The modi government’s decision to send bipartisan parliamentary delegations to put forth India’s position on operation sindoor is a welcome move. For a government which advocates an opposition free polity and almost solipsistic in appropriation of political space this is not only surprising but also invites skepticism. The delegations are supposed to visit various countries and explain the situation created by the Pakistani practice of using terror as its instrument of strategic engagement and the restraint India has been showing. Thus said one needs to ask what exactly has prompted the government to take such a step, especially when it has a ”master communicator“ in the prime minister who claims personal and informal relations with most world leaders. The regime also displays its foreign minister and nsa as crafty and bold negotiators. It also has the strongest support among the 40 million strong non residents who are its spokespersons across the world capitals. Has it lost out in the narrative game, has the world refused to buy its version of the war. Has it now realized that the world values democratic traditions and practices. That continuous engagement has no substitute in foreign policy and it has failed in it. Had it relied too much on President Trump and Israel and has been let down and now needs to reach out to the broader international community. Whatever be the case one can only hope that we get to see more bipartisan initiatives in future and our institutions renew the spirit.
Welcome with a pinch of salt
