Pakistan same. Pakistan knows that India would be happy to go to another war with that country to complete the unfinished business. So it is wary of India. Except the border incidents nothing more will be done. India responds to these skirmishes appropriately.

3. Sri lanka after its bitter experience with India on the Tamil question is getting cosy with China. But it wont be of any use in the long run because SL is too close to India geographically and that means immense amount of trouble from a hostile India.

4. Bangladesh is setting its house in order only now. It needs India's help and support for a long time to come.

So the neighbours will behave. They may not, if Indian political system throws up a ragtag coalition in control of the country. Jayalalitha, MS Yadav, Mayadevi, Communists and assorted kosuru parties in a rainbow colation would spell doom for India. Neighbours perhaps are secretly praying for such a coalition to come to power in India.

Modi is the best choice in this juncture for the country.