Too guarded

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh,on behalf of the Indian government and the Indian people,uttered the words on the momentous changes in Egypt that needed to be put in the diplomatic public domain for the consumption and assurance of the world,to say nothing of the people who have brought about this turning point in the Arab worlds history. Answering a query from Al Jazeera TVs representative at his media conference on Wednesday,the PM said India welcomes the dawn of democracy anywhere in the world and people desiring to move to democracy had the good wishes of the Indian people,even as India would not interfere in the internal affairs of any country.

The PMs answer is adequate. But much more could have been said by the foreign office,and much sooner. As the second autocratic regime in the Arab world was being toppled last weekend,the Indian foreign ministry could have been more proactive and speedier in welcoming the dawn of the new era. Instead,India somehow continues to wake up late to gigantic events and then fumble for words. Such severe circumspection is unbecoming of a rising global power currently on the UN Security Council and aspiring for a permanent seat. That apart,Indias economy and regional stature have bolstered its global rise. Yet,none of that seems to help New Delhis verbal reticence on the big thing. If the world is to take you seriously,you have to demonstrate for its benefit that you do so yourself. The logic is simple.

Helping Egypt on its new journey doesnt amount to interference but assistance; the consequence being friendship and influence no mean capital in global geopolitics. Big-time diplomacy does not dispense with pragmatism even as it demands vision. However,when the advent of democracy happens anywhere,it is important to be on the right side of history. That doesnt entail a crusade but certainly a timely utterance of the right words at

the right volume.