For a government that has lurched from crisis to crisis for some time now, foreign policy is unlikely to be a priority. It has hardly surprised anyone that the ministry of external affairs (MEA), too, has been adrift. On Friday, the man at the helm there, S.M. Krishna, quit. There was speculation that he could have faced the axe soon.
Speculation apart, perhaps it is not fair to blame Krishna for the somnolence of his ministry. The fact is that foreign policy is now directed from the Prime Minister’s Office. It is too late in the day for the PM to go in for “signature” successes (such as a peace deal with Pakistan), for henceforth he will be preoccupied with domestic matters. But the world can’t wait. Managing multi-lateral negotiations and relations with our neighbours are just two areas that need an empowered foreign minister. It is time India had one.
