WHEN MODI SPEAKS, THE WORLD LISTENS: Dr CHANDRA

In the latest JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s growing influence on the world stage. From being hailed as a “Champion of Leaders” by the President of Guyana to his recent travels to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana, Modi’s diplomatic outreach to small nations is seen as a strategic move to reshape global relations. Dr Chandra says that his leadership style has captivated leaders worldwide, with figures like U.S. President Joe Biden, Australian PM, and Russian President lauding his moral authority and despite controversies, including the international response to the Nijjar case, Modi’s foreign policy is credited with elevating India’s global status. Dr Chandra also delves into Modi’s strong stance on the Global South, his strategic partnerships, and how he’s defied expectations in fostering relations with Islamic nations. Additionally, Modi’s impact on the G20 summit and his global charm are discussed, highlighting his role as a prominent peace broker amidst global tensions. Excerpts...

• The headline of today’s JC Show is “Modi: Champion Of Leaders!” What does this mean? There is a common discussion about Modi that when he speaks, nations listen. What are your thoughts on this?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: The meaning is absolutely correct. The President of Guyana mentioned at a function that “Modi is the champion of leaders.” Look at which major world leader is not influenced by Modi’s moral standing? A few months ago, U.S. President Biden said that he wanted Modi’s autograph because Modi is so popular in America. The Australian Prime Minister called Modi “Boss.” Now, both Russia and the U.S. are aligned with Modi. The President of Russia calls Modi a “wonderful person,” and Trump says Modi is “fantastic” and “my best friend.” Russia worries that a ceasefire will happen if Modi intervenes, and Ukraine feels the same way. From a global perspective, Modi has truly become a global leader. He has acquired the status of a global leader. When Modi speaks, the whole world listens. In fact, this is a moment of pride for the nation and all 1.4 billion Indians, as well as for Narendra Modi himself.
  Regarding the second question, yes, I completely agree. What he says matters, and people listen. Whatever he says in any country is relevant. Today, every major nation looks at what Modi thinks. Every major nation is interested in the Indian economy and Indian politics. They see that if Modi is involved, it’s possible. This theory is working both here in India and abroad. If someone wants to invest in India or build strategic relations with a country, they look to Modi. They know that if Modi says “yes,” it will happen because Modi delivers. This is the impression. You can say that when Modi speaks, people listen — not just in India, but in many countries around the world.

• What inspired Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana?
  First of all, he truly wants to be a global leader. He wants to represent all nations and be the voice of the world, particularly small nations. In foreign policy, he sees that these countries have been neglected for a long time. For instance, he, as Indian PM, went to Guyana after 56 years and to Nigeria after 17 years. These are neglected areas of foreign policy and relations with those countries. Modi is exploring new opportunities—economic, political, business, and cultural. These things inspire Narendra Modi. He firmly believes that distances are only psychological. Once you board the plane, you are already on your way. That’s why he says, “One Earth, One Family, One Nation.” His thinking has become global. He observes which small nations are missing from our foreign policy and makes efforts to connect with them. His visits to these three countries should be seen as part of a larger strategy to consolidate these relations.

• Is it true that, including the President of Guyana, several labourers who went years ago from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have now reached the highest levels of power in Guyana? How important and relevant is Guyana for India?
  They are known there as “Girmitiya” labourers. In the early 19th century, people from India, mainly from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha, went in search of work. Some of them ended up in Guyana. Over time, they settled, and today the President of Guyana is of Indian origin, and belongs to the same family. So, it’s true that Indian workers, whom we call “Girmitiya labourers,” have reached the highest levels of power in Guyana, and Narendra Modi was happy to see this. He was pleased to meet his people and see that the popular Prime Minister of Guyana came to meet him. It’s indeed a fact that Indian labourers are now in power in Guyana.
  As for Guyana’s relevance, it’s relevant in many ways. Guyana has business, geographical, and strategic significance. There are vast opportunities for building relationships and trade. India has a good business partnership with Guyana, with trade worth $223 million. I believe that after this visit, trade relations will only strengthen. Guyana’s relevance in India’s economy and its schemes will continue to grow in the future.

• The Presidents of Guyana and Nigeria handed the keys to their capitals to Prime Minister Modi during his visit. What was the sentiment behind this gesture?
  This is a tradition of their country, a supreme honour beyond an award, expressing respect and showing relevance. It’s a way of saying, “You are in our city, and this city is dedicated to you. As long as you are here, you are the mayor of this city in a symbolic sense.” The key is handed over as a gesture of respect, and it is a beautiful tradition.

• There is talk that PM Narendra Modi stole the show at the G20 Summit, with some calling him the “Showstopper.” Do you agree with this assessment?
  I completely agree. And it’s not just at the G20. This happens wherever he goes. He has a certain attraction that pulls people towards him. It’s almost a subject of research as to why there’s such attraction towards Modi internationally. It’s understandable in India— whether in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, or Andhra—but abroad, it’s a mystery. Wherever he stands, the heads of state from other countries often seem to have an inferiority complex. In the Ramayana, there’s a character named Bali who absorbs half the power of his opponent. Modi’s personality dominance and moral influence are so immense and similar. Look at the pictures from the G20. So many leaders are gathered, and some are waiting for their turn to meet him. The charm centre at G20 is Narendra Modi. It’s rightly said that Modi stole the show at the G20, and I fully endorse this idea.

• Did PM Narendra Modi meet Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during the G20? How did Canada reverse its stance and give a clean chit to Modi, Shah, Jaishankar, and Doval in the Nijjar case?
  It seems that political wisdom prevailed in Canada. They must have realized that they couldn’t continue to oppose Modi on this issue, as the damage would be greater than any benefit. Modi’s close relationship with Trump, Canada’s “Godfather,” could have influenced their decision. The Canadian government acknowledged that there’s no evidence linking Modi, Amit Shah, Doval, or Jaishankar to the Nijjar case. This happened due to immaturity, and the U-turn was also a result of indecency. Canada’s credibility took a hit because their perspective was baseless. For India, it’s better late than never. India didn’t want relations with Canada to deteriorate, as there are many Indian students there, and business ties between the countries are significant. Canada made a mistake by imposing extra checks on Indian passports and curtailing student scholarships, but these actions should be reversed. I hope time will heal, and the relationship between India and Canada will soon normalize.

• How far has Modi’s South Global agenda progressed with this visit?
  The morale of the Global South has been lifted because Prime Minister Modi is advocating for them. This has instilled hope among these nations that they can control challenges like China and Russia and address issues like poverty and hunger. As for success, Modi has taken it one step further. His commitment to supporting Africa and other developing nations has been reinforced. His agenda has gained a boost in this summit, whether it’s his stance on “Humanity First” or the movement against hunger. Modi has moved a step ahead in implementing his agenda for the Global South.

• Despite the BJP’s reputation for being antiMuslim, why are Islamic nations honouring Modi? How do you see this paradox?
  This is truly the beginning of a new era. There’s a huge contradiction that Narendra Modi seems to be managing, but how are these nations managing it? Muslim-majority countries are honouring the Prime Minister of a party that has such a perception of being antiMuslim. This is a great success for Narendra Modi’s foreign policy and something unprecedented in international diplomacy.

• After Trump’s return, do you see a possibility of a ceasefire between Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and Iran, or is there a chance of a third world war? Some media outlets claim Trump is pressuring India over the Pannun case to secure a weapons deal. Could this really happen?
  There are two possibilities. The chances of a world war have diminished, and the probability of peace is 90%, while the likelihood of a world war is just 10%. Trump’s moral influence is significant, and after his return, both sides seem to be leaning towards peace. I believe Trump is serious about finding a peaceful resolution. If the temperament issue doesn’t interfere, Trump could help sort things out, and a world war may be avoided.
  Regarding the second question, I don’t think pressure can influence Modi, as he doesn’t bend under pressure. Modi’s ability to stand his ground is well known. Trump, being an ambitious businessman, might be hoping for a deal, such as the $22 billion fighter jets deal that’s in the final stages. But I don’t think any significant pressure from Trump could alter Modi’s stance.

• A Pakistani writer, Qamar Cheema, has praised Modi’s leadership. What’s the story behind this?
  It’s particularly gratifying when a Pakistani writer praises Modi, because Pakistan is considered a hostile nation, and there’s no comparison between the two countries. Pakistan has been tagged as a hostile neighbour, while India continues to lead on the global stage. However, this writer, a political observer from Pakistan, has praised Modi’s leadership, and that matters. I read what he wrote. He mentioned that since the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, Pakistan has fallen far behind India. He compared where India is today where Modi stands, and how far Pakistan has lagged. He even mentioned that he saw pictures of Modi at the G20 summit in Brazil, with Joe Biden on one side and Brazil’s Prime Minister on the other. He called that photo unique, which spoke volumes about Modi’s international aura. In a way, this writer took a dig at the Pakistani government, highlighting the contrast between Modi’s position in global politics and where Pakistan stands today.

During the show #JConModiChampionofleaders trended top All-India on X