Chinese Communist Party’s mouthpiece Global Times has hailed PM Narendra Modi for his efforts toward improving relations between the two Asian giants. Counting in the progress that has taken place during the past five years, Global Times called Narendra Modi the most popular Indian prime minister, even surpassing the popularity of Jawaharlal Nehru.
“In terms of diplomacy, Modi has drawn global attention to India during the past five years. In Chinese society, which used to be relatively less interested in India, Modi’s popularity and influence has surpassed those of previous Indian leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. In spite of several ups and downs, Beijing-New Delhi ties have made remarkable progress in the past five years.” Long Xingchun wrote in his article in the Global Times.
This comes after a series of awards and accolades given to PM Modi from various governments around the world. Just two years into his term in 2016, PM Modi received the Grand Collar of the State Palestine, Amir Abdulla Khan award of Afghanistan, King Abdulla Aziz Award of the Kingdom Saudi Arabia, these awards of the highest civilian order, were followed by Seoul Peace Prize by South Korea and Champion of the Earth award by the United Nations in 2018.
Adding more stars to India’s increasing diplomatic outreach, in an unprecedented scenario, PM Modi was also honored with Zayed Award of the United Arab Emirates and most recently with Order of St Andrew the Apostle by Russia. These awards come just as India prepares itself for the 2019 general elections.
Foreign diplomatic relations, which are inherently slow paced, require constant struggle against the status quo. However, Narendra Modi’s pragmatic and proactive approach in this respect has led to swift, positive results for Indian diplomatic efforts. India’s friendly relations with West Asian nations is a striking example. While at the home turf Narendra Modi is portrayed as ‘anti-Muslim’ by a specific section of media, at the global stage, Islamic nations have shown their regard and respect for the Indian Prime Minister and people, by honoring him with the highest civilian awards.
What makes these honors even more intriguing is their timing, as they were given just as India was set to go into elections. Usually, the countries, playing it safe, distance themselves from ruling dispensations during time of elections, fearing the mandate going against the current dispensation and essentially voiding the bilateral progress. However, PM Modi’s exemplary efforts and personal synergy with world leaders have surely impacted the norm. The kind of engagement that Narendra Modi is getting from the international community is unprecedented.
International community with its continuous participation has surely indicated their confidence in Narendra Modi’s re-election to the top post. Narendra Modi’s administration has taken huge strides forward in India’s relation with the world. What started as an invite to neighboring nations on the oath-taking ceremony on the first day to multiple awards by many countries towards the end of his first term, are the evidence of Narendra Modi’s administrative success in this regard. India under Narendra Modi government has seen improving its relations with the USA, China, and Russia, three world giants, which in themselves may not see eye to eye, but consider India as a strong global partner. The 2019 general elections are sure to determine the future course of India in the geopolitical arena, while Narendra Modi stands at one end with a fabulous report card the other end is crowded by several ambitious leaders of convenience, the choice Indians are about to make, if not certain, is surely predictable.