India’s Dialogue

 

EVEN as the Raisina Dialogue -- described as having been “incubated by India and nurtured by the world” -- turns ten, the international community has begun converging on the annual event like pilgrims do to an event of faith. This year, this global conversation has acquired eager and enthusiastic attendance of people from as many as 125 countries, and was inaugurated by none other than Mr. Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Previous editions of the Raisina Dialogue were inaugurated by chiefs of different countries as well as groupings such as European Union -- thus making the event a launch pad of an emerging global architecture of multilateral togetherness and platform to discuss issues and discover newer areas of cooperation.

 

As the Raisina Dialogue gets going, in India’s, neighbourhood in Pakistan, intelligentsia is disturbed as that country finds no place in this ever-expanding community carrying on democratic discourse. Though in close geographical proximity of India, Pakistanis see from their isolated corner the intellectual hustle and bustle in New Delhi and cringe in exasperation. For, just a day or two earlier, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had declared to the world in a celebrated podcast that every noble approach in favour of peace by India had earned a rebuff from Pakistan. Naturally, the events such as the Raisina Dialogue would have no place for countries like Pakistan whose leadership has continued to use terrorism as a tool of State Policy. No matter that, the Raisina conversation keeps expanding its scope every year -- with 125 countries being represented at the current edition.

 

Views are, of course, expressed freely within the democratic framework. Disagreements, too, are voiced clearly. But the atmosphere of togetherness does not get breached at any point. That is the importance of dialogue, conversation in democracy; everybody is free to add his or her own verse -- converse ! Of course, Indian leadership takes a measured participation in the conversation. Yet, Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has not addressed each and every edition of the Raisina Dialogue. In the front row, in line with other global dignitaries, he sits patiently and keenly listening to speeches, nodding, smiling, expressing his emotions in a subtle manner. He is there to listen, not to speak, the Raisina Dialogue organisers insist. Thus, the Prime Minister communicates to the world the importance of listening to other voices -- instead of raising your own voice every now and then -- if a healthy conversation must take place. True, voice of India does get ample opportunity to express itself during the event, all right.

 

Yet, that participation is very wisely calibrated, with a complete caution to ensure that the world does not carry home an impression of a pushy India. At least for ten years until now, the Raisina Dialogue has kept up this signature -- which the world has come to adore (which is evident from ever increasing extent of international participation). Some shallow analysts may feel tempted to describe the exercise as a signature of India’s soft power. But thrusting such metaphors is being unjust to the cause. Through the Raisina Dialogue -- and a few other activities -- India is trying to spread the culture of multilateralism. That is the reason why the world is congregating at the event every year in a true tribute to the clean intentions that propel such an action. In other words, events such as the Raisina Dialogue only underscore what India has been saying all along to the world -- ‘We are one family, and we must live like one’. There is no doubt, the world is not missing its essence.