Dinesh Kamath's Editorial 'Modi’s visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka sends powerful messages' that was published in Newsband

Modi’s visit to Maldives and Sri Lanka sends powerful messages

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first visit abroad is to the Maldives and Sri Lanka, while S. Jaishankar wraps up his first visit abroad as Foreign Minister to Bhutan.

This is the first state visit by Mr. Modi to Male. A series of agreements are expected during the visits, including the implementation of an $800 million Line of Credit to the Maldives. The projects include a cricket stadium, water purification and sewerage systems, as well as a Coastal Surveillance Radar System and a Composite Training Centre for the Maldives National Defence Force. For Sri Lanka, Mr. Modi’s message is one of solidarity in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday terror attacks and the communal violence that followed, as well as a commitment to continue bilateral cooperation on joint development projects agreed to in 2017.

Earlier Deeper concerns arose from the Chinese naval presence in both Male and Colombo. Now, the situation has turned. Governments in both countries have changed. Modi's visits to both the Maldives and Sri Lanka do indeed send powerful messages at several levels and everywhere.

Firstly, this is very active Indian foreign policy where India shows that it has no qualms about exculpating its displeasure if neighbourhood countries act in ways that undermine Indian interests and further those of its enemies. Secondly, it shows to the peoples of these two nations that India is a true and trusted friend which can be depended upon in times of crises. Thirdly, it shows to our own citizens that foreign policy does matter domestically too as it impinges directly upon the lives of everyone of us. Fourthly, there is an intricate and grander 'Great Game' going on and India is well and truly playing its legitimate and required part. Fifthly, the 'China factor' which is a connecting thread between the two visits shows a consistency of purpose in our foreign policy that is tied to our strategic security and prosperity.

Good governments are those which have a balance of foreign as well as domestic policy. What should be done, it sometimes happens that, is decided just to put checks on China at any cost; even granting a great chunk of amount flows to other countries. There are always fear factors on things of China's increasing influence on our neighbour countries. We are now super markets for all world and still are following others. Resources and man power are in abundance seeking opportunities to be used up. It is frequently seen that our imports are becoming more than our exports which sometimes throw light on our insufficiency which must be improved. Let others do what they do; just do what we want for our people. Environment degradation, poverty, unemployment and other social backwardness are main problems on which we must put extra efforts rather than making coverage on China's policies. Media must come on front to make government see what are real problems and difficulties we have to face.