Obama invites Modi to visit America

Anil Narendra

Hardly after one an half month of taking over of new regime under the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the world super powers have been striving hard to steal opportunities at the earliest to get associated in the process of economic revival in India.  The countries like USA, Russia, China, France, Singapore and others have joined the race in sending their representatives to contact the weeks old  government in India to express their crystal clear desire to co operate in the development agenda of Modi.  Apart from this Japan, China, Germany and USA have already sent invitation to Modi to visit their respective countries.  Obama, American president has sent a formal invitation to Modi to visit his country sometimes in September, 2014.  American Dy. Secretary of States, William Berns handed over this invitation on behalf of Obama to Modi during his scheduled call.  A statement issued by the PM office sated that Obama has reiterated his invitation to Modi to visit Washington and has further expressed his willingness to boost Indo-Us relations to a level of decisive partnership in the 21st century and to strengthen further the bilateral relationship based on trust and confidence.  Modi while immediately accepting invitation conveyed his sincere thanks to Obama and stated that he is eagerly looking for his result oriented visit to the States in September.

We are of the opinion that there was no ground with Narender Modi to accept invitation of Obama spontaneously as USA had been insulting Modi for the last nine years by declining a visa to him.  The frequent visits of American high ups immediately after taking over as the PM by Modi are surprising.  No doubt, we support better relations between the two countries.  The first visit of Indian PM to USA is going to be of paramount importance.  The so called first visit in reference cannot be termed as the first visit of Modi to America as he is otherwise also scheduled to visit New York to attend UN General Assembly meeting in September.  From there he would go to Washington, hence, the visit is just co- incidental and an extension of the scheduled programme.  We must not forget that America is a selfish country as far as her conduct, behaviour and past record are concerned.  America feels no hesitation in taking frequent u- turns and making denials. Presently engagement with India has become a compulsion for America.  Hence it is becoming impossible for America to neglect the huge Indian market.  Apart from this America is looking restive as other major countries like Britain, France, Japan and all others have been seriously contacting India to exploit their business interests.  This forced Obama to send a formal invitation in hurry as he doesn’t want to lag behind.  The earlier government headed by Manmohan Singh, had been blindly following American footprints during last decade.  This became evident from Yes Boss approach followed by UPA II government.  We expect from Modi that he while keeping in view the self respect of India and American compulsions would never ink any agreement going to be detrimental to our interests.  Will Modi would easily forget the insult met to him by America during last decade.  It would have been better and appropriate for Modi to adopt a wait and watch approach at least for a few months before taking any decision on his visit to America; this would have definitely enhanced his stature.