How PM Narendra Modi won over Mexico on NSG

NEW DELHI: It took members of the Indian delegation travelling with PM Narendra Modi a while to figure out that Mexican president Enrique Nieto had switched plans and decided to drive his guest for a vegetarian taco beans dinner.

Though the fare was simple and perhaps bland, Modi would have found the meal rather satisfying as official talks had just ended with Nieto pledging to “positively and constructively” support India’s case for Nuclear Suppliers Group ( NSG) membership.

The break from script as Modi wound up a five-nation tour that included a fruitful visit to the US was a special gesture on part of Nieto but also marked Modi’s ability to use personalized diplomacy to good effect. Mexico’s decision was significant as it has been a stronger supporter of the non-proliferation treaty as it played a decisive role in linking the accord with the treaty for prohibition of nuclear weapons in Latin America and Caribbean.

Also read: To be or not to be: Will India's NSG dream takeoff?

Given that the 1967 pact, also known as the Treaty of Tlatelolco, set key precedents for the NPT, Mexico’s backing on the basis of India’s non-proliferation record is more significant than that is immediately understood.

A key aspect of Modi’s approach, feel sources close to events, is his ability to shrug off the burden of the past. A readiness to adopt a foreign policy that overcomes the “hesitations of history”, as he told the US Congress, stems from not being part of a status quo that sees the political formulations of ‘non-alignment’ and ‘socialism’ as irrefutable.

Being able to confidently project India as a nation on the move along with a carefully nurtured image of being a self-made man won him support, drowning out efforts to organize protests against the PM.

Modi has unapologetically acknowledged that hype plays a role in generating a buzz around policies. But this is part of a strategy that focusses on outcomes. The end of a seven-and-a-half-year deadlock that opens the doors to nuclear commerce with the US is one such tipping point as it makes norms easier for defence cooperation.

Also read: India-US bonhomie may make China allow Delhi into NSG: Experts

Interacting with business leaders in the US, Modi patiently heard gripes on procedures for banking licences, delay in the GST law and land acquisition issues, and pointed out decisions taken by RBI and the government to ease rules.

Somewhat wryly, he urged assembled CEOs to keep up the pressure for faster reforms and improved ease of business. Before he reached the US, the success in getting Switzerland’s backing for a seat at the NSG helped in creating a momentum. Though India still needs to scale the Chinese wall, incremental progress — and hype — might help.

Back from the Americas, Modi will soon leave for Africa where he will address public events at Johannesburg and Nairobi.