In a much hyped interview with Arnab Goswami, his first one on one after becoming the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi answered some critical questions on a whole range of topics ranging from the Indian Foreign Policy under the NDA government to the controversies surrounding the government.
On Foreign Policy, Narendra Modi made it clear that international politics no longer operated under bipolar power sectors and every nation was equally important. He emphasized that small countries were as important as larger nations when it came to India’s foreign policy. On a related note, he iterated that the International Solar Coalition fronted by India helped 50 island nations suffering from the imminent threat of Global Warming.
In response to a question on China and if it had a ‘mindset’ problem with India, Narendra Modi reiterated that China and India were two separate countries with their own national interests. On certain occasions, their national interests aligned with each other and on others, they did not. Therefore, negotiations were essential towards reaching a ‘meeting point’ where both countries could work together effectively for the betterment of their own nations.
Arnab Goswami asked Narendra Modi how far could India’s relationship with the United States of America if it continued to arm Pakistan in spite of its little veiled support of terrorism against India. Narendra Modi suggested that the Indian Media should refrain from viewing every step that India undertook from the prism of Pakistan. India wouldn’t compromise its strategic interests merely for the sake of Pakistan. It is perhaps in stark contrast to Pakistan’s policy where the authorities wouldn’t mind selling half the nation to China if it meant dealing India a credible blow.
Arnab Goswami reminded Narendra Modi of his view regarding Pakistan during the run-up to the elections in 2014 that talks and terrorism could not go hand in hand.
Narendra Modi hinted that ‘different types of forces are operating in Pakistan’ and India could only hold talks with the democratically elected government of Pakistan which are necessary to establish a peaceful neighborhood. However, it was necessary for India to always remain on alert and asserted that the Army has been given a free hand at the Border. Also, talks were necessary to establish the fact that India was not aversive to peace and that India was leaving no stones unturned in its efforts for it.
Arnab Goswami raised a few pointed questions about Subramanian Swamy’s sordid remarks on Raghuram Rajan. Narendra Modi made it clear in no uncertain terms that the party did not endorse Mr. Swamy’s views and such ‘publicity stunts’ were not healthy for the develop of the nation. In response to another question regarding controversial statements by hotheads, Narendra Modi insisted that the media should reconsider showering so much attention on them and that in some cases, he had noticed that people whose faces he hadn’t even seen had been heralded as some sort of spokespersons of the party.
Throughout the interview, Narendra Modi insisted that his primary focus was on the development of the poor. From his economic policy which concentrated on the the predicaments of the farmers to his government’s efforts to curbing Black Money, it was solely directed towards the welfare of the poorest sections of the society. When asked what motivated him to work so hard and maintain such a hectic schedule, Narendra Modi insisted that the plight of the Indian Poor was motivation enough for him to dedicate his entire efforts for their development.
On questions on GST and disruptive tactics of the Congress, Narendra Modi made it clear that he was willing to walk the mile if the opposition was willing to reciprocate the gesture. He insisted there was very little his party could do when the opposition was more inclined towards running away from debates than engaging in one. He reiterated that the Congress shouldn’t make the GST an ego battle as it would only hinder the progress of the poorer sections of the society and politics should not take precedence over the lives of the downtrodden.
Narendra Modi made several crucial remarks at various points in the interview. He admonished those evading taxes and awarded them an ultimatum. He requested that all taxes be paid by September 30th after which the government will be forced to take necessary actions. He also mentioned how 30 income tax officers were forced into early retirement for poor performance and some who had not been transferred in 20 years were awarded a transfer. He mentioned one Chandrakanth ji from Pune who donates 5000 rupees every month towards Swachh Bharat Abhiyan from his pension of 16000 rupees and cited him as a motivation to work harder.
The interview certainty lived up to its expectations and was littered with humor at various junctures. Narendra Modi highlighted the lack of humor in present political discourse and how he has afraid of how innocent remarks were often spurned into a controversies of humongous proportions. It was quite enjoyable watching Narendra Modi talk ‘frankly’ with Arnab Goswami on ‘Frankly Speaking’ and one can only hope Mr. Modi would give such interviews at regular intervals.