Arzu's India Visit Proves Naysayers Wrong

Like in the past, the people have high expectations that things will improve in the country and all the citizens can live in peace and harmony without any sense of insecurity. Now also, we listen to the tall promises made in the name of bringing prosperity to the people and also protecting the hard-won political system that we enjoy now. Besides political stability, the people also expect the decision makers to deal with the day-to-day difficulties that most common citizens face. Forget bigger matters like amending some laws or transfer of some officials, the public want to see leaders talking of controlling the alarming inflation, access to better health facilities and better social security, among others.

The people in power also assure the public that they are trying to resolve such problems. But this is easier said than done. We must accept that the present new government formed by two political parties with completely different ideologies, is also trying to do its best for political stability and in accomplishing certain goals. This author feels, it has done a satisfactory job in the short time it has been in power, though of course it is a very difficult task to show results within weeks or months.

Freedom of expression

One major achievement made by the different political changes is the full ability of all the people, including the media, to enjoy the right to freedom of expression. But here, we must also be cautious to not only criticise the political leaders and different governments just because we have the right to voice our discontent, we should also provide positive advice and correct all leaders and officials if they have gone in a wrong path. Just seeking rights is not enough. If someone is a real nation loving person, working together and giving constructive suggestions when needed, are also important.

Right now, there is some sort of raging controversy on the decision of the government to implement certain laws, especially some of which are directly connected to ending corruption.

The Prime Minister has been very forthright in saying how he would not tolerate any form of corruption, but still some people are already questioning about these new laws, even though it still is at the discussion phase in the House of Representatives. Yes, certain regulations can be manipulated by the government officials for their own interests, but if laws are made with good intentions, time should be given before any judgement is made about these sensitive issues.

Similarly, many adverse comments were made when Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba visited India on a totally private visit. Critics lambasted her for going there without any agenda and they had even commented that she would not be able to meet even her Indian counterpart. But all such pessimistic predictions were proved wrong when no less than Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met her and held bilateral talks on mutual cooperation between the two countries. A formal meeting was also held between Arzu Rana Deuba and Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar.

It is understandable that there are many critics of Foreign Minister Deuba, and many have not liked the way she has become successful in national politics. But as a person who has worked closely with many foreign diplomats as well as officials and even ministers in our own ministry, Arzu Rana Deuba is a much better candidate for her present post than many others before her. She exudes confidence and has the personality and presence to deal with leaders of the international community on an equal footing. This is an asset for any political leader and also a plus point for the country's effort to make its presence felt without having to play a smaller role in front of very seasoned diplomats that other nations have. Here, we have to learn from others as well. If one looks at it negatively, we are definitely cramped by the fact that we are surrounded by two giant nations which have totally different political beliefs.

But at the same time, we should not overlook the fact that both these nations are now major powers as far as the economy of the world is concerned. So, if we just keep a balanced foreign policy, we can gain a lot from the progress both these nations have made in improving their respective economies. This is a very good opportunity for Nepal, which has a very tiny number of people compared to these two most populous countries of the world. We must appreciate the leaderships of both India and China for the immense growth and prosperity they have brought to their nations. So not being burdened like them with populations of billions, we can manage most problems in the country, like job opportunities for instance, more easily than them.

Plus point 

As we are talking about our Foreign Minister's visit to India, it would not be out of place to say that Indian PM Modi has not only played an important part in ushering in development to his large and diverse nation, but importantly also making the presence of India and its important role in international politics felt by all. He is now considered as an influential statesman, whose presence in different international conferences is taken as a major asset. 

This is definitely a major accomplishment on the part of the government and also in the diplomatic capabilities of our new Foreign Minister. It is also a major plus point in the astute foreign policy of India and the manner in which they have handled this issue about which many ultra 'nationalists' are very sensitive about.

Our leaders and decision makers, must learn from such pragmatic handling of different issues, which can be handled with just a little more thought and not hurting the sentiments of others. Our own media, which now constantly talk of the 'sovereignty' of the country, must also not fan the fire of antagonism, when we actually require sound relations with the entire international community, especially our two giant neighbours.

  (The author is former chief editor of this daily.)