- The Indian government at the Centre never misses an opportunity to reiterate how the nation has progressed under its regime in the last nine years. Agreed, from a country known to be aspiring to become one of the most talked about to already becoming one in a few years speaks volumes about the progress made by the nation all around. No wonder, the Indian position in the geopolitical and geostrategic sphere has undergone tremendous changes courtesy of focused efforts, attention, diplomacy, and most importantly, the personal investment of the Prime Minister himself. The heft, traction, and weight carried by India as a nation around the world is there for all to see. The credit should accrue to the PM for ensuring the Indian flag flies high.
PC: hindustantimes
- It’s a matter of pride for the nation to witness how we have achieved the milestone of being among the five largest economies in the world despite facing several challenges in the last few years courtesy of the pandemic and the ongoing conflicts between Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas. Of course, India is also touted to be among the three largest economies in the next few years as well. These phenomenal achievements are bound to warm the cockles of all concerned. Yes, India is an aspirational society looking beyond the mundane to achieve success in all fields. Further, India’s aspiration to be counted as a regional and global superpower should also be accompanied by actions befitting a powerhouse country penciled into achieving greater glory. Are we doing it?
- As such, the Indian establishment essaying a crucial role in the region assumes significant importance, especially for the struggling neighboring countries like Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. Indian leadership is known to have extended every possible support including the aid to Sri Lanka. And the aftermath of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, India has extended humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged country as well. Indeed, India had a big role to play in Afghanistan’s brilliant and heartwarming victory over reigning ODI World Cup champions England as well. Greater Noida and Lucknow stadiums were home for the Afghan cricketers’ training and even played their official home matches in these venues. Unfortunately, Covid interrupted this.
PC: thewire
- India had to cancel all existing visas issued to Afghan citizens after the Taliban takeover. But these have been sparingly handed out. While GOI’s approach may have made security sense in the immediate aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover, there’s little point in persisting with it now. The Afghan team wanted to train in India before the start of the World Cup. But visa issues got in the way. Given that India’s help to the Afghan cricket team has been a huge source of goodwill, New Delhi is undermining its geopolitical interests here. More engagement should lead to a generous visa regime. There are hundreds of Afghan students who want to resume their studies in India. Thus, not nurturing our soft power and development projects in Afghanistan will be a humanitarian failure and a geopolitical mistake. The aspiring global powerhouse should step up.
