Why one should call Chidambaram's meeting with Taliban leader Zaeef shows, that India has failed to learn from its past mistakes ? Chidambaram, who has greeted Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef in Goa, by playing host to him,and for that it is alleged that India has exposed the lack of consistency and direction in its foreign policy.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram's meeting with Zaeef in Goa has created ripples in Delhi's political circles, with the BJP lambasting the government for issuing visa to a Taliban leader.Though Indian officials have defended the visit of Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Salam Zaeef to the country, saying it was part of a process to engage with elements of the Islamist force who have returned to the mainstream and are part of Afghanistan's peace process.
But government sources pointed out that Zaeef had visited India a couple of times in the past and the latest trip had no surprise element in it. With the date of withdrawal of US troops drawing closer, India is worried about the safety of its interests and assets in Afghanistan amid fears these could come under attack from Taliban elements with support from the Pakistan Army and ISI. Besides forming a regional architecture with Russia, Iran, China and Central Asian states to maintain stability in Afghanistan, India is also exploring opportunities to engage with former Taliban leaders who are now part of the reconciliation process.
INDIA HONEST cautions BJP leaders to be pro active and should visualise India's foreign policy afresh, once again in the changed world scenario , when they are hopeful of capturing the Delhi hot seat soon. Moreover like in politics, so in international matters, relations have to adjust and change from time to time. But one has to count national interest as supreme, which Congress has failed miserably by exposing the lack of consistency and direction in its foreign policy, as they opted to boycott CHOGOM meet in Colombo, for domestic vote bank compulsion.