In a bid to stress that it follows an independent foreign policy, the Government has left no stone unturned in articulating its “unique and different” view on Myanmar. So, setting aside all apprehension on how Washington might react, India sent Tourism and Culture Minister Ambika Soni to attend the funeral of Myanmarese Prime Minister Soe Win. Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha K Rahman Khan was to represented India on the occasion but pulled out at the last minute. Soni, who was on her way back from Chandigarh, was called by the PMO and then the Foreign Secretary with the request that she leave for the neighbouring country the next morning. Whether the UPA was able to make its point is yet to be assessed, but the 10-hour trip meant Soni is back in business after the Sethusamudram affidavit caught her off guard.
