Even if the government wished to avoid living up to its international commitments, the manner in which it has ducked its obligations is embarrassing. The Asean ministers were due to be joined in Myanmar by Commerce Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Instead, at the very last minute, Ms Sitharaman declared that she needed to stay back - not because there is some domestic crisis that needs her attention, but because of the launch ceremony of a new financial inclusion scheme. This has given new fuel to those who insist that the Modi government cares more for public-relations occasions, such as launch ceremonies, than the real nuts-and-bolts of reform, such as trade negotiations. Meanwhile, those Ms Sitharaman was supposed to meet have been left hanging. They will justifiably point out that the schedule was decided on long ago; that everyone else has domestic commitments, too, which they have worked around; and so on. The question is that even if the minister is searching for an excuse to postpone a treaty that India really should sign, surely an alibi can be found that does not make the Indian government look disorganised and amateurish?
This is not the first such occasion. The prime minister himself called off a trip to Japan scheduled at the same time as a Parliament session - surely something that should have been predicted. In diplomacy, where questions of national dignity can intrude into the most rational of discussions, such casualness is not in the national interest. Indeed Mr Modi is due to finally make that trip to Japan soon. The broad strategic vision he was supposed to take with him is of an India determined to forge strong relationships in the Pacific Rim and Southeast Asia. Instead of this vision, Mr Modi will take with him the aura of a government that cannot spare a minister of state for a few hours to attend a major Southeast Asian conference. Again, the impact on India's national interest, and its future security, will not be negligible. Mr Modi has indicated he will carry on, and intensify, India's "Look East" policy. But this start is hardly inspiring.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app