Sir,
The decision of PV Narasimha Rao to appoint Dr. Manmohan Singh as India’s Finance Minister in 1991 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s economic history. At a time when India was grappling with a severe economic crisis, marked by rising fiscal deficits, high inflation, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, this move proved to be both visionary and transformative. Dr. Manmohan Singh, a seasoned economist and former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, introduced a series of bold economic reforms that liberalized India’s economy.
These reforms dismantled the License Raj, opened up foreign investment, and set the stage for the country’s rapid integration into the global economy. As a result, India transitioned from being an inward-looking, protectionist economy to one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets. Rao’s decision to trust Singh, a subject expert with vast knowledge in economics, was instrumental in India’s journey toward becoming an economic powerhouse. Fast forward to 2019, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made an equally strategic and far-sighted decision by appointing S. Jaishankar as India’s Minister of External Affairs. Jaishankar, a career diplomat with extensive experience in foreign relations, was the ideal choice at a time when India was expanding its global diplomatic footprint. Under his leadership, India’s foreign policy has evolved to assert its influence on the global stage, positioning the country as a key player in international affairs. Jaishankar’s expertise in geopolitics and diplomacy has been crucial in navigating complex global issues, from maintaining strong relations with the United States and Russia to managing India’s position in an increasingly tense Indo-Pacific region. His leadership has helped India emerge as not only an economic power but also a political and diplomatic heavyweight, playing a critical role in shaping international discourse on key issues such as climate change, global security, and trade.
The common thread between PV Narasimha Rao’s choice of Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi’s selection of S. Jaishankar is the recognition of the importance of subject expertise in key leadership roles. Both leaders saw beyond the political arena and placed their trust in technocrats who could bring specialized knowledge to the table. The foresight of Rao and Modi to appoint experts in economics and diplomacy, respectively, has been pivotal to India’s rise as both an economic and political power. These visionary decisions have laid the groundwork for India’s overall development, creating a robust economy and a strong global presence. As India continues to grow, these strategic appointments stand as testament to the fact that visionary leadership, combined with the expertise of subject matter specialists, can propel a nation to new heights. Through economic liberalization and diplomatic agility, India has emerged as a major global player, influencing international markets, political relations, and global governance.
Vijay Sharma
Ramban
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