Modi's Individual Diplomatic Approach Failed... Is There a Solution to the Issue? (By Aakar Patel)

In a world where personal connections are often seen as the key to resolving international disputes, the Indian government's approach since 2014 has been to prioritize personalized diplomacy. This strategy, which involves direct conversations, displays of affection, grand events, and the belief that friendship can help resolve issues, has been the cornerstone of India's foreign policy.

However, the effectiveness of this approach is being questioned, particularly in light of recent events. The clash at Galwan, which involved India and China, led to a collapse in the sense of camaraderie that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promoted. This incident, along with other contentious issues, has raised doubts about the efficacy of personalized diplomacy in the Indian context.

The problem is not that personalized diplomacy is inherently flawed, as demonstrated by Nixon and Kissinger's use of it to bring China onside with the United States. Instead, the issue lies in the Indian government's current international standing. The Indian government is currently struggling to find its place in the world, with nations it considered allies spurning it and forcing it to turn to perceived rivals.

The writer of this article, X @aakar_patel, Chair of Amnesty International India, suggests that acknowledging the reasons for the current situation could lead to correcting it. However, it is more likely that the government will continue on its current path. The writer criticizes President Trump for being a selfish bully who looks after his own interests first and last, citing his harsh treatment of India on tariffs and forcing Prime Minister Modi to stop buying oil from Tehran.

The writer also implies that the Indian government's failure to understand President Trump's character and motivations led to the current situation. This is not surprising, as personalized diplomacy requires a deep understanding of the other party's personality and interests.

In contrast to the frequent meetings between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping, young Indian couples in arranged marriages meet fewer than 18 times before deciding if they are suitable as life partners. This highlights the high stakes involved in international diplomacy and the need for careful consideration and strategic planning.

The writer suggests that the Indian government's continued approach may continue due to the difficulty in conveying that the Prime Minister may not be totally competent. However, it is crucial for the Indian government to reassess its foreign policy strategies and find a more effective approach to navigating the complex world of international relations.

In conclusion, the effectiveness of personalized diplomacy as a method is not explicitly stated to have been proven ineffective, but its results in the Indian government's current situation are being questioned. The writer offers unsolicited opinion, especially in times of crisis, and encourages the Indian government to take a hard look at its foreign policy strategies and find a more effective approach to resolving international disputes.

Modi's Individual Diplomatic Approach Failed... Is There a Solution to the Issue? (By Aakar Patel)