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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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
