Saturday, January 30, 2021

Mahatma Gandhi and India's Soft Power

"Generations to come will scarce believe that such a one as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth"- Albert Einestine on Mahatma Gandhi

Hello friends, today, India pays tribute to our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi on the occasion of his death anniversary. Gandhi Ji indeed one of the most important personalities in the tense and complex 20th century. Times magazine honoured him as the person of the century. Being such honoured personality Gandhi Ji needs no separate introduction.




Mahatma Gandhi has become a symbol of India's soft power after seven decades of his martyrdom. While this is the theme we are going to discuss, let's first briefly understand the term- Soft Power.

What is Soft Power?

Every country has a typical culture of its own, some values, symbols. These things are associated with that country. For eg- Let's think of McDonald's. What is its original country? USA. However, having Mcdonald's restaurant has become a status symbol all over the world. Imagine a remote country in the African desert and one finds Mcdonald's there. the person will give a million thanks to the American company.

That's how soft power works. it is the ability of one to get things done without using force. American political scientist Joseph Nye coined this term in 2003. For him, soft power 
co-opts people rather than coerce them.

India's soft power and Mahatma Gandhi-

What are India's Soft power points? Many. Literally many. From Bollywood to World Yoga Day, India has tremendous potential to get things done without using force. Mahatma Gandhi is one of them. 
If anyone goes around the world and ask what people know about India, in most cases you will hear Mahatma Gandhi as one answer or maybe the most frequent answer. Its well appreciated name all over the world.

Look at Latin American countries like Brazil, Uruguay, Peru, Chile etc. They have named more than 500 public places after Indian leaders in the freedom struggle. Mahatma Gandhi is the most popular amongst them. Several universities have erected his statues as part of tribute as well as a remembrance of values.

The African continent was decolonised by European powers. Many of the leaders were inspired by Gandhian values. They fought for independence following Gandhian ways. Nelson Mandela is one of the well-known names amongst them.

Even when Donald Trump came to India last year, he was taken to Sabarmati Ashram. Perhaps, Sabarmati is the most sought after location to showcase India's values to foreign dignitaries after Taj Mahal.

India gives assistance to any country to built an educational centre, that name will definitely carry the name of Mahatma Gandhi. Such is the prowess of being an ardent follower of non-violence.  

Gandhi travels with India's diplomacy. Be it any summit at the international level, Mahatma's name is the must. 'We gave Gandhi to the world' is familiar for ears which are used to such speeches.

Whether its Pravasi Bhartiya Divas or any event related to NRIs, Mahatma Gandhi is a must. Yes, he enjoys the distinction of being India's most famous Pravasi who returned to this land take part in freedom struggle from South Africa.

Though Mahatma Gandhi forms the essential component of India's Soft Power, Its to be noted that it doesn't mean only Gandhi works in soft power. It's one of the elements with other things like Yoga, Ayurveda and all. Soft power is not alone sufficient to protect, promote and sustain national interests. It requires the backing of a flourishing economy, strong military and steadfast national morale. This combination of soft and hard power is termed as Smart Power.

India's diplomatic missions actively celebrate and promote Gandhi Ji as India's message all over the world to influence people in other countries. It is important to understand Mahatma Gandhi, not only for the betterment of the world but to see a better version of oneself.


Tuesday, January 26, 2021

The Republic of India

"If I were asked under what sky the human mind has fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered over the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I would point to India." (Max Mueller, German Scholar)

Hello friends, as the rays of the sun unleashed on the land of India, our nation is all set to celebrate its 72nd Republic day. The day when India and its people started a new journey. The day when it's foundational values engraved in the Constitution started to design the lives of Indians. The Constitution of India became enforceable and the Law of the Land. India became the Republic of India.

The constitution is the product of the hard work of stalwarts like Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar and distinguished Constituent Assembly members. After years of British colonial rule, 'We, the people of India solemnly resolve ourselves to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic, Secular Republic.'  Each of these words has a significance of its own. Let's focus on Republic and what does it signify?

Republic means the Head of State is elected from its own people, directly or indirectly. The President of India is indirectly elected by the people. This marks a sharp contrast with the British system where the head of State is monarch I.e Queen.

President of India is the highest constitutional office in the Republic of India. All the decisions taken by the government are taken in the name of the President. 

This includes declaring war and peace, signing treaties with foreign countries, appointing Ambassadors. These all decisions are taken on behalf of the people of India. Republic summarizes all this in a single word.

The Constitution of India also mentions article 51 which deals with the foreign policy of India. It constitutionally abides any government in power for the promotion of international peace and security.

These values have been cherished for so long by Indians since time immemorial. From Gautama Buddha to Samrat Ashoka or its Mahatma Gandhi, India has been striving for living in peace.

However, it would be a fatal mistake if we do not to take a realistic look at our weaknesses. Problems that engulf us today are a mix of same-age old problems of discrimination, communalism, riots, and gender inequality. With these, new problems like cybersecurity, misuse of the internet, and digital inequality have unfolded before us. Covid 19 has reminded us what kind of future we are going to face.

Tackling each of these will require fresh approaches, fresh ways to think. Celebrating Republic day is important for this. As every year Republic day celebrations take place all over the country, the 26th of January is the day when we remember the commitment to strive for a better individual, a better society, and a better nation.

(source- Pinterest)

Unity in Diversity 

With its innumerable diversities in cultures, languages, religions, etc, India has survived as a multicultural society within a single integrated unit. It has added emphasis on Unity in Diversity. Our first PM Jawaharlal Nehru remarked once, "who lives if India dies?" These diversities make India a lively nation whose spirit never dies. The Republic of India is the emblem of this immortal spirit. It reminds us that we have come a long way facing all the odds and we have a long way to go.


India from Space
(Source- Better India)






Monday, January 25, 2021

Shinzo Abe and Cherry Blossom

Hello friends, on eve of the Republic Day, the Government of India has announced Padma Vibhushan award to Shinzo Abe, former Prime Minister of Japan. Abe has resigned from the office last September because of illness. He has left marks of his own on Indo-Japan ties.

Shinzo Abe
(Source- gettyimages)

Japan is a natural ally of India if we go by the traditional Kautilya logic of Enemy's enemy is our friend. Considering China as an enemy of both, they are destined together at least in near future. Abe has added his flavor and color to this destiny. How?

Abe became Prime Minister for Japan for the first time in 2006. The very next year, he came to India on a bilateral visit. The visit is now getting famous for Abe's "Confluence of Two Seas" speech in the Indian Parliament. He put forward the vision of Indo Pacific and underlined the role of India Japan relations to maintain a 'Free and Open Indo Pacific'. The Indo pacific is one of the pillars of India- Japan relations today.

He resigned in 2007 because of illness. During the next terms from 2012-2020, Abe visited India thrice. This was the most number of times any Japanese PM has visited India. Abe was a guest of the Republic Day Parade in 2014. It's very interesting to know that the UPA government chose him as a guest in 2014 when elections were so close. When the new government came in power, Japan was the first country visited by the new Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. This signified convergence and consensus in India towards Japan.

Abe at Republic Day Parade in 2014
(Source- zee news)

Modi and Abe upgraded India Japan relations to "Special Strategic and Global Partnership." Japan also recognized India as a nuclear power in 2016 as two nations inked a Civil Nuclear pact in 2016. This agreement is one of its kind. India is the only non-signatory country to Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to which Japan has given official recognition as a nuclear power. 

Under Abe's leadership, Japan expanded its development assistance to India. Its the only country which allowed to develop infrastructure in India's North East region. Japan's footprint in South East Asia has expanded in the Abe era. India's Act East converge with this as it also seeks to engage more in ASEAN countries.


India and China experienced four publicly known standoffs since 2013. Japan has stood with India in all of them. Shinzo Abe criticized China for violating the status quo in a current standoff as well. Not only this, India- Japan also initiated Asia Africa Growth COrriodor for working jointly in Africa apparently to compete with the Chinese presence in Africa

Abe wrote a book- Towards A Glorious Country- My Vision for Japan. He mentions in it that ,"It may not be surprising if India and Japan relations cross over USA - Japan relations." His fondness towards India and its people have been appreciated in India as well during his visits.

Abe during Public Rally in India
(Source- Times of India)

There is another message which all politicians take from Abe. He resigned in 2020 because of prolonged chronic illness. In the era when everybody wants to stick to power, Abe simply stepped down being unable to do justice to his office. This offers a lesson to those who cling on chairs for years and years without doing anything significant to the benefit of the public. 

Hence, it's truly remarkable( and diplomatic) as well to award him with Padmabhushan (for public affairs)one of the prestigious civilian awards of India. Abe has left a rich legacy to ties between both countries which are experiencing a cherry blossom phase currently. New Japanse PM Yoshihide Suga has a huge task to take this forward.


References-

Harsh V.Pant article, ORF

Indian Express





Saturday, January 23, 2021

The Coasts of Andaman and Subhash Chandra Bose

Hello friends, India commemorates Subhash Chandra Bose on his 125th birth anniversary. The role of Bose in the Indian National movement gets explored through pages of history. However, the occupation of Andaman and Nicobar islands by the Provisional Government of Azad Hind commanded by him remains in dim light. This move had a significant impact on India's foreign policy choices after Indian independence.

Andaman and Nicobar islands were occupied by the British in the 1780s from Denmark. Its tropical climate, torrential rains, dense forests made it an ideal place for British where they can vaporize feelings of patriotism and freedom from Indian revolutionaries by horribly punishing them. The infamous Cellular jail built exclusively for this purpose in Port Blair.

Years went by like this. Then World War II started. Japanese were heavy on the British and Allies in the Pacific. GREAT Britain lost Malaya and Singapore to Japan in 1942. Japanese were in the high spirits when they captured Port Blair without a fight on 23rd March,1942 . What British were doing? They fled to mainland India leaving 27,000 population to face the wrath of the Japanese. 

Pause. Meanwhile, Subhash Chandra Bose mobilized Indian National Army or Azad Hind Fauz. Japanese decided to help it to "free India from Britain." Provisional Government of Azad Hind was established on 21st October 1943. Subhas Bose was head of it. It immediately declared war on the Allies(Britain and America).


Japanese Prime Minister General Tojo announced that Andaman and Nicobar Islands would be handed over to this Government. Three weeks after Bose announced from Singapore that Andman and Nicobar would be rechristened as Shaheed Dweep and Swarajya Dweep respectively. Shaheed signified the martyrdom of many revolutionaries in Cellular Jail. Swarajya denoted freedom to India.

Bose arrived at Port Blair on 29th December 1943 for a three-day visit. Tricolour was unfurled on Gymkhana ground (today, Netaji stadium) in Port Blair This visit marked that Azad Hind Government was not Government in exile. It was Sovereign and Independent. In the book, His majesty's Opponent, Historian Sugata Bose remarked that the visit of Bose to Cellular Jail to pay tributes to revolutionaries was like freeing up Bastille in French Revolution.

Subhash Bose at Cellular jail.
(Source- Tribuneindia.com)

However, this control of the Azad Hind Government was only symbolic. Real strings of power were in the hands of the Japanese which were increasingly adamant and reluctant to give powers to the Azad Hind Administration.

Japanese were hated by locals because of horrible atrocities committed by the Japanese army on the local population of islands. When this was conveyed to Azad Hind Government, nothing much happened to improve it and people started resenting Bose as well.

For the next one and a half years, the Islands were in control of the Japanese. And allies defeated them in 1945. Bose died in 1944 in-plane accident in Taiwan. The glorious chapter of Azad Hind Government and INA ended here.

The significance of this history can be thought of in two ways. Firstly, as national pride, Andaman and Nicobar were perhaps the first territory in India which essentially have an administration of Indians. At least, symbolically. Therefore, the role of Subhash Chandra Bose needs to be commemorated for this.

However, what if Allied powers hadn't defeated Japan? Although history doesn't have a place for if and but, it appears clear that Japan would not have left control of that easily. The allied victory brought back Andaman and Nicobar to British India and eventually in independent India.

location of Nicobar Islands

The very thought of invading British militarily with the help of Axis powers especially Japan had been a courageous one. Subhash Chandra Bose deserves credit for that. However, the very powers which he thought can help India to get its freedom were not free from the thought of imperialism and occupying foreign territories.

The strategic policy regarding the Indian Ocean and Indo -Pacific is incomplete without Andaman and Nicobar islands. Memories of Japanese occupation and Azad Hind Government of Subhash Chandra Bose lie at the heart of these beautiful jewels. As winds blow over the ocean, time passes. And it's important to commemorate these memories with passing time to learn and inspire from them.



Sunday, January 17, 2021

Roti Beti Ka Rishta and Kalapani

Hello friends, while India and China border dispute was escalating, another major development was taking place on India's borders. Nepal, our dear neighbour had released a map claiming Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as part of their territory. These areas are trijunction between India, Nepal and China (Tibet) and situated in Uttarakhand. The dispute again came under the spotlight when  Nepalese foreign minister, Pradeep Kumar Gwayali visited New Delhi couple of days ago. Let's try to discuss what is the issue? What will be its impact on India - Nepal relations.

Nepal, the Himalayan Kingdom is India's unique neighbour. Two countries closely bound together with historic, civilisational, socio-cultural, economic, geostrategic and political domains. These close ties are popularly known as Roti Beti Ka Rishta. Treaty of Peace and Friendship which was signed in 1950 forms bedrock of relations.

India Nepal shares open border (no passport, no visa) between each other. As any neighbours have there have certain conflicts and uncertainties about Indo Nepalese borders. Kalapani border issue has a  historic background of nearly 200 years and also, a larger context of India Nepal relations in general.

Treaty of Sugauli was signed between British and Nepalese after Anglo- Nepalese War in 1814-1816.  According to this treaty, the river Kali was marked as the western border of Nepal. However, there was no consensus where the river Kali originates. And that's, why the dispute continues even today over the land consisting Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, is part of India or Nepal.

Nepal claims the river which originates in the west of Kalapani near Lipulekh pass is the correct origin. Indian side views a small rivulet Pankhgad as the origin which is in eastern ridges, hence in Indian territory. Its impossible to understand this without the following map.

Kalapani location
Location of Disputed Region
(Source- Insights on India)

The issue was first raised by Nepal in 1998. It ignored the issue literally from the 1950s to 1998. The internal political atmosphere became tense in the 1990s and Kalapani came to the limelight to divert attention from internal politics. Both countries then agreed to demarcate the boundary in subsequent visits with Joint Boundary Commission.

However, any progress could not take place as internal turmoil in Nepal went on. As India published a revised map after the revocation of Article 370 in November 2019. The map showed Kalapani within Indian territory. Nepal protested and demanded foreign secretary-level talks.

The pandemic came and talks couldn't take place. However, some claim that India deliberately delayed talks which kept the issue hanging. On 8th may,2020 , Defence Minster, Rajnath Singh inaugurated Lipulekh- Dharchula pass. Nepalese protested Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli issues list of anti-India statements. One of the most controversial  amongst those was "plans are being drawn out to destabilise my government by an embassy in Kathmandu." This was clear reference to India claiming that it is trying to topple Oli's government.

K.P.sharma Oli
KP Sharma Oli
(Source- New Indian Express)

The constitutional amendment gets passed in Nepalese parliament showing disputed territories in Nepalese map and on flag consequently. Oli was facing fierce opposition from his rivals, especially Madhav Nepal Prachand in domestic politics. To turn domestic atmosphere hyper nationalistic, Oli created a ruckus.

Indian media started hinting China's hand in all this episode. Even the Army Chief Gen.M.M.Naravane claimed so. It's another matter where Chinese were really involved or not. However, this sent more antagonist signals in Nepal.

Aap Chronology Samjhiye!😁😁

The whole episode will take long time to draw curtains. It brought significant issues and trends on the forefront. India cant take Nepalese politicians as granted. India has been doing so since independence. With China challenge and appearant closeness between Nepal and China, it would be fatal mistake to take anything granted.

Nepalese politicians, royal family, common people have matrimonial ties in India. Roti Beti ka Rishta. Several decisions come as an emotional response rather than well calculated, rational moves. There are institutions created to solve and discuss issues such as Joint Boundary Commission. However, they have not proved at par. India could claim that Nepal can survive with India only because of transit routes, technology has overcome this challenge. China is planning of a highway between Afganistan, Pakistan and Nepal in high Himalayas. 

The positive thing is people to people ties haven't been affected yet because of border issues Socio-cultural ties with Nepal are the strength of India. It needs to pay attention that politics and this aspect doesn't get mixed with each other.

Both sides are engaging in high-level visits after the episode. RAW chief Samant Goyal, Army Chief Gen.M.M.Naravane and Foreign Secretary Harsh V.Sringla paid visits to Nepal in last three months. Nepalese side responded by the visit of Foreign Minister, Pradeep Kumar Gyawali.

As highlighted in Gyawali's statements, what Nepal is concerned about alleged interference of India in its domestic affairs. The apparent trust deficit needs to bridged for mutual interests. Whether its border issues or anything else, India needs to be firm at the same time flexible wherever possible. Nepalese sensitivities should be considered. Debate, discussion, dialogue has been a path of solving disputes. Both sides should deal with the problems in the same way.





Monday, January 11, 2021

Joegraphy of Biden

Hello friends, an old man named Joe Biden is set to become President of USA on 20th January. He is not only old by age but with huge experience in the American Senate and also as a Vice President under Barak Obama. Let's try to discuss what Biden will mean to India.

Biden belongs to the Democratic party. As discussed in the previous article, there is a bipartisan consensus among republicans and democrats for strong and close relations with India. Therefore a strong global comprehensive strategic partnership will continue under Joe Biden as well despite his membership of the Democratic party.

This needs to be cleared amongst tense media reporting that Biden and Vice President elect Kamala  Harris have criticized India's policy regarding Kashmir and human rights. So he will support Pakistan and so on. It's true that the duo has raised concerns about Kashmir. However, that doesn't mean that one of the defining partnerships in the 21st century will be neglected.

Biden understands India and it's policy circle very closely. He was the person who worked very hard to finalize the Nuclear Deal between the two countries in 2008. While being Vice President for ten years and senator for more than 30 years he has seen the trajectory of India- US relations for a long time. This experience will be definitely a win-win for both sides.

Joe has pitched a high voice to fight climate change multilaterally. The issue is so important for him that he appointed former Secretary of State( Foreign Minister in other words) John Kerry as a special envoy for climate change. Biden committed that USA will rejoin the Paris Climate deal signed in 2015 on the first day of his office. An unpredictable wave of Donald Trump has withdrawn from it in 2017 giving a reason that deal is unfair to USA and beneficial to India and China.

John Kerry,climate envoy
John Kerry
(source-scroll.in)

This is the brightest spot of potential cooperation for India and USA. Of course defence and security collaboration will be pillar of the whole relationship. Adding a pillar of climate change cooperation can strengthen the structure of relations.

Biden also promised to restart the process of Iran Nuclear Deal which was thrown into dustbin by Mr.Trump. Sanctions were followed by and India's Chabahar in Iran came under vital threat. India got a waiver to continue for the project from Trump Administration. However, sword was hanging over the head because of the transactional approach of Trump.

chabahar port,courtesy- vivekananda international foundation
Chabahar Port
(Source- Vif foundation)

The restarting process of Deal means new life to Chabahar. However, it will be wrong to be optimistic about this. Resentment against USA in Iran is so much because of Trump. So how much Iran will cooperate for a deal with Biden remains to be seen.

China is kind of mocking Biden since his election as President who wants to take a less conflictual attitude to it. President-Elect may go a little softer on China especially regarding trade. However, Uighur and Hongkong issues and China's dance around the South China Sea will not be entertained by Biden as same as Trump. QUAD and Indo-Pacific strategy regarding India are expected to remain the same. In fact, it can become stronger.

Issues of Free Trade Agreement and Intellectual Property Rights remain contested even today. There are reports that the Trump administration took FTA off the table at the last moment during the visit last February.  It will be better if this administration does something concrete to it. India needs to be cautious about the terms of the agreement as it might do more benefits to USA only in long term.

As Trump returns backstage at least from the White House, Joe Biden is expected to anchor ship steadily. Trump was twitting something in the morning and doing exactly the opposite in the evening. Biden will have to offer a stable administration with stable policies to shake off the doubts about USA's current state of affairs all over the world.

Biden and Sharad Pawar in rain
Rain, Elections, Pawar and Biden
(source- Loksatta)

The most significant challenge for  Joegraphy of Biden current is to set its own house in order first. Unless that happens there is no scope as such to look outside of it.




Thursday, January 7, 2021

Trumpology- Indo-USA Affairs in Trump years

Hello friends, have you heard what did happen on Capitol Hill, Washington DC? if not, watch this.


Source- You Tube

Yeah, it happened. It happened in USA, the oldest democracy in the world.Donald Trump doesn't seem to be ready at all to leave the hot chair in the White House after the loss in elections. His attacks of new President-elect Joe Biden have intensified. Anyhow, he has to make way for Joe in less than a couple of weeks.

 It is the most suitable time to analyse what Trump and his policy towards India. Few analysts point out toward personal relationship between Modi and trump was the crucial kingpin of strong Indo US relations. Let's see How did Trump has performed in baraat of India USA relations.

Indo-USA relations were transformed from estranged democracies to one of defining partnerships in 21 st century in post cold war era. India's defence needs after the collapse of USSR marked a strategic choice to go near USA. Its thriving market, lucrative trade opportunities and IT attracted Capitol Hill towards India.

All respective Presidents since Bill Clinton till Obama and all Prime Ministers from Narsimha rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh to PM Modi showed personal interest in maintaining good ties with USA.

With all this convergence, Trump came to power in 2016 claiming that He would stop USA from being a piggybank of the world" in which anybody comes and takes out money. America First became the currency of Trump's speeches. However, the claim was mainly around trade and immigration.

Defence and security deals were not on piggybank profile of Trump. The convergence of interests on these issues between India and USA continued under trump's tenure. In fact, he strengthened defence collaboration to the great extent.

COMCASA and BECA two most important foundational agreements which every US ally have signed with India under Trump's helm. This happened without India becoming "formal" ally of US. Signing of BECA in the last October completes circle of India USA global comprehensive strategic partnership.

Trump also gave air to Indo Pacific in an unprecedented manner. USA rechristened  Pacific command of USA at Hawaii (where Pearl harbour happened in 1941) as Indo Pacific Command. 2+2 dialogue (where both defence and foreign ministers of both countries meet) started in 2018 to enhance security and strategic partnership during the Trump era itself.

Trump visited India on 24th and 25th February ,2020. The visit marked all-time high in relations. Whether its Howdy Modi or Namaste Trump, it added some spicy and entertaining flavour in relations.

However, this large public event diplomacy is the cause of concern as well when Ab ki Bar Trump Sarkar !! echoes from the highest leadership. One can easily relate where the needle is pointing. Trump also ignored literally every concern of Great friend India in trade, H1B1 visa issue, climate change and Harley Davidson matter. Trade and IPR issues need to be resolved as soon as possible to maintain a long term relationship.

The problem of Trump was not he is a businessman who likes to close deals in his favour. The problem is that he treated foreign policy and Presidency as a business where all deals can be done as he wishes. That's what Trumpology and Trumpism is. As several senior diplomats point out, Trump will be gone. Trumpism will remain.

Donald Trump
('I will not go face of Trump
Source- New York Times)

Its to be noted that whether its Trump or any other person becomes US President, ties between India and USA are at Karan Arjun(Shahrukh -Salman ki movie!) stage right now. Their Durjan Singh (Amrish Puri) is China. Even if one deletes China factor, there are so many stakes which will force USA- India to be closer than ever. 

These stakes decide the menu of items on President-elect Joe Biden's plate. More about that in the next article!

Chhatrapati Shivaji and the Idea of Swarajya

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