India-Pak battle of ‘nuclear’ egos!

Nilofar Suhrawardy :

Numerous questions can be posed about Modi government’s decision to send seven multi-party delegations to more than 30 countries with apparently a specific message, that is convince them about “terrorist” designs of Pakistan.

These delegations include a considerable number of members from opposition parties. Besides, specific emphasis appears to have been given to their “secular” image, with inclusion of at least one non-Hindu member, whether Muslim, Christian or Sikh, in each delegation.

Naturally, one is prompted to deliberate on what really is the aim of these delegations. It is difficult to digest that these delegations will succeed in convincing other countries about India’s stand regarding Pakistan. India is not a superpower and Modi is not Trump.

Besides, it is a little surprising that members of these delegations are not confined to the ruling party- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. Of course, there is no denying that members selected from opposition parties have great personalities and most are well known as good speakers, particularly in English.

Surely, BJP is not devoid of such members or is it? This is something that BJP members and its supporters need to deliberate upon. It is also possible, importance given to inclusion of members from opposition parties has left quite a few members of BJP and its allies frustrated at their being left out.

Or perhaps, as is the hype being created, Modi-government’s intention is to convince the world that India remains united as one-India against Pakistan.

United India is certainly a great idea but this propaganda bears greater relevance internally, within the country to snub communal bias linked with religious, caste, class and other differences. The same may be said about apparent significance given to “secular” image of these delegations.

It would really be commendable if BJP and its extremist supporters actually gave greater importance to “secularism” at home. But perhaps a possible aim of Modi and his associates is to change their “communal” image at the international as well at national level. Perhaps, as a few crucial assembly elections are scheduled for in around a year’s time.

But the question remains, how will these delegations’ temporary “secular” image appeal to voters at home? Members of opposition parties, included in these delegations, are least likely to change their anti-BJP stance once they start campaigning on their home turf for their respective parties.

There is also a view, a possible aim of BJP may be to attract opposition members to its own party and so they have been included in these diplomatic delegations. Well, most of these opposition members have a strong base within their parties and a few have their own respective parties. Besides, a few of them have spoken strongly against BJP in the Parliament on quite a few issues.

If BJP hopes that they will be silenced because of this trip, it needs to think again. Chances of their shifting to BJP or being silenced on issues they have a strong anti-BJP stand, because of a few days’ international tour may be viewed as extremely limited, practically none.

It has also been expressed that key aim of all members, including those from BJP and other parties, is to simply holiday abroad. Well, it may be noted, a significant number of members included in these delegations have toured around and visited quite a few countries.

Travelling abroad for these is a normal routine. So their idea of participating in the delegation just to tour again has little credibility. Besides, practically speaking, in roughly 10 to 14 days, each delegation is expected to visit around four countries.

Now, at least three-four days or even more should be given to time spend in travelling, from India, one country to another and back to India. This is likely to leave at most just a day for each country.

Give a thought to time taken just on airports. Fine, New Delhi airport will not take much of their time. But the same cannot be said about airports of other countries. They are not going as invited guests but because of India’s decision. Within this short span, how much time can they really succeed in convincing who all?

Diplomatic strategy focused on convincing other countries’ leaders is developed gradually over a period of time through exercise of various communication tools.

Considering that India appears to have been “forced” or has perhaps “forced” itself to exercise it in this manner, that too at this stage, only suggests that it has probably not given it much importance for quite some time.

Certainly, communication strategies can be exercised and manipulated as desired by those in power in the domestic terrain but the same cannot be done in foreign land.

Besides, with international media having kept a close eye on India-Pakistan tension and leaders of a few countries having interacted with leaders of both countries during this period, they certainly are not oblivious of what the sub-continent has been through as well as their leaders’ mindset on the issue.

Also, how can it be ignored that India has diplomatic envoys posted in countries selected for seven delegations’ visit. In all probability, they have gone all out to do their job on this front. It is amazing, these delegations are expected to do more than what apparently has been attempted.

Besides, one is prompted to raise the question whether these delegations’ visit should be considered as that of Modi-government’s representatives or not? Apparently, the Indian premier would love it if these are viewed as such, irrespective of whether officially they are tagged so or not.

It is possible, an aim of Modi is to spread the impression at home and abroad of all parties, including from the opposition, being easily guided by his diplomatic strategies. Maybe.

When the issue of India-Pak war surfaces, in addition to risk of nuclear-war, what certainly are afloat are command of “nuclear” egos from both sides.

Thus, it is not surprising, Pakistan is also sending diplomatic delegation to “counter” India’s mission. When greater than essential attention is paid to convincing external powers about action taken by either of two or both against the other, one is also prompted to raise the question as to why?

It is possible, neither has gained from the brief war but yes the reality that it has been indulged in cannot be ignored. And so, India is apparently under the impression that greater the noise is made against Pakistan nationally and globally, greater would be gains for Modi-ego and his supporters.

Would it be fair to consider diplomatic mission of the seven Indian delegations from this angle? Herein lies the error, Modi is an Indian ruler and as mentioned earlier, India is not a superpower. Even at home, at present, his party is in power because of support offered by its allies as it failed to win majority in 2024 parliamentary elections.

Yes, diplomatic cards are being exercised to the utmost at present. But, when it is the question of India-Pakistan war, let’s keep in mind, it also boils down to battle of egos on both sides, even if leaves no winners!
(Nilofar Suhrawardy is a senior journalist and writer with specialization in communication studies and nuclear diplomacy. Courtesy: counterpunch.org)