India pays for being pals with US
The reason behind India remembering Nehru often is that the first PM of our country laid down a strong foreign policy for the nation. He took the mid path when two most powerful nations tried to drag an independent India, in their stride.
Along with that, he took a soft stance on communism in Russia. India had gained enough stronghold to assume the power of command as the reckoning force of third front during Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s time. During this phase, Nehru’s foresightedness regarding foreign policy had played a major role, in post-independent India. But in the last two decades, India is in a confused state with no clear road map regarding this diplomatic matter.
The ones who rule us assume being close to America is our ticket to increase the country’s image and power. And even America has used this ‘illusion’ that India has been nourishing since long. Most of the economic crisis we are facing today are a result of our close bonding with the USA. A bungled up foreign policy is what leads to this consistent hike in petrol and diesel prices in India. Many argue that our country could have escaped the wrath of this situation had it exercised safe distance from America in view of the sanctions USA has imposed on Iran.
American president Donald Trump had imposed sanctions against Iran in view of the failed nuclear agreement with Iran. India had reduced its buying of fuel from Iran after that. Even USA pressurized India not to warm up with Iran. Though oil company CEOs had said it is not possible to meet the supply demand in the country without being in good terms with Iran, and get our regular supply of oil. The central ministry did not think through to understand the repercussions of such a decision on the political scenario.
The country has still not been able to nail its stance on Iran, after the sanctions were imposed. We don’t even know whether we can reduce our dependency on Iran for fuel needs. India may request US to allow us to continue buying fuel from Iran. And US may hold out a carrot of assuring to reduce duty on exports to the US from here. Ever since Republican Donald Trump assumed office, he has been opposing nuclear deal with Iran. Indian Foreign Policy office had been preparing a plan to reduce the country’s fuel dependency on Iran since that time. But India’s relationship with Iran is not restricted to fuel alone and has larger significance as far as international politics is concerned.
Modi govt chose to ignore that aspect. While Trump retreated unilaterally from nuclear agreement with Iran, he also had India getting stuck in a very tricky situation.
American President had directed the ‘friends of US’ including India to cut off trade relations with Iran. Now having done that, US has not only restricted India’s fuel supply from Iran but also indirectly meddled with the nation’s foreign security policy.
In the last 12 years after India entered into nuclear agreement with the US, a lot of changes have happened in the nations’ approach towards each other. Modi has visited America more than any other foreign leader in the world. Even Obama administration had shown warmth and cooperation with India. But then the same nation had suggested that India backs out from the deal of India, Pakistan and Iran’s plan to lay gas pipeline to benefit all the three nations.
But then this is a massive blow for India which is already reeling under massive damage caused by demonetization and GST implementation.
Any reduction in buying oil from Iran or looking for another source of oil is going to have a heavy impact in the coming days. A cursory glance reveals there are no chances of oil prices coming down in the near future.
In case India loses a good relationship it shares with Iran, it may take ages for the nation to regain confidence in this space. Iran had taken India’s side in many a fora of Islamic nations. India’s decision, if it happens, to ruin a well formed bond with another resourceful nation which never damaged the country would mean self-harming of interests for India.
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Eid celebrated with fervour across Karnataka
Bengaluru (PTI): Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across Karnataka on Saturday, with thousands of people offering special prayers at mosques and Eidgahs, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
In Bengaluru and other major cities, people gathered in large numbers early in the morning to offer namaz, exchanged greetings of "Eid Mubarak", and visited relatives and friends. Markets wore a festive look, with brisk business reported in garments, sweets, and accessories in the run-up to the festival.
Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, in his message, said, "May this Eid ul-Fitr bring joy, peace, and prosperity to all our citizens celebrating around the nation. As Ramadan month concludes, let us continue to cherish the values of compassion, generosity, and unity. Eid Mubarak to everyone!"
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who participated in a mass prayer programme, extended greetings to the Muslim community and underscored the importance of harmony and compassion.
"Praying for the welfare of humanity is essential," he said.
"Praying for the well-being of humankind is essential, and people should live with mutual love and trust, guided by humanity. India is a country of diverse religions and cultures, and in a nation marked by unity in diversity, everyone must live together harmoniously. No religion preaches hatred; all religions advocate love," the chief minister added.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, in a message posted on 'X', said, "May this Eid bring happiness and prosperity. Eid Mubarak!" Festive meals, including traditional delicacies such as Seviyan (vermicelli) and Biryani, were prepared in households, while charitable acts and distribution of food and alms marked the spirit of the festival across the state.
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