Captain Modi outplayed Imran at UNGA

his readiness to participate in it. He ended by threatening India with a nuclear war. His speech was India-obsessed. He gave the impression that he may not be emotionally, psychologically and mentally fully stable.” Professor Satish Kumar, an expert on international politics, said: “PM Modi successfully highlighted the concept of the Indian vision of world’s politics where cultural ethos is more important. This is the second major success after yoga to establish India as a ‘Vishwa Guru’ and show the world its soft power. In contrast, Imran defended Osama Bin Laden and supported terrorism.” Prof Kumar, who has penned a book on Modi’s Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power, said Modi has given a new dimension to India’s soft power by combining new elements of soft power—samman (dignity), samvaad (dialogue), samriddhi (shared prosperity), suraksha (regional and global security), and sanskriti evam sabhayata (cultural and civilisational links)—with foreign policy. Modi, he said, has tried to embed India’s political values in its larger geopolitical calculus and has put special emphasis on the idea that India can be the “Vishwa Guru” or world teacher, and the UN speech rightly reflected that.

Sources said Imran Khan’s speech was also a tight slap on the face of the Congress as he referred to a former Congress minister coining the term “Hindu terror”, adding, Congress’ dislike for Modi was indirectly harming the country.

At this UNGA session, India had a strong presence. India took the lead in constructive discourses on climate change, global healthcare and combating terrorism. India’s event on “Gandhi 150” witnessed participation by Heads of State/ Government from Singapore, Bhutan, New Zealand, Jamaica, Bangladesh, etc.

PM Modi held meetings with Pacific Island Countries, Caribbean nations and bilaterals with neighbours like Bhutan and Bangladesh, and with important development partners including US, European friends (Estonia), New Zealand and old friends like Iran. He also met leaders of Armenia, Greece and Cyprus. It was a clear message to Turkey’s support of Pakistan line.

The US Inc. gave a thumbs up to PM Modi and India. The historic energy deal in Houston between Tellurian and Petronet will create opportunities for Indians and boost the energy sector. Leading Fortune 500 companies have pledged to raise investments in India.

Thus, from the city of Houston to the banks of the Hudson, PM Modi remained in the news—once for the community and later for his UN speech.

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