Back in Baghdad

Indian mission to function in full capacity,as Baghdad reeled from an upsurge of violence. After seven years,during which Saddam was hanged,Iraq saw two elections and the US withdrew its troops,India has decided to upgrade its diplomatic presence and send an envoy to Baghdad. And it is about time.

The imperatives for such a decision,which could not have been postponed any longer,are many from the historical ties and the people-to-people contact that India and Iraq have enjoyed to the substantial presence of Indians in Iraq; from the new political and economic realities to the changed security situation in Baghdad. Iraqis are going through a crucial transitional phase,revelling in their new-found democracy,stabilising its institutions and restructuring the economy. India,as a major player in the region and looking to play a greater part as a world power with a place in the UNSC,cannot afford to be a passive spectator. It has to play a proactive role in helping Iraq move on. Our actions have to catch up with our ambitions.

Despite a diplomatic slackening,India-Iraq business relations have been thriving and it only points to what a full-fledged diplomatic mission can facilitate. Iraqis are familiar with Indian brands,and a segment of Indian entrepreneurs in the Gulf is looking to the country with interest. It is up to the Indian government to create a congenial environment for them to re-enter Iraq. India has always had its influence in the region and we need to leverage it for bilateral benefit.