As lobbies rule, personality-driven diplomacy undermines India's clout

August 25, 2013 14:14

India is perhaps the only country where choosing the place and timing of diplomatic postings is done, not just by the government but also by serving IFS officers.

With the PM imposing his diplomatic doctrine through the National Security Adviser (NSA), various lobbies have come into play to grab key capitals and sensitive senior secretary-level posts in South Block.

This is nothing new as foreign policy and choice of key diplomats are the PM's prerogative. But never before have personal prejudices or preferences played decisive roles in choices. Diplomacy is an instrument to gain control over turns of internal affairs.

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