Modi created a new full-form for FDI – Foreign Destructive Ideology. In his speech on 8 February at Dhekiajuli in northern Assam’s Sonitpur district, Modi incredulously claimed that an international conspiracy had been hatched to “defame” Indian tea. He was certainly angered by criticism levelled at the Centre’s handling of the farmers’ stir by several international celebrities.
Paradoxically, the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar had told columnist and international affairs expert C Raja Mohan at a public interaction in November 2019 his (or the country’s) “reputation is not decided by a newspaper in New York.” This was in response to a question regarding escalating criticism of Indian policies, be it CAA, Kashmir, outside the country.
But the hurt this time showed and not just at Modi’s exasperation. The normally reticent, MEA which does not respond to criticism of all and sundry, too, put out a statement that revealed Indian incense to the rising tide of international…