Sunday Snippets: Washing up in Washington!
By Venkatesh Raghavan
Amir and I were seated on the corner table of our favourite Irani café sipping chilled raspberry sodas and talking about the warm welcome that our Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded during his State visit to Washington. Our conversation went somewhat like this.
Amir: As the debate goes on about how our democracy is faring, Modi seems to be getting a lot of accolades from the American President Joe Biden. Even his deputy Kamala Harris sounded a warm note for him.
Me: As it goes Amir, when a white man pats you on the back, what it really means is, “I am happy you are a ninny. Please stay a ninny and let things happen as per our bidding.”
Amir: I don’t get what you are driving at. It sounds very uncomplimentary, to put it mildly.
Me: Are you aware the American economy is going through a severe phase of recession? Think hard. Is America really our friend? Why do they need us so much?
Amir: It still beats what you are trying to imply. Do you mean to say Americans are sweet-talking us without any friendly intentions?
Me: Exactly. They need to sell their arms, ammunition and defence equipment to boost their economy. They are going to strike a big deal with us and this makes us their favoured choice of clients.
Amir: Makes me wonder, why should anyone or for that matter our PM agree to buy defence equipment from the US?
Me: We are the world’s largest democracy. We are buying our defence equipment from the world’s biggest arms suppliers. We are in a race with the growing might of the world’s most populous country; might as well overtake it in numbers. These are the geopolitical dictates that determine what we choose to buy and from where.
Amir: Why can’t we too do something akin to the Americans for helping our exports to receive a boost and ease our economy?
Me: Not all that attractive proposal Amir. One of our main items of export is cotton. Indian cotton is the cheapest in the International market. Not because we are cost-effective in production. It’s just that the quality of cotton we export is well below global standards. If we are going to play host to foreign dignitaries to push forward our cotton business, we will probably be spending more than we can afford and cover-up from its sale.
Amir: What can we do to transform our largest democracy into an economic superpower? We rather seem to be sinking into debt by purchasing excess arms equipment that might rarely be put to use.
Me: If you give it a good thought, the solution is lying right in front of our eyes. But most people fail to see it.
Amir: I still feel esoteric about this. I cannot place my finger on any particular thing.
Me: Nothing to do with fingers, Amir. We have a slick bunch of politicians who know the tricks of winning elections. In my opinion, these are export-quality politicians and can train political parties and their supporters on how to hit a winning streak with great alacrity. We should put it to good use for playing Vishwaguru.
Amir: I wonder why they are in demand in Russia too. Isn’t it rather amusing?
