Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (file)When it comes to foreign policies, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is always at his innovative best. After startling the world by inviting the heads of India's hostile neighbours for his swearing-in ceremony, Modi has now asked three Chief Ministers to accompany him to China to sell his 'Make in India' concept.
The PM, who wanted to strengthen the federal structure by giving more central funds to states, now wants the states to be partners in his foreign trade policy as well.
According to sources, the Chief Ministers of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka had to scramble hard to put a delegation of businessmen in place as the call from the PM's office was so sudden and unexpected.
Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra, who was supposed to go on a visit to Japan, had to change his entire schedule to accommodate Modi's agenda in China. Meanwhile, Karnataka's Siddaramaiah and Gujarat's Anandiben Patel are struggling to find potential collaborators.
The Prime Minister's tour of China and South Korea begins on Thursday. Modi, who has already put his stamp on India's foreign policies, will single-handedly take care of the political dialogue with the Chinese leadership.
The Chief Ministers have been told to accompany him to Guang Doh, where China's business and investment activities are concentrated.
Normally, a business delegation accompanies the PM during his visits. The tradition commenced with P.V. Narasimha Rao, and both A.B. Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh regularly took large delegations.
Following his predecessors, Modi also took a large delegation when he went to major countries such as the United States, France, Germany, Japan, Canada and Australia.
But during his interactions with potential investors in Germany and Japan, respectively, it was noted that the zeal of easy business has to be with both Central and State governments.
And as Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat are the most industrialised states, Modi wanted the chief ministers of these state to be personally involved.
If his plan pans out as expected, Modi would invite three more chief ministers when he visits UK, where he would be meeting the re-elected Prime Minister David Cameron.
Among the seven most industrialised countries, Modi has visited five, and those left are United Kingdom and Italy. However, a visit to Italy is not there in the cards; thanks to the Italian marines row.
Tailpiece: Modi's first visit to the Gulf region is not yet scheduled owing to the preoccupation of several Gulf countries with the crisis in Yemen.
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