Shayam Saran,
India’s envoy to the Kingdom of Nepal might have already left to take up a more
challenging and prestigious assignment at home at the time this print comes out. As the
new Foreign Secretary of his government, he can play a more decisive role on all matters
relating to Nepal. Although, his tenure in this small but strategically important country
has been quite brief, only nineteen months, many believe he has done a remarkable job for
his country. That he is the first envoy to Nepal who has been directly picked up to head
the South Block superceding quite a few senior colleagues should speak highly of his
caliber and clout. Even though unlike in the days of yore, Indian envoys in this country
still wield enormous power and influence incompatible to their station. Leading Nepali
politicians, senior bureaucrats, big businessmen and high placed socialites and
intellectuals, all vie to win their favor, by hook or by crook. The politicians go even
one stop ahead. They consider New Delhi as a place of pilgrimage where their wishes come
true. They go to any extreme to please or humor the Indian envoys, who, naturally, can
prove to be their stepping stone. Saran’s bonhomie with the cream of the Nepali
society may play some role in initiating a change in the Indian mindset. But
determinations made in the cold climate of Kathmandu are apt to melt away in the scorching
heat of New Delhi. Anyway, as the saying goes the proof of the pudding lies in eating.
Saran will be at the helms of affairs. He can, indeed, contribute greatly towards the
solution of the Maoist problem that is plaguing Nepal and could also prove to become a
pain in the Indian neck in not so very distant future. Speaking to the journalists
recently in Kathmandu Saran said “ We will go by what Nepal wants us to do.”
That was the ambassador speaking to his hosts. How will the foreign secretary behave we
have yet to see. Because our experiences do not leave much room for greater optimism. They
are very good at rhetorics. The freedom the Maoists leaders are enjoying in using the
Indian territory despite the fact that they have been declared terrorists by the Indian
establishment and the impunity shown by the Maoists in operating the various training
centers in the contiguous Indian states do generate serious misgivings in Nepali minds. If
Saran can dispel these misgivings in the coming days, he will certainly open the doors for
greater trust. Many patriotic Nepali intellectuals are sincerely hoping Saran will be able
to open a fresh chapter in Nepal India relations. While wishing his a great time at the
foreign office, the Nepalis are expectantly waiting to see Saran fulfill his promise made
to his Nepali hosts as ambassador. |
