The new definition of virtue is not virtuous but it is ‘notbeing gravely sinful’. For that matter honesty at work has transformed to’working without harassing’ but open to lucrative deals or negotiations inreturn for work done smoothly as a mark of appreciation. It is no moreintegrity, equality or duty. The changing colours of ethical codes is seen inthe entire spectrum of public life, be it personal, professional or political.Bias, favouritism and self-interest are the guiding principles of life.Especially when the international relations among different countries aredictated by what different nations can offer each other. The Indo-US nucleardeal was a major breakthrough. India is not a signatory to NPT (nuclearnon-proliferation treaty), yet US manoeuvred to have an India specific clauseto enable trade in nuclear technical knowhow, supply of raw material and so on.This was called the Hyde act. It did indeed hide the diplomacy played backdoors. Diplomacy for diplomacy India later reciprocated with a couple ofdecisions in UN siding with US.
The recent lifting of waivers of sanctions by US on countrieswho traded in oil with Iran is a shrewd tactic of economic warfare. Dominationis the new rule of business. US has recently lifted the waiver of sanctions onIndia for oil imports from Iran. The super power and the new slaves haveemerged once again. To make Iran’s oil imports zero US has warned of sanctionson eight countries including India. The foreign diplomacy and worldly wisepolitical heads could not comprehend that to please a friend in West theycannot shut the doors of close neighbours. This is short term, timid andunrealistic move to stop trade with the immediate neighbours. Firstly, we neednew sellers in the vicinity or increase the supplies from the existingsuppliers. Even if we find a new supplier, the distance and transportation costwill raise the price. The consequences of high oil prices, the gulf war, oilfor food programme, the Volcker report and the scams that followed are all ripein our memory. The waivers itself reflect the arm-twisting policies of US withanyone who messes with them. This is the diplomacy standard of the new world.Iran has shrugged off news about ban on countries trading in oil and is leastaffected. In return Iran has termed the entire US military as terrorists.
India’s relations with Iran were never hurt before. DuringCold war period non-aligned India sided with the Soviet Union and Iran hadclose ties with US. Iran’s support to Pakistan and India’s support to Iraqfurther strained the relations between India and Iran. The relations betweenIran and India were dictated by their common enemies or allies. Iran and Indiaindividually had no issues to be on the opposite sides. Then with the rise ofthe common foe in the Talibani regime of Afghanistan, the relations between thetwo countries strengthened. But the idea of the India-Pakistan-Iran pipelinedid not see the light of the day. India also missed the opportunity to engagein China’s Belt and Road Initiative which could have eventually solved impasseover ‘Kashmir conflict’ by making it an enclave of the trade corridor. India’ssupport for developing the Chabahar port in Iran is again a move to counterChina’s development of Gwadar port of Pakistan. Nevertheless, whether inchasing the enemy or tracking a lost friend India has stepped forward to tradewith central Asia and Europe via Iran. India can reap huge benefits from accessto the International North South Transport Corridor(INSTC) in the region. The ship, rail and road route will connectMumbai in India to St. Petersburg in Russia. This will also reduce the tradecost tremendously. The new trading stations on the way include Afghanistan,Armenia, Kazakhstan and Europe. India cannot miss this opportunity nor can ithalt the process.
Surprisingly India voted against Iran’s nuclear program toplease its western partner. The greater surprise is that this western power hasnow begun to dictate terms to India bluntly. The ban on oil imports from Iranwhich is more than 10% of the oil trade can be huge shocker not just in termsof trade but also the foreign relations will be affected. There are nopermanent foes or allies in business as Business is a more powerful war thanthe territorial war today.
The crude oil suppliers of India are Iraq, Saudi Arabia, US,Venezuela, Nigeria and Iran. After US sanctions of 2010-11, the oil supply fromIran to India decreased and relegated to the seventh position as oil importer.This will amount to huge loss of supply to the robust emerging economy. Indiamay increase the supply from the existing partners. But along with oil there ismore lost in the bargain. Trade often affects political relations. Barter ofgoods is no more the norm today but the give and take, exchange of mutualintangible benefit still drives the trading blocs to break or block business.At this point of time India needs Iran to counter Pakistan and also for openingthe Central Asian markets through ports and roads of Iran. This looks like acase of failed diplomacy on the part of India. It is unwise to be part ofWestern vengeance and rivalry with a middle eastern nation. India could havebeen assertive and not forget that India is basically a non-alignment forefounder. Especially when there is no direct threat or history of strainedrelations in terms of Iran, side stepping from doing business for the sake ofappeasing US is totally a miscalculated move. War and enmity is a big businesstoday. Many countries often pursue interests, be it rivalry or engagements tofulfill their needs. India cannot fight proxy wars in return of favours forsuch countries and turn friends into foes in the neighbourhood
The author is of Karnataka origin settled in Kashmir.