Obama's recent visit to India can be termed historic for the simple reason that the nuclear deal with the US was sealed. This is a highly important deal that will have extremely significant long- term implications in world politics. However, equally important is to know the concessions India has made to the US to clinch this deal.
While the US was averse to unlimited liability to the makers and suppliers (American companies) of the nuclear reactors to India as part of the deal, India keeping in mind the Bhopal Gas Tragedy had pushed for unlimited liability in the eventuality something goes wrong. This difference of opinion in both the camps had held up the deal for seven long years.
However, on day one of Obama’s visit, the deal was clinched indicating that an understanding had been reached on this contentious issue. However, to date, the government is yet to reveal the details of the concessions made on this important aspect.
Although the Congress did rightfully rake up this issue as soon as the deal was announced, they lost the plot in diverting their attention to another frivolous issue, Narendra Modi’s exclusive, pin-striped suit with the pinstripes woven into the fabric in his own name.
Digvijay Singh called this an act of excess, exaggerated vanity and narcissism on Modi’s part. Since then, the focus of everyone including the media has been on Modi’s suit rather than the highly important issue of concessions made to the US. Thus, the Congress is guilty of frittering away an excellent opportunity to voice its concerns on an important issue and earn the respect of the people.
Obama has come and gone and thanks to Modi’s ‘suit’, the NDA has had to do little in terms of justifying the deal to the nation.
