Tuesday, June 16, 1998
For the beloved PIO
Finance minister Yashwant Sinha has made a qualitative contribution to the process of re-defining India. He has announced the issuing of special passes for People of Indian Origin (PIO). Through this, he has expanded the definition of the much wooed Non-Resident Indian (NRI). Indeed, not only is his strategy of coping with sanctions but a large element of his fiscal policy is premised on the goodwill of the NRI-PIO.
Pre-emptive strike is not the answer
Amidst the belligerence over nuclear tests by India and Pakistan, hawkish statements by some senior BJP leaders have fuelled rumours of pre-emptive strikes on areas in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir where terrorists and mercenaries are reportedly getting indoctrination and weapon training. This rhetoric coincides with the killing of 21 villagers in Samani in Bhimbher district of POK in the last week of April.
Friends like Hasina
This is getting a bit embarrassing. It's all right to tell Washington and Beijing to stay out of South Asia. But what does one say when good neighbour Sheikh Hasina comes calling? Or if much admired friend Chandrika Kumaratunga wants to send her foreign minister out for a chat? We know where they are coming from. SAARC is supposed to work like this, neighbours coming to each other's aid, not with troops (though that has occurred) but with words of wisdom. Of course, bilateral issues are verboten at SAARC.
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