Get over the superpower syndrome

Get over the superpower syndrome

Article:

1. T.P Sreenivasan, a former Indian diplomat has talked about controversy involved into acceptance of foreign assistance for Kerala disaster relief.

Important Analysis

2. According to him, debate over acceptance of foreign assistance is an unnecessary distraction.

3. Foreign financial contribution will not meet even a fraction of cost involved into rebuilding Kerala.

4. Also, assistance from bilateral and multilateral arrangement will take time.

5. According to author refusing the acceptance of 700 Cr from UAE may impact bilateral relation between both countries.

6. This policy of non-acceptance of foreign aid was adopted in 2004 when UPA government refused to seek any external assistance in the wake of  Tsunami claiming world the strength to withstand against calamities.

7. Main Argument against acceptance of foreign assistance

• Dream for Superpower and Permanent member of United Nations.
• In the name of foreign assistance, they may spy on us and involve into internal affairs and decision making (e.g. Google and Facebook know more about us than we do and can influence our national priorities and interest)
• India do not want any physical presence of highly paid UN workers as they might destroy the morale of Indian relief worker.

8. According to author this policy of India was not very fruitful as it has failed to get the membership even in NSG and APEC.

9. Although, India were able to secure place in Australia group and Wassenaar arrangement.

10. According to his view India can take the help from United Nation (UN) or Red Cross.

11. UN can provide India, a better technological assistance, share best international practices for reconstruction and relief.

12. The need of an hour is to take all assistance either from UN or foreign countries but rebuild Kerala.