Defence Minister’s words must match his status
It is difficult to understand what Minister for Defence Manohar Parrikar is up to nowadays. In recent months, he has been saying things that one does not normally associate with his demeanour. His comment that, “Pakistan ko mirchi lagi, woh bhi Andhra ki”, on Pakistan's response to his earlier statement that terrorists should be neutralised by terrorists — referring to Islamabad-backed militants) — may have led to guffaws and banter. He may also have been right in saying that Pakistan has been needled by the truth. But surely there are better ways for the country's Defence Minister to put a point across. Nobody doubts Mr Parrikar's sincerity or his commitment to the nation's defence preparedness or even his hawkish position (which most assuredly millions of people of this country will appreciate in the light of the current situation).
But he represents India and, therefore, must appreciate the value of diplomacy and discretion in public statements. India-Pakistan relations are already in a bad state, and both sides are struggling to find ways to put them back on track. There is no need for somebody as high-ranking as a Defence Minister to further muddy the waters. Mr Parrikar should refrain from following in the footsteps of senior Pakistani officials who have made it a habit to issue irresponsible and inflammatory statements that are targeted against India. Almost alongside the Pakistan remark, Mr Parrikar also took a swipe at China, another nation with which New Delhi is seeking to strike a balance between bilateral trade interests and the boundary dispute.
Reportedly, the Defence Minister said that of late, he had noticed that idols of Ganesha coming into the Indian market had eyes that were getting ‘smaller and smaller' — hinting that they were ‘made in China'. This again was said in jest and elicited laughter all around. But at another level, his critics can see it as a near racial comment. Imagine if a senior Chinese Minister was to pass a funny remark regarding the skin colour of Indians or their dress habits! There are and will be many occasions for Mr Parrikar to demonstrate his assertiveness towards troublesome neighbours. The cheap verbal jibe cannot be the best weapon.
One recalls that Mr Parrikar had steered away from extreme remarks during his tenures as Chief Minister of Goa and had always struck a moderate pose. Yet, there was no doubt in anybody's mind that he was a resolute administrator who demonstrated a firm decision-making capability. His grasp over complicated issues is well known and his personal integrity is above board. These qualities fetched him the elevation from a State's Chief Minister to the country's Defence Minister. By repeatedly making light (his critics will say, silly) remarks, he runs the risk of shifting public attention away from the serious work he is engaged in, to the trite. Of course, Mr Parrikar is an intelligent politician and needs no lessons. But a reminder can do him no harm.