Thursday, July 25, 2013

Narendra Modi and his US visa - Salil Tripathi - Live Mint



Narendra Modi and his US visa

The public relations machinery around Narendra Modi is desperate to show its leader’s acceptance by foreigners
Salil Tripathi Mail Me
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First Published: Wed, Jul 24 2013. 12 23 PM IST
A file photo of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Reuters
A file photo of Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. Photo: Reuters
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Updated: Wed, Jul 24 2013. 01 32 PM IST
 
It seems Sushma Swaraj is the only politician to have got the issue of visas to the US right. When the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha met US Vice-President Joe Biden, she pressed the case of Indian professionals whose entry to the US ends up being held hostage to the prevailing winds of US politics. Fearing more immigrants whenever there is an economic downturn, American lawmakers raise the bogey of losing US jobs to foreigners, and call for more restrictions on the number of foreigners that can enter the US legally to work.
 
Such restrictions make the US economy less competitive; they hamper US businesses, which want to attract talent not found easily in the US. Letting more Indian professionals into the US is good for the country, the economy, business, companies, and for Indian companies, which send employees to the US, and indeed for the employees themselves. Championing their cause is the right thing for an Indian politician.
 
Not so wise were the 65 MPs from 12 parties, who wrote to US President Barack Obama, saying that the US must not grant a visa to Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi. To be sure, there is no Indian political leader as polarizing and divisive as Modi, and it is understandable that Indian politicians who oppose his rise would like Modi to remain, in effect, a persona non grata in the US. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom decided in 2005 that Modi was unworthy of a US visa under a clause which says anyone who has “directly carried out, at any time, particularly severe violations of religious freedom” is ineligible for the visa.
 
And yet, the prize for the silliest intervention on this issue goes to Rajnath Singh. The man who opposes “Anglicisation” and doesn’t like the dominance of the English language in India became the equivalent of a visa agent for Modi during his visit to the US, saying he would ask US lawmakers to allow Modi in. At such times one wishes for an Indian Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert!
 
Whether or not to issue Modi a visa is a decision for Americans to take, based on their laws. Getting a visa is not a right; it is a favour the host country grants the person who wishes to enter the country. Yes, it may mean people’s hopes can get dashed when a candidate with insufficient funds who has secured admission to a university with partial scholarship, is denied a visa. Or, viewing a visa applicant as a potential immigrant, the consulate turns down an application. Is it unfair? Yes, of course, for the individual. But it is how visas are granted—nobody has the right to get a visa anywhere. (India does the same to foreigners who wish to enter India. Ask any Pakistani or Bangladeshi, or a US-born Pakistani or Bangladeshi, about the hoops they have to jump to get a visa; ask foreign journalists or academics wishing to visit India, and how hard it is for them).
 
The amusing part is that hardly any Indian will vote for—or against—Modi because of his visa status. If Americans grant Modi a visa tomorrow, he doesn’t overnight become more electable in India; if they continue to deny him a visa, it won’t change anyone’s opinion about Modi or, indeed, about America. As the 2012 Gujarati film, Kevi Rite Jaish? (How will you go?) revealed, despite economic growth and prosperity in Gujarat, many young Gujaratis yearn to migrate to the US.
 
The public relations machinery around Modi is desperate to show their leader’s acceptance by foreigners. They will point out his lunch with ambassadors from the European Union, and the British high commissioner’s presence at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, as marks of his acceptance. But those diplomats don’t have a vote in India. Besides, from the US all they seem to have got are a Skype call with Newt Gingrich, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives who was fined by the House for ethics violations, and an endorsement from Eni Faleomavaega, a non-voting member of the House of Representatives.
 
What the US thinks of Modi is clear: while Modi’s supporters often cite a leaked Wikileaks cable, in which an American consular officer who met Modi praises Gujarat’s economic progress and the successful way Modi has branded himself as “non-corrupt, effective administrator,” they fail to mention that in the same cable the consul general has also sought meetings with Modi to “deliver a clear message on human rights and religious freedom directly.”
 
Challenging the politics Modi represents, fighting against the values he promotes, and opposing his idea of India is a legitimate battle for the country, and it should be fought vigorously. These 65 MPs should be engaged in that at home, rather than asking a foreign power to do their bidding. And Rajnath Singh should ask Swaraj how to represent Indian interests with foreigners.
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  • Avatar
    Bharat Nirman • 5 hours ago

    Salil I wish to see more posts about:
    1. Sonia Gandhi - She deserves your attention, currently she is heading the country.
    2. Rahul Gandhi - He is an equally eligible contender along with Modi, may be with all the regional calculations, he may be next prime minister. Doesn't he deserves your decoding? I think we country man deserve your thoughtful insights about him also, aren't journalists are pillar of democracy?
    3. Mr P Chidambaram: Currently he is heading our economy, our grey cells are not intelligent enough what's going wrong with Rs, or with stock market, could you also through some light on this some day?
    4. Since you are a political writer, can we expect something from you about the alliances of UPA-2, SP and BSP? can you tell us the reason why these guys keep opposing each other in public and supporting in parliament? Don't we deserve this from you?
    5. Mr Sushil Shinde: There were lots problems with China as well as humiliation with this letter on international front; will we hear something from you regarding this?
    There are numerous issues Salil, but focusing your energy just on one person (be it good or bad) is not justified. If I have missed something, you can share me the links about the above personalities if you have written something.
    Sometimes, I feel you guys keep of cursing politicians; how much responsibly you acted? I strongly feel the responsibility you are having is not less than a politicians, but do you understand one thing. We people are really fed up with the things you are forcing us to read. I wish some sense will prevail in you and I welcome you to visit India more often and write from here. I welcome your comments if you can explain this irony.
    Moreover, I did not ask anything about Manmohan singh because he doesn't deserve our attention but should it be the same from you?
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    Tejpal • 7 hours ago

    "Challenging the politics Modi represents, fighting against the values he promotes, and opposing his idea of India is a legitimate battle for the country, and it should be fought vigorously. These 65 MPs should be engaged in that at home, rather than asking a foreign power to do their bidding. And Rajnath Singh should ask Swaraj how to represent Indian interests with foreigners."
    It is difficult to understand the entire post where the columnist meanders from issue of Modi visa to jobs etc. Same time he indulges in getting Rajnath to advise Sushma but for irrelevant cause in this post. One must understand the psychology of the columnist by his master.
    • Avatar
      Salil Tejpal • 6 hours ago

      I'm not saying Rajnath should advice Sushma. I've suggested he needs to learn from Sushma, And he - and the 65 worthies - need to understand where India's legitimate interests lie.
      • Avatar
        Tejpal Salil • 6 hours ago

        Salil, glad that you respond, right or wrong but with due respect to you, I quote here your another line, "The amusing part is that hardly any Indian will vote for—or against—Modi because of his visa status."
        Being an Indian, it surprises me because USA today is reckoned like Rome, when all roads led to it. Have a rethink on your above line and see if it is right or wrong. It is another matter, whether Rajnath should have made (silly) request to Americans or not. You have criticised even Sushma as well. Please understand, I have no need to find fault but it is a constructive criticism, take it or leave, is your choice. I still feel that it is bereft on facts and a mismatch with the caption. Sorry, hope u get my meaning in your best interest.
        • Avatar
          Salil Tejpal • 5 hours ago

          Thanks. I'm not criticising Sushma Swaraj on this issue. She raised a legitimate issue with Biden - H1B visas. And those who don't like Modi are not going to be swayed by the American decision; likewise, those who like him, will vote for him, irrespective of the American refusal.
          • Avatar
            Tejpal Salil • 3 hours ago

            Mindset of Indian voters is completely different. No where near to western public. One reason can be illiteracy and the official language English which is hardly understood by a miniscule elites only, and to make it even worst, regionalism has managed to destroy its uniformity even more based on linguistic politics, e.g. Shiv Sena is best example. Southern States are another example.
            Most of Indian voters are hardly informed enough on the issues. It can be further assessed into the dichotomy of voting patterns in regional and national levels. There are hardly principles left in Indian politics. Such stamps "Foreign Made" make a lot of difference. These MPs (literate enough) who wrote the letter to US President exemplify my view amply. National sensitivity is nihil in them. Hence a US stamp will make no difference; is a difficult question to debate but its impact can't be completely overruled, provided it came spontaneously. I am very anguished at Rajnath as equally on these silly 65. Both should have desisted their senseless attempts.
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    TKG • 7 hours ago

    Another story from Congress big mouth. Mr Tripathi, do some background check on Cong (i) leaders. Your inner sense will get a jolt before writing this type of piece. Count how many numbers of riots took place before BJP came as a party, before BJP (or a modi) started forming a govt and under the so called secular leaders like Indira Gandhi to Diggy baba, before labeling Modi as the most divisive leader in Indian politics. Sikh riots, Nellie kilings etc etc etc, took place under the watchful eyes of your secular Cong (I). Your PM Rajiv Gandhi & Indira Gandhi was in the helm of affair in Delhi during both the riots and also the states were run by your secular Cong (I) Pvt Ltd. Don't impose your ill, half cooked though over the common man? Write your own column in your own magazine, but not bring these rotten thought to public.
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    kalandar • 8 hours ago

    What will US do if Mody Voted as Prime Minister in next election. Will it refuse him entry as PM of India.?
    • Avatar
      Salil kalandar • 6 hours ago

      They can do that to Modi. They didn't allow Kurt Waldheim, president of Austria, to enter the US. And Austria was closer to the US than India has ever been.
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        Irfan Salil • 4 hours ago

        So be the case. Why should Modi for that matter anybody care if US grants Visa or not? Yesterday it is their Vice President came to India urging for allowing their investments and also expressing that the relation will boom to 50,000 Crores of USD.
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        Sanjay Salil • 5 hours ago

        The big difference in Austria and India is that India is the Biggest market for world,not Austria..and moreover no allegation is proved on Modi so on which ground US can refuse.Might be now ,in this current time people will not support but when Modi will become PM,Us will come for visa in INDIA.Thats not attitude thats the faith of people of India on Modi.
        • Avatar
          Salil Sanjay • 5 hours ago

          India may be a big market but how does that affect the US? Here Rajnath Singh has against opposed FDI in big retail; and most markets in which the US is interested, India continues to remain coy - both UPA and NDA. In comparison, US products are far more easily available in Austria.
      • Avatar
        Bharat Nirman Salil • 6 hours ago

        That's true but why does it so big issue for BJP as well as congress, could you through light in few words?
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    Ram • 8 hours ago

    Impotent 65 MPs CPM MPs including.Falling at the feet of US President. Great
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    sudhir • 8 hours ago

    As the saying goes - 'CHAHE PATI MAR JAYE PAR SAUTAN VIDHBA HO'.; forgetting that in doing so she also becomes widow.
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    dee bee • 8 hours ago

    As usual Salil Tripati deflects or obfuscates the issue. Probably he can't analyze things well.
    The 65 MPs who signed the silly letter should be held for high treason, for failing to understand the meaning of India's sovereignty and violating it.
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    Varsha • 10 hours ago

    These 65 people are great. They have finally understood that UPA government is ineffectual at governing. Hence they started petitioning USA instead to solve Indian problems
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    Sanjay • 10 hours ago

    It is shameful that this visa issue is being given importance. Are we so low that an US visa is above our national identity? If Mr, Modi and Indians have any self-respect left, once denied visa from ANY country, they should never seek that damn visa ever again.
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    Arun • 10 hours ago

    I don't understand why people forget to bring their brain from home along with them while speaking or writing against Modi? Without brain how they convince readers and viewers? They don't think as they forget to bring their brain....
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    Mit • 11 hours ago

    This act of those 65 MPs r in clear breach of privilege of parliamentarian and while doing this unthinkable and indefensible action against their political rival they have undermined Indian judicial system as well constitution of India.
    This act clearly undermined India's sovereignty by taking country's internal "political" matter to a foreign country ! Its like telling a foreign country that since we can not defeat our political rival democratically in an election or our judicial system n Courts r not good enough to punish him for his "alleged" crime so please help us in doing that by hook or crook ! Which is clearly an act of treason as defined in Indian law system n constitution !
    How low can our MPs stoop in front of world just to defeat their political rival ?
    Just to show political rival low they even disrespected and by bypassed country's democratic process, judicial system or even constitution itself !
    such a SHAME this of type of people r ruling world's largest democracy !
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    Sunrise India • 13 hours ago

    Like FDA that certifies the Drugs and Food items The US Immigration Departments role is very crucial because Indians don't know what they are eating , Or Electing to Govern the Nation and them, Those who have been regularly talking against USA have suddenly became lovers of USA visa. Even if USA is not good The Country must issue VISA to prove that the Person is Genuine.THEY WILL GO ONLY BY WHAT USA SAY.
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    artfly • 14 hours ago

    It is a disgrace that indian lawmakers are approaching a foreign nation to pull down another indian. This is the sort of backstabbing and one upmanship that was responsible for the defeat of siraj ud daula and so many Rajput kings and what not. It is like American leftwing organizations approaching indian government to deny a visa to bush or cheney because they were responsible for "war crimes".
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    Rational_Human • 21 hours ago

    So, the "The US Commission on International Religious Freedom"- does it have a representative of a religion with almost a Billion adherents? Hinduism? No?
    Does it have members whose organization are engaged in a "war for men's souls"- converting others? Yes? Hmmm... Doesn't sound really balanced does it?
    Guess the US will have to weigh whether an organization that is stacked in favour of Christians, with members whose organizations have openly denigrated Hinduism, located thousands of miles away from India can accurately judge a man who the Supreme Court of India has exonerated of any culpability.
    Yes, I guess it's hazy - to Mr. Salil Tripathi
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    Salil • 21 hours ago

    The US may indeed issue a visa to Mr Modi at some point. It is worth remembering, however, that it denied such a visa to Kurt Waldheim, former UN Secretary-General, who later became President of Austria, once evidence emerged of Waldheim's role during World War II, which he had concealed successfully, previously. Austria was a Western ally, closer to the US than India has ever been, but that did not prevent the US from barring its President from entering the United States.
    • Avatar
      Bharat Nirman Salil • 7 hours ago

      Salil you didn't allow my post to publish, is it democracy? Are you secular? Was I abusing you? What was wrong? Will you please tell all the readers who prefer reading unbiased comments then biased articles? Will you?
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        Salil Bharat Nirman • 6 hours ago

        I don't decide whose post gets published and whose doesn't. Mint's editors decide that, and it is their prerogative. On the Internet, you have the right to speak on your own turf, own space; if that space belongs to others, you don't automatically get that right. It is always a judgment call that the moderator or editor makes.
        Whether or not I'm secular is irrelevant. I've not even seen your earlier post, so I have no idea what you are talking about. So I can't say if it was "right" or "wrong".
        • Avatar
          Bharat Nirman Salil • 6 hours ago

          I got what you said, but do you feel that judgement of editors or moderators is perfect if the language used doesn't have any slang, any abuses? I believe the comment section is more read section these days because trusting journalists (as these days arguments are all about twisting the language). If you don't get comments, you get less clicks and then your popularity is going down. I believe for writers like you, we are important people because we add some more insights over your words; which is good for people.
          I made above comment because I put some facts in my last post, and they were not "under moderators watch". It didn't have any abuses only facts, might be not inline with your views, but still trust me they make sense.
          Thanks for your reply.
          • Avatar
            Salil Bharat Nirman • 5 hours ago

            Whether or not editors and moderators are perfect, their judgment is usually final. What they approve, and what they don't, depends on their policies. As I said before, I have no role to play in which comment gets in and which doesn't. sometimes it could simply be a technical failure. I'm not sure if the comment section is more read these days - I usually skip it, unless it is in certain publications where real discussions take place (e.g. New York Review of Books or New Yorker. Most responses to op-ed pages restate known positions, and in some publications in the UK, bring in extraneous factors which have nothing to do with the piece. There's no pressure at this newspaper to write pieces that will get more clicks, no punishment if you get fewer clicks.
            Hope this clarifies.
      • Avatar
        sandy Bharat Nirman • 6 hours ago

        well said sir, i m with r thoughts
    • Avatar
      Ashok Salil • 16 hours ago

      Dear Mr. Salil, with all your said intellectual and writing capabilities that you flaunt, does not your analogy of Mr. Modi to Mr. Waldheim compare with the 'Puppy" analogy of Mr. Modi. What do you say. You are so intelligent in your own opinion - don't give away so easily! You simply cannot compare the two cases in you wildest imagination. This reveals more of you than your subject. Get a life, peace!!!!
      • Avatar
        Salil Ashok • 6 hours ago

        People here thought that if he becomes PM, US will give him a visa. I showed him an example where the US doesn't give the visa to anyone, even if he or she is the head of a government. That's all. You are reading more into it than you should.
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      Rational_Human Salil • 21 hours ago

      And he is similar to Narendra Modi how? The Supreme Court of India (the one organization in India that is held in justifiably high regard)'s STI has found him free of culpability. So how is he comparable to a Nazi?
      • Avatar
        Salil Rational_Human • 6 hours ago

        The SC hasn't exonerated anyone; the SIT has said so in one specific case that charges can't be brought, a view challenged by the court amicus, and a verdict being challenged currently in a protest petition.
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    Selvadore • a day ago

    So if you don't like a politician at home cry to the US. Shamless !!! . These MP's are traitors and won't mind selling the country.
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    mahesh • a day ago

    Modi is the Future of the nation
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    Bahu Virupaksha • a day ago

    Modi will emerge as the Prime Minsiter of India and the issue of US visa is irrelevant. USA is being racist when it say that it can decide the political future of Hon ble Naredra Modi.
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    Maniu • a day ago

    The issue is not of a modi or a salman it is of sovereignty of an Indian state .If countries start looking at individuals internal press records for tourist visa then the blue colored passport will be like dirt. Indian rules and laws have not conviected anybody so how can a third country decide .Will the US cut relations / does it have the guts with India if Modi is elected PM
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    everestpeak • a day ago

    man...you got it so wrong.....i am stunned at your twisted thought process...
    Fact 1: Modi is not seeking a VISA to US.
    Fact 2: All those leader who signed the letter...sold their souls to US. they see a US visa is ultimate crown....hence it cannot be awarded to Modi...
    Fact 3: It is European Ambassadors who are seeking meetings with Modi. If Modi PR machinery is the one...we would have seem more publicity and photo ops. But no, we are not seeing that. What we hear...is only closed door meetings..
    • Avatar
      Disq everestpeak • 9 hours ago

      If Modi is not seeking a VISA to the US, then he should make it clear to his party president. Why is his party president then wasting his valuable time and resources in lobbying in the US for a visa to Modi?!
       
       
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