Modi-Powell meet: Reason behind US U-turn not a guarded secret anymore

Gandhinagar, Feb 13: The atmosphere in the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi's residence at Gandhinagar was diplomatic with no undercurrents or tensions pertaining the visa boycott.

The US delegation, led by US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell, was received with open arms and flowers, although no one is sure how the conversation went. But all is well, if it ends well.

Now that the boycott has ended (hopefully), we can only be happy and speculate what made US end the tension that dates back to 2002 Gujarat riots.

While some call it a good omen for the BJP supporters as it signals at a possibility that they have been dreaming of since years-Modi becoming the next Prime Minister. Of all possibilities, one cannot rule out that US has finally realised that it has to re-establish relations with the would-be PM of India (a possibility) if they have to survive the economic, diplomatic and economic slumber.

Experts believe that US might be willing to find an exit route from the slumber to a path of progress, which holds true for India too. In fact, they hold the UPA-2 and the Obama-2 governments responsible for the same.

Modi here is seen as a spokesperson of industries, especially after his Gujarat model clicked. However, denying 'lobby influence', State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said,"When individuals apply for a visa, their applications are reviewed in accordance with US law and policy. This is not a reflection of any change...This is simply a meeting happening on the ground in India. It's not a reflection of anything else than outreach to a broad range of officials."

While this is out on the open, sources speak of a closely-guarded secret that reveals that the US perhaps was feeling isolated with its continuous ban on Modi, especially when its allies embraced him.

Among the western envoys who met him included British High Commissioner James Bevan, German Ambassador Michael Steiner, and the European Union. Surely, USA did not have any other option, but to shake hands (for the sake of the $100 billion of bilateral trade).

A 'warm' welcome

US Ambassador to India Nancy Powell met NDA's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at 9.45 am on Thursday. The USA's warming up to Modi, who it had denied a visa in 2005 on grounds of the Gujarat riots in 2002, is seen as a significant development.

Let's call it ...FRIENDS?

Experts believe that US might be willing to find an exit route from the slumber to a path of progress, which holds true for India too. In fact, they hold the UPA-2 and the Obama-2 governments responsible for the same.

No qualms

Modi here is seen as a spokesperson of industries, especially after his Gujarat model clicked. However, denying 'lobby influence', State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki said,"When individuals apply for a visa, their applications are reviewed in accordance with US law and policy."

Trading relations

Among the western envoys who met him included British High Commissioner James Bevan, German Ambassador Michael Steiner, and the European Union. Surely, USA did not have any other option, but to shake hands (for the sake of the $100 billion of bilateral trade).

In Gandhinagar

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with US ambassador to India Nancy Powell during a meeting in Gandhinagar, on Thursday.

OneIndia News