No harm in accepting foreign aid
The Ministry of External Affairs
spokesperson said that “in line with the existing policy”, the Central
government would meet requirements in Kerala through “domestic efforts”.
Various governments have made specific offers to Kerala, from about ₹700 crore
from the UAE to about ₹35 lakh from the Maldives. The spokesperson added that
only PIOs, NRIs or international foundations could send money from overseas to
the Prime Minister’s or Chief Minister’s relief fund.
Offers of aid from foreign
governments must naturally be scrutinised to see if they compromise national
security and other interests. But to stand on notions of self-reliance in a
multilateral world, to spurn a helping hand, is to be beholden to a strange
pride. There is no shame in taking help, just as there should be no hesitation
in offering it. India has a longstanding tradition of rushing help elsewhere.
The most important point is whether
India govt. has the capacity to make up the loss sustained in this devastating
flood of the century? If India govt. can provide succour and relief in cash and
in kind in keeping with the gravity of the situation then this snooty gesture
bears some meaning otherwise it will be treated as a ploy, to score brownie points,
by the central govt. over this issue. Of course the issue of security should be
of paramount importance. But, the country like UAE, Maldives do not seem to be
holding out helping hands with any malafide intent. Moreover, these small
countries might take it as an insult for not showing respect towards their tiny
yet sincere gesture. India will surely get opportunity to reciprocate this
gesture. In this time of severe crisis we can embolden our diplomatic ties with
the smaller countries by respecting their sincere attitude of help keeping the
internal politics at bay. The opposition should stand by the govt. in accepting
help.
The centre should examine each case
and allow request for help since we have accepted such aids in the past and
also given aid to others. UAE is a special case since they have a genuine
desire to help due to their feeling that Keralites had a role in development of
their nation. UPA's denial in the past need not be treated as a rule or policy
but just a decision considering the then existing geo-political situation
There should not be any objection
to accept the assistance from foreign countries when they accept our assistance
when they are/were in distress
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