Today’s imperatives of nationalism and humanism are the fulcrum of Modi’s vision
Foreign policy is the international expression of a nation’s most urgent aspirations. Aspiration is dynamic, evolving with a country’s sense of itself and its place in the world. In the first half of the 20th century, Indians abandoned servitude, found a leader in Mahatma Gandhi who gave voice to this new spirit, and by winning freedom in 1947 ended Europe’s colonial project. Gandhi and India shifted the most powerful tide in history.
In the second half of the century, India met and defeated external forces hell-bent on sabotaging the country’s unity, but faltered on the economic front, thanks to the drag of pseudosocialism. The 21st century is already a different place. India has corrected its economic compass, consolidated its economic and political strength, and is ready to claim a legitimate place in the forefront of the 21st century.
Foreign policy is, of necessity, a crucial part of the route map to this new horizon. In Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has a leader ready to shape this transformation and lay the foundations of New India’s rising role in world affairs. At the heart of Modi’s foreign policy is a humanitarian vision inspired by a fundamental tenet of Indian philosophy, that the world is one family. This conviction fits perfectly with the republican ethos of our times.
Empires have been replaced by nation states, inspired by the nationalism of people rather than of elites. Nationalism and humanism are thereby two sides of the same republican coin, and they constitute the fulcrum of Modi’s vision. Nations are no longer “big” or “small”; they are sovereign and equal, with the same rights and, indeed, the same obligations.
This story is from the February 2018 edition of India Se.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2018 edition of India Se.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Framed With Love
Angie mui has achieved phenomenal success and celebrity status as a framer par excellence. her personalised attention to each job makes her stand out from the rest.
Preparing For Annual Energy Changes
The ancient Indian science of vaastu and feng shui both recommend spring-cleaning of homes to ensure a proper flow of energy beneficial to the residents
Dynasties Kill Democracy
India is not a family’s private property.
The Great Cover-Up
Film star in a backless dress causes greater outrage than the death of a Christian schoolboy at the hands of muslim classmates
Big Bose
What did Jawaharlal Nehru fear when he continued IB snooping?
Shiva In Umerkot
An ancient Shiv temple has the pride of place in Umerkot, birthplace of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, in thar desert, Pakistan (continued from the previous issue)
Family Drama In Singapore
Award-winning director Shilpa Krishnan Shukla’s latest feature film was shot entirely in Singapore.
Movie & Myth
Meet Anup Singh, the man behind Qissa and now The Song of the Scorpions.
For Good Neighbours
How feng shui can help you have good relations with your neighbours.
Silver lining For your portfolio
Silverdale bond Fund has delivered over 10 per cent a year when you can hardly get 2 per cent from a Singapore bank. How? Sanjay Guglani (cIO) and Aseem Arora (President) explain