Whatever might be the impact, it is more than clear now that pleasing everyone is not necessarily the best strategy in the long run if it is not based on a stated principle. We have principles that are time tested but admittedly there is pragmatism to be dealt with as well. Finding the right balance is the art of diplomacy that is more sustainable than personal relations although they too can play a role. Presently we see very little impact of such personal relations as are repeatedly claimed and proclaimed by our Prime Minister. The present hostilities will ultimately cease, perhaps as a result of the talks between the two sides at the border of Belarus. The ground situation at the time of ceasefire will guide the steps forward and the ultimate settlement endorsed by the world. One sincerely hopes that India’s ambitions to be a world leader will find reflection in the picture that emerges. Hard effort, not wishful thinking, will ensure us the place we deserve. With such recognition our responsibilities will grow and we will have to be ready to take the highs and lows. We may have been unprepared to show our conspicuous leadership in the present crisis but surely we have enough standing to have been in a position to ensure safe passage to our citizens. But we should have taken steps well in advance so that the parties to the conflict would have also been in a position to cooperate. Now whatever had to happen already has happened and we must do our best to complete the evacuation process rather than claim congratulations. This is not the first evacuation we have conducted yet let us take lessons from this experience.(The writer is a former External Affairs Minister. Views are personal)
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