Modi upset over Indian media not giving importance to LBA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lamented that the media has not realised the importance of the solution to the land boundary issue with Bangladesh.

“Had this been elsewhere in the world this would have been cited as an example as big as the fall of the Berlin Wall,” an Indian newspaper on Saturday quoted him as saying.

Modi made the comment while replying to a question on his upcoming Bangladesh visit on June 6 in an interview with the Indian newspaper, The Tribune.

Ahead of the visit the long pending land boundary issue was settled. But it is uncertain whether the contentious Teesta water sharing treaty will be signed during his forthcoming visit.

“We have settled the long pending land boundary issues with Bangladesh by taking all parties into confidence. The media has not realised this was a massive achievement and is talking of other issues,” he told the newspaper.

“The entire mood of our neighbourhood has changed dramatically because of the implementation of our message of shared prosperity on the ground.

“Mine is practical and outcome-based diplomacy,” he claimed.

On his foreign policy successes in the first year of his office, he said the media should report facts, and not create wrong perceptions.

“Then you can look at the outcomes,” he added.

“Thus far we have been a balancing power, always seeking others’ favour. How long can we continue to do that? Why don’t we grow into a global player?” he asked.

“It is clear in my mind we are no more just a balancing power, but a global player,” he said.

“We speak on equal terms with all, whether it is the US or China.”

He claimed there was greater self assurance in India’s approach towards the world since he assumed power.

“We have shown the confidence to engage all major powers simultaneously and effectively,” he pointed out. 

He said India had a ‘humanitarian approach’ towards its seven neighbours. 

“Even foreign policy ‘experts’ in the country have not noticed that our interaction with all these seven countries has been on humanitarian issues,” he said citing examples of India’s assistance to its neighbours during catastrophes.