There is something about Prime Minister Narendra Modi that endears him to a large number of Indians as well as foreigners, particularly the global leaders.
Over the past couple of months, he has hosted, or been hosted by, leaders no less than the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed al Nahyan, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Mohamed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Qatar Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha respectively, and French President Emmanuel Macron in New Delhi who was the Chief Guest at India’s annual Republic Day Parade.
Personal criticisms and political opposition aside, Modi has the style, the right choice of words, the right smiles, the right demenour and the warm hugs that are like the proverbial Jadu ki Jaffi, or the magical embrace, that other leaders spontaneously respond to, or have also started displaying in their interactions with other leaders.
I lived in the Gulf for 13 years from 1981 to 1993, and I love the region, particularly Abu Dhabi and Dubai where I was based and visit as and when I can. UAE is like my second home, at least in my heart. I must point out that the leaders in the Gulf have always been great friends of India irrespective of the political parties in power. For instance, President Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan, the father of Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed, had extended an extremely warm welcome to Mrs Indira Gandhi in May 1981, and he used to describe her as “the only man in the region.” I was a member of her delegation during that visit.
India is respected genuinely because, as UAE’s think tank, ECSSR – Emirates Centre of Strategic Studies and Research – once said: New Delhi is ‘a non-aggressive power.’
Personal relations matter, in Life, Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs. Nonetheless, there is something extra, something much more, in Modi that transcends beyond the established protocols and understated smiles to instant bursts of warmth.
Modi reflects a strengthening India, and he enunciates a vision of India 2047.
Power, Vision and Will are always respected.
Modi also visited the neighbouring Doha, and it was a given that the crisis over the arrest of 8 former Indian Navy personnel working there for a local company on allegations of spying was resolved. All are back home.
It goes without saying that bilateral, regional and international cooperation with the UAE and Qatar on Oil, Technology, Space, Investments and other subjects is set to increase, an imminent follow-up of VVIP visits. Modi spoke of his vision for governance that is inclusive, technologically smart, clean and transparent and green.
Modi’s interaction with the French President was as warm and welcoming, true to what I described as Jadu ki Jaffi, an expression actually I borrow from a Hindi film. Just look at the pictures and video footage. On a lighter note, I won’t be surprised if Mr Emmanuel Macron inspires European leaders also with Mr Modi’s effusive Jadu ki Jaffi.
— Gulshan Rai Luthra
Note: I am writing here on Mr Modi’s style, and take it that relations with all these countries are growing.
