Foreign Policy II

The Confusion: India’s   Afghan Approach    

Gandhar, the mystic country described in the epic of Mahabharata or the modern day Afghanistan with whom India has shared deep historical, cultural, and strategic partnership. Unfortunately, today the country has become a critical conflict zone as far as geo politics is concerned.  Once, Gandhar was known for its natural bounty and today it has become a land where countries play proxies against each others. Islamabad, Beijing, Moscow, DC, etc all have their own strategic interests to serve but for New Delhi, the land has become a cause of serious concern considering India’s national security. No doubt Kabul has been a good friend of India, yet the relations are not in tune. For more than a decade now, India has been a silent spectator to the proxies Islamabad played against her yet, she never gave up her commitment to help Afghanistan and its people live good life. Due to many developmental projects pursued by New Delhi in Afghan; India has earned deep respect among Afghan nationals still the country has become a bounty for terrorists who along with ISI plot terror attacks against India. Recent visit by Afghan President to India, it seems has failed to harbour any substantial progress towards regaining the lost opportunity which both India and Afghanistan share. And for this both nations are equally responsiblr for.

Historically, India has always indulged in blame game when it came to action. It is said action speaks louder than word. But instead India always leaned on US and impotently blamed Pakistan for having marginalized her presence. None but India is to be blamed for the mess she created for herself and the threats that she invited for herself by letting Islamabad play the games. Now, with the rise and rise of ISIS and possibility of its presence has added flavours to India’s security concerns.

2014 was a year of watershed moments for both India and Afghanistan. Both the countries broke away from the past and new leadership was voted to power. But till then, the damage had already been done. India had been very cautiously sidelined by Islamabad and Kabul had drifted away from India. Afghan President’s first visit as head of the state was to Pakistan underlying the importance that Kabul holds for Islamabad (More so for Rawalpindi). Taliban and Haqqani Network have already created a havoc in Afghanistan killing innocent lives and as always the targets have been Indian and foreign esp. US nationals. The situation has worsened. While India was preparing for oath taking ceremony of the newly elected leadership, Taliban attacked India embassy in Kabul in May 2014 as a signal of loyalty to Pakistan’s military establishment. Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif was invited for the ceremony in India and at the same time  the borders were tensed. There was a message that Islamabad has again gained importance and even if new Indian government tries to regain its lost ground, it shall backfire. The Afghans have been vulnerable to Islamic aggression given the rise of terrorist organisations and remain so widely accepting the fact that India too is prone to terror attacks.

 India has always been a cordial to extend her support to developments in Afghan. Building infrastructure and improving connectivity within Afghanistan has always topped the to do list for India.  India provides scholarships to thousands of Afghan students every year. India trained the Afghan Army personnel’s and intelligence officers. She invested in soft power a lot but failed to yield any substantive bilateral gains. After US, UK, Japan and Germany, India is the fifth largest donor to Afghanistan.

The NATO troops shall completely withdraw by 2016 and this is the precise cause of great concern for India. It is time for India to sell herself as net security provider. Although India could be asked to manage afghan air space once US withdraws completely and provide security there, it remains to be seen how Kabul responds to the US’s suggestions. Current leadership in Kabul seems to appease Islamabad [Rawalpindi specifically. The signing of intelligence pact between afghan intelligence and ISI is evident of the fact. This may prove to be    a dead end for Afghanistan but gives life support to Pakistan which is currently under serious internal crisis. This pact with ISI hints directly that India’s security is at risk and India herself is to be blamed for.  Although the India Afghanistan and Pakistan triangle is more about connectivity to Central Asia yet the countries are fighting for their survival and security.

In this hour of crisis, it seems that Indo afghan ties are in no mood to accelerate unless the leadership of both countries take a note of that. With President Ghani’s soft approach towards Pakistan, it is quite evident that it is suicidal tendencies are at rise in Afghanistan but some sense prevailed and that pact has been backtracked. Yet, it sends strong signals to New Delhi that time has come for her to take some decisive actions.

Till today, India never entered the Afghan war since 2001 thinking it to be America’s war, but it seems the war has now come to Delhi’s shores and unless some cautious yet drastic and definite steps are not taken, its a lost story for India and South East Asia at large. As a weak and vulnerable India is not good for the South East Asian region. Time for some strict actions and doing away with confusion.

Foreign Policy

India And the Chaotic World

We live in the world full of chaos & violence. Diplomacy has seen some aggressive changes in past some years. The very ideal of expansionism is being vigorously pursued by world powers. From America to Europe to Africa and Asia, a well scripted game is being played. The world politics is seeing some major shifts as a result of instability, either already present or planted.

The geo politics today, faces a great challenge. The present chaos therefore is a big test for the diplomatic world to come to terms with. Extremism instead of peace has emerged as an important tool to destabilize some powers and maintain the supremacy. As a result everyone's busy playing their own trump cards. Some of the best examples are: US and Russia at constant loggerheads. The European Union is in deep economic & social trouble. While Africa is witnessing the rise & rise of Islamic extremism which has stumbled its growth story. The ray of hope , hence, where some logic prevails , seems to be Asia. Economically as well as socially. Yet in Asia, we observe a lot of strategic hits n misses. The Middle East is going through a really hard time and in South East Asia we are staring at a rise of possible power tussle between India and China. In Indian Sub continent , a major problem today, is Pakistan and its policy of using terrorism as a part of state policy vis-à-vis India. While the Asian Countries have not yet achieved substantial progress in eliminating economic and social evils, yet, some Asian powers use terror as an effective tool in foreign policy. China has created problems due to its own attitude. China n its neighbor are always at verbal wars with each others. Constant conflicts thus, leading to troubled bilateral relations is a common thread that narrates the Asian Story.

So, between all the chaos, instability and violence, how well is India positioned?

Let us summarize some recent developments and India's long standing diplomatic past.

A very minute observation is:: India is a changed nation. Today's Indian policy of engaging with the world is far away from Nehru's romantic and neutral plus non alignment theory. Today's India is multi aligned, multi engaged and pragmatic yet assertive.

Off late, India never sided with nor did it took deep interest in geo political matters. The nation was consistent on its non alignment stand, well propagating the message of ''Live and let Live''. This has heavily earned good reputation for India in those areas where interference by world powers has become a daily affair. The recent rescue ops that India carried in Syria, Yemen, Nepal etc  proved that NAM (non alignment movement) and India's neutral stand on all outstanding multilateral issues , are a result of good will that India has earned. While the NAM without doubt has been success story for India, it had its own back drops. Example : India's presence in Indian Ocean Region was limited, at times drifted the small states towards China which is a possible threat to India's strategic n deep national interest.

But change is law of Nature. With a  rise of new aspirations in India and with advent of strong geo political games perused thoroughly world wide, slowly but steadily, India is moving towards multi alignment. Earlier the tussle between US n Russia and a heavy lobbying by some big powers , influenced India's foreign policy which resulted in confusion. The best narrative is that of India's stand as against Pakistan n Af-Pak region. Yet, the new India doesn't hesitates engaging more with world. What explains the drastic change? Same Country, same set of bureaucrats and same office still there's a change of narrative in South Block and a change of perception in New Delhi's view of world. It is engaged like never before, it is busy like never before and most importantly it is asserting itself like never before. What's the change then? The change is that of aspirations. The change is that of perspective. The change is definitely that of leadership.

The biggest change is India has started asserting herself loud and clear that She shall fall prey to lobbying not anymore. She shall not allow interface by any world power in her narrative towards the world. No more is she shy of using her deep strategic asset of Soft Power! Her strong cultural bonds with nations at large. In fact this is definitely the deep asset that brought Sri Lanka, Bhutan n Nepal more close to India. She has again started saying that her sole motto is ''Let the life on earth be happy'' Let it be Yemen, Syria, Nepal, Iraq etc, she has made it clear that peace n co operation withy mutual respect and dignity is in her DNA. Her ancient beliefs are still relevant and her mantra of universal tolerance, universal acceptance n universal brotherhood is still intact and when time comes she shall remind the World about it again n again.

India maintains a large army. Yet she uses it not to wage a war nor to preach peace but to protect her national interest and to help humanity at large. Recent relief and rescue efforts by India in Nepal are the best examples.

Recent trip by Indian Premiere to China is best suited to explain how Indian diplomacy is going through dramatic change. Status of Indo China ties remains: Its Complicated but that doesn't means there’s a full stop! Yet the joint statement refers that unless disputes resolved there cannot be business as usual. This assertion. This dynamism is something that many commentators on Foreign Policy have missed. This shows that 'Bold yet Pragmatic India' has finally arrived on world stage. Late it may be though, but India has arrived! As the saying goes, Better late than never.

Alien in My Own Country

‘’Yes, I am a Hindu and I am feeling alien in my own country.’’ India, historically has been identified as a country of Hindus i.e. of people following a certain type of lifestyle and culture. And hence in South East Asia it’s more commonly known as Hindustan which means the Land of Hindus. Yet, the majority suffers and gives up to this stupid political agenda of Divide and Rule more commonly known as ‘Secularism’. For years together this land gave shelters to all those faiths and practises which were alien to Vedic Dharma and persecuted from around the world despite knowing its repercussions and giving them equal rights. Still Hindus have been criticised of being most unsophisticated animals. Hindus are termed most intolerant and most communal to live with! In fact the so called Indian Secular Intellectuals (ISI) has been in forefront of attacking and testing the patience of this community. ‘’Any minor assault of any type on other religious always needs to be done by Hindus’’ this has become a daily and routine argument given.

 

Recent instances seem to be pointing at rather a vicious agenda to malign Hindus. For what reasons is best known to all. A church is attacked or rather is said to be attacked and the ones to blame are Hindus! Really? From when has theft become a religious issue? From when has burglary become vandalization? From when has rape become an issue of religious harmony? And surprisingly every time the culprit needs to be a Hindu? And after investigation when it comes out to be an enmity between Church and goons then all go silent! Why?

Let us take this issue. Recently in Mangalore, March 19, 2015 A Banana Garden in a Christian community was ransacked and a Saffron Flag was laid in gardens just to signify that Hindu outfits are on rampage. Later investigations showed up that it was a ploy made by Christians themselves to create mistrust and disturb the religious harmony so as to blame a certain community (obviously Hindus) on the same day when Hindu Samajotsav was being organized in the city. Here, have a look as reported in a newspaper.

http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=57924

Did anyone report it? Were Hindus crying conspiracy? Instead there was no hallelujah and law took its own course and criminals were punished. But did we see any outrage by any politicians or media or ISI? Nope. Because outraging on this might make them “Saffron terrorist”. NO OFFENCE MEANT.

But the way it’s being said and the message was sent clearly defines what agenda is being followed by whom.

An attack on Church with a single stone being pelted out of enmity and a glass being broken makes it to the top of the news but a minor blast at Belur Math premise and all go dumb. So are these attacks really on minority or are these selective outrage a part of bigger propaganda by some organizations and outfits?

I was shocked to know that nowadays even Rape is being communalised! A nun is gang raped is of course a serious matter and is most heinous crime and condemnable. But does a gang rape of a nun imply that it’s an act done by Hindu outfits or Hindus? The gang rape of a nun when dug deep into came out to be a part of theft by Bangladeshi’s! There was no ISI or MSM telling you this! But the ones blamed were Hindus.

This attack on minority institutions has no pattern and neither is it somehow connected with BJP being in power. These are general crimes which were happening during all regimes. So is it just a co incidence that these are being given a flavour with a mirch masala when there’s BJP at centre? Same was the pattern during Vajpayee Government and same is it during Modi Government. Only difference is Vajpayee Government could have been toppled as it was a coalition and this Government cannot be as its being given a full-fledged mandate to rule.

Point to be noted is that there is a rise in number of thefts at religious institution and this is highly objectionable as well as condemnable. But blaming majority every time and making them culpable is neither fair nor just! Its unacceptable. The reason: Vote Bank and conversions

It is not as if only minority is being attacked but more than 200 temples were attacked by goons in just three months in Delhi alone! Can u imagine what it could be nationwide? But was there any outrage? No because it was a law and order issue and majority is educated enough to understand what is communal and what is law and order problem.

Target is simple and fixed. The theory is same and the way to carry it out is too same. But are Hindus ready yet? For how long will Hindus bear this selective outrage and selective victimization? And after observing this all question arises : Are Hindus really hatemongers? Or is someone else? Those unable to digest India’s progress……… National or International……………???!!!!

The Hindu organizations are called Saffron Taliban by ISI and MSM. Do these people know what it means by Taliban? Had these people called spade a spade somewhere else they would have been killed! But here Hindus silently suffer and digest the humiliation without knowing the TRUTH! After the  attack on Charlie Hebdo  there were many in India especially Indian Secular Intellectuals and Indian Intellectual Mafia (IIM) which questioned if tomorrow they say something about Hinduism will they too be attacked. Had it been the case, had Hinduism been so intolerant as others they would not have been alive as yet to question. Day in and day out Hindus are humiliated and compared with Taliban etc but all those are still alive. As safe as any other citizen in this country. But are we ready to digest a fact that some non Congress and pro Hindu party can actually deliver what India needs and craves for?

But not surprised as all this selective bombings come exactly after The Government has blocked foreign funding to a large section of organizations and outfits which are working against India’s demographic and economic and national interests.

Just a rebut to Secular Journalists : Free Thinkers and Bloggers are killed in India’s neighbourhood but you guys are safe and sound. This speaks a lot why India is safe until Hindus enjoy majority……… But alas today intellectually and demographically India has a threat. If Hindus don’t act wisely, India’s glory will be lost.

A systematic targeting of majority community comes only when there is a right wing Government at the centre and this should act as an enough evidence for Hindus to wake up………..

Spritual

BEING AN ATHEIST

“I am an Atheist. I do not believe in anything which is not seen or is not proven.”I heard someone say in my class. I was just looking at him in awe. I was totally astonished to see as to how at this age, a person can differentiate between something Supreme & Pitiable. Then while I was just thinking about this, a question roused in my mind-If he is in a situation wherein he  encounters something supernatural or like that, won’t his conscience utter, ”GOD, HELP PLEASE”. Or why only supernatural, even if a person is on a death row or severally ill will he not say ,”GOD PLEASE SAVE ME”. Or let us take a common example, If a person is to go for an interview or an exam, won’t he say, “GOD PLEASE MAKE IT SIMPLE”.

In every situation a person asks GOD for help irrespective of their deeds. And this generally I say generally, does happen. I have no objection on a person of being an Atheist or I am not accusing anyone but my question is that if such a situation in which one knowingly or unknowingly asks GOD for something then why to pretend to be an Atheist? Today man is being more materialistic in the name of Science. Science is something only believable is what the only perception made. What science proves is existing & what has no evidence cannot exist. Now a days this is becoming common; where man is going after money & has no social life. This cannot be true for all but somewhere something someone is going that way.

I have met many such young boys & girls who say that-“Why to believe GOD. He doesn’t fulfill any of my wish?” There a question arises. Is GOD only for the sake of fulfilling wishes? And that too only of human beings? According to shastras GOD created life. LIFE includes NATURE, ANIMALS, BIRDS, TREES, etc & lastly the HUMAN BEINGS. Then HE is not subjected to look only after humans. HE has many other things to do too. And if HE is subjected to fulfill your wish then I think, people, you are blessed to be born as  human being. HE has fulfilled your wish to be born as a human & now has left up to you as to how you lead your own life.

Man, being or without being materialistic, is surrounded by many odds. GOD has given you that strength, that power to examine & do as per what is good for you & hence blessed you are. Blessed are you that you are able to think, speak & act well. Just think about those small insects or mammals who neither can speak out their grief nor the happiness. They have to lead their own life in misery.

Recently I saw someone saying GOD does not exist & that too standing in a temple. Now, how hollow does that sound for a first instance? Irrespective of him just visiting a temple as a ritual or a family function etc.  Whatever the reason may be, he visited the temple; he stood in front of the IDOL; he joined his hands & how blindly can he say that GOD does not exist.

In my view if I just get out of the house & reach home safely, then I think that GOD does exist. If I slightly escape an injury then yes GOD does exists. And if I feel refreshed in a temple, yes, GOD does exist.  If I believe in my fate then YES GOD does exist. Of course this is my opinion.

The worst thing that has ever happen is that today GOD is being looked at as a mere institution to whom a man can ask anything or do anything in HIS name. That’s being  ridiculously materialistic. According to HINDU  Shastra  there had been four Yugas  namely-Satyayug, Tretayug, Dvaparyug & Kaliyug which is presently going on. Now this Kaliyug is something at the end of which, is believed that whatever is living including Earth will get destroyed. And in which Man would be at his WORSTS. If at all an Atheist is to believe in this thing still, he cannot deny the fact that today Man is at his WORSE & will be at his WORST. Now finally one can conclude that whatever man is or was or will be is due to his own deeds.

To scientific people who say that GOD does not exists because we cannot see HIM or prove HIS existence, to them I would like to say that at the end of the day there somewhere is the connection between science & spirituality. While I was thinking all about this I finally came to the conclusion that is the difference between the existence & non-existence of GOD is same as the difference between a person being pessimist & an optimist.

MAY GOD BLESS THE WHOLE OF MANKIND.