MODI’S BIGGEST CONSTITUENCY IS BEYOND INDIA’S BORDERS AND THE WORLD HAS ALREADY VOTED FOR MODI: Dr JAGDEESH CHANDRA

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s six-day tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand was the focus of the recent offering of The JC Show, with the discussion covering the unprecedented public receptions he received, his expanding global popularity, and claims that his appeal now extends far beyond India’s borders. The interview also examined the response to anti-India narratives, Modi’s remarkable work ethic and leadership style, his growing stature as a voice of the Global South, the tour’s diplomatic achievements, and its possible impact on India’s domestic political landscape following his return. Excerpts…(Part I)

• For the first time in 12 years, The JC Show carried two headlines instead of one on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s receptions in Australia and New Zealand: “Melbourne Meets Modi! … 30,000 Voices, One Roar” and “New Zealand Goes Modimay! … PM Modi, You are worth the wait…”. Why did you take this unprecedented editorial decision?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: The receptions in both countries were so extraordinary that choosing just one headline became impossible. Rather than compromise, we decided on a first-of-its-kind experiment in Indian television—two headlines for the same show. We believe Narendra Modi’s global reception could not be captured by a single headline. Both headlines, created by the same First India Editor, became super hits.
• After the massive crowds at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s events in Australia and New Zealand, political observers say he could win an election from almost anywhere in the world. Do you agree?
  Some may call it an exaggeration, but there is truth in it. Whether it is the US, Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, or even Pakistan, Modi enjoys extraordinary global recognition. His personality and leadership are one factor, but equally important is the widespread support he receives from Indians living across the world. I remember hearing, years ago, when he was Gujarat’s Chief Minister, about a taxi driver in Vietnam asking, “Who is Modi?” At the time, it seemed unbelievable. Today, people from Africa to America know and recognise him. That reflects the scale of his global popularity
• Considering Narendra Modi’s global popularity, do you think that if he were ever to hold a roadshow or public rally in Islamabad, it too would draw massive crowds?
  Some may label both the questioner and the respondent as “Modi Bhakt,” but there is a reason behind this view. Narendra Modi’s personal branding and India’s growing global stature have made him a leader who attracts worldwide curiosity and admiration. Pakistan is facing political instability, economic challenges and internal conflicts, and many people there compare their situation with India’s. In my view, if Modi were ever to address a rally in Pakistan, it would attract an overwhelming response because his popularity extends well beyond India’s borders.
• A close and trusted adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan has made the surprising remark that “we are longing to shake hands with Modi.” Why has such a sentiment of regret emerged, and how do you see it?
  Well, this only reinforces the very first question that was asked a short while ago—whether Narendra Modi could contest an election from Islamabad. Just look at this. It reflects the people’s sentiment. Beyond public sentiment, even those close to Pakistan’s Prime Minister are longing to shake hands with Narendra Modi today. Look at the situation. Look at the political scenario. So, I can say that Narendra Modi is equally popular in Pakistan. Today, tell me one leader in Pakistan who could contest an election there. Can your Army Chief contest a popular election? No. Can Bilawal Bhutto, the son of Benazir Bhutto and the country’s Foreign Minister, contest and win? No. Nawaz Sharif himself cannot contest there. Who is the one face that is common to India and Pakistan? Certainly, it is Narendra Modi. Of course, borders do not allow it. Politics does not allow it. But that is the situation as it exists. So, the feeling of remorse that is being expressed is not that individual’s alone. He is representing the voice of Pakistanis. You could say that, in a way, he is speaking on their behalf.
• On the one hand, some Western media organisations and international agencies continue to raise questions about India’s democracy and its global image. On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi receives an unprecedented welcome in mature democracies such as Australia and New Zealand. Would you say this three-country tour is a slap in the face of all those anti-India narratives?
  You may call it a slap in the face, or you may simply say that they must be demoralized. It happens like this—if someone opposes a person, and then suddenly 100,000 people gather in support of that individual, what is the significance of 1,000 people standing in opposition? There is simply no point. Such forces are demoralised. There are also some individuals who, if they wish to criticise Narendra Modi on merit in America, London, or Britain, may continue to do so. But after this entire development, they feel demoralized. What will you go and say against Narendra Modi in New Zealand? What will you say in Australia, where 30,000 people gathered? Will you go to Indonesia, where the President himself came to the airport to receive him? Where will you go? What will you say? No match. So all these forces or individuals, they all stand demoralized in front of the latest political situation after this foreign tour of Narendra Modi.
• Even at this stage of his life, Prime Minister Modi’s non-stop working stamina continues to amaze the world—constant bilateral meetings, interactions with thousands of members of the Indian diaspora, state banquets and back-toback flights. As a global leader, how do you view his tireless energy and time management?
  It is extraordinary. It is a God gift. Actually, I hear from people that he sleeps at 2 a.m., sometimes even at 3 a.m., and then gets up again at 6 a.m. It is generally said that power increases a person’s longevity. It is also said that power increases a person’s efficiency. But by how much? You cannot normally function after sleeping for only three hours, yet he does. Practice makes a man perfect—that is also true. But for this, one has to naturally salute him. His working capacity and energy level are truly remarkable.
• When a major ASEAN country like Indonesia, along with developed nations such as Australia and New Zealand, openly appreciates India’s leadership, can it now be said that Narendra Modi has informally emerged as the biggest and undisputed leader of the Global South?
  Of course. Who is the person capable of standing up to China? Who is the person who can stand up even if Trump tries to dominate and claim his share? These poorer nations around the South China Sea— Even countries like Australia and New Zealand— Who is their leader? Towards whom are they looking today? Who has the moral courage to stand before China? Only and only Narendra Modi. So, certainly, it can be said. The President of the United States before the current one had clearly stated that “Modi is a future leader of the Global South.” Naturally, I can improve upon that statement. It should now be said: “Narendra Modi is quickly growing as a leader of the Global South.” That is a fact.
• Prime Minister Modi has returned to Delhi after concluding his sixday visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, during which he projected India’s presence on the global stage. In your view, what impact will this have on India’s domestic politics? Does the Opposition have any basis left to criticise India’s growing global resonance?
  No, it does not. In any case, the Opposition rarely criticises foreign policy. It remains occupied with domestic issues. Who is the principal Opposition? Rahul Gandhi and a few others. So, there is not much significance to it. The Opposition has its place. Democracy has its own values. The Opposition has its own respect, dignity, and constitutional role. But, more or less, the Opposition itself stands sidelined. In the present scenario, when ongoing developments within the country itself do not appear to be significantly influenced by it, where does it have the time to focus on foreign visits? That is why there are hardly any comments from them. In a way, they have left the entire field open. You may call it a clean chit, or you may say they have passed it over to Narendra Modi by saying, “All right.”
• Prime Minister Modi has returned after his six-day tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand. Which of the three visits do you consider the most successful, and how was this tour different from his earlier foreign visits?
  This tour stood out for its exceptional planning, flawless execution, and the extraordinary response from all three host nations. It is difficult to single out one country— Australia and New Zealand were very close, while Indonesia was equally significant in achieving strategic objectives. The common focus throughout was boosting trade, investment, maritime security, and defence. Despite their different political and regional contexts, all three countries accorded Narendra Modi a grand welcome. If I had to summarise the tour in one line, it would be: “Three Nations, Six Days and One Leader”—Narendra Modi.

To be continued...