Unwarranted exasperation

The indecent and undiplomatic remarks from India's External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar were uncalled for, and unwarranted under any canons of adversity. A diplomat and scholar of his stature could have chosen better words to express New Delhi's frustration and isolation in realpolitik, as Islamabad has been able to make strides during the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

The fact that Jaishankar – who is revered among his contemporaries for his fence-mending skills despite being a cabinet member of an ultra-radical Hindutva dispensation – chose to exhibit his anger in unequivocal terms of enmity towards Pakistan reflects the mindset of India. It is a fact that Delhi has not been able to play a leadership role, and has rather kept meddling in the internal affairs of almost all of the South Asian states.

This annoyance is understandable as his government rode the wrong horse by standing beside Israel, ending up burning its fingers in terms of its relations with the Muslim world, especially Iran and the Gulf states. Likewise, the cheap concessions that New Delhi sought from Washington in terms of oil and tariff relaxations had limited its role as a regional power. Thus, the condemnation is on the mark, as the vulgar vocabulary resorted to by Dr Jaishankar is unbecoming of diplomatic decorum.

The good diplomat, perhaps, needs to be reminded that managing foreign relations is a skill, and associated with the art of impossible. Diplomats rely on an intricate dialogue process and, in doing so, hobnob with allies and adversaries to chart out a viable route amicable to all and sundry. India as a member of Non-Aligned Movement, and later as a preferential ally of the US, had switched sides as warranted by its national interests. Should then the "world's largest democracy" be also referred to as an entity acting in "illicit contexts"?

Pakistan by walking a tightrope has acted as a stabilising force, and its diplomacy and sincerity for peace stands acknowledged. India and Jaishankar will be better advised to do some homework in anger-management, and start dealing with neighbours, allies and adversaries in the framework of self-respect and etiquettes. No point in venting exasperation.