Extraordinary And Plenipotentiary Diplomatist July 19 Edition . | Page 32

BY AMBASSADOR K.V. RAJAN
I
ndian diplomacy usually comes in for much praise
from most quarters at home and abroad—especially
“classic” diplomacy involving the management of
political challenges, tensions and confl ict situations.
Its achievements in other dimensions of
diplomacy—economic and cultural in particular—
have however traditionally been under-recognized.
This is partly because Indian diplomats are not given
much credit back home for their achievements in
these fi elds even when there is much recognition and
acclaim locally.
The Modi Government has been elected with a huge
mandate, in large measure due to the hopes, aspirations
and expectations of people that there would be a rapid
improvement in their quality of life.
Mr. Modi himself seems to be in a hurry to fulfi l
these expectations in large measure during his tenure.
And there is little doubt that his hopes of India
becoming a five trillion economy, of achieving 8
percent annual growth of the Indian economy, etc, in
the foreseeable future are dependent in good measure
on the private sector—Finance Minister said as much
in her maiden budget speech on June 4, 2019.
It is also recognized that the success or otherwise
of Indian diplomats in delivering successes in terms
32 • Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 7 • July 2019, Noida
of trade expansion, increased investment, technology
transfers, solutions to India’s problems in agriculture,
scientifi c research, food and energy security, exports,
skill development, employment, health and education
will play a role in determining the trajectory of the
Indian story in the next few years. The government’s
keenness to open diplomatic missions in most countries
around the world is a refl ection of this realization, apart
from the priority accorded to strengthening links with
the Indian diaspora.
Thus, diplomats with strong credentials for
economic and commercial work have their work cut
out for them.
They must be given space, encouragement and
priority when performance assessments are made for
their promotions or transfers. This has not always
been the case.
They will also need to be re-skilled to the extent
necessary from the point of view of India’s needs
and the host country’s potential. For example, a
generalist would not be able to work eff ectively in
a country with untapped energy resources unless he
understands the intricacies of the particular energy
trade involved. They should be encouraged to be less
inhibited in supporting and assisting the Indian private