Modi’s Japan visit-Some reactions
“This coincides perfectly with the values cherished by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (Modi’s ideological guide, and the parent outfit of Hindu nationalism). Not surprisingly, Modi’s recent Independence Day speech, which was widely hailed as “forward-looking and modern” was also, as the columnist Shekhar Gupta pointed out, “pure RSS” in its emphasis on “family values, morality, cleanliness, discipline and patriotism.” But can Modi’s old-fashioned reverence for all things Japanese, from the tea ceremony to nuclear plants, produce the right blueprint for India’s future? After all, Japan today offers less instruction in world-conquering industrial growth and innovation than in the admirable art of “bending adversity”—the title of a superb new book on Japan by David Pilling that Modi might find more up-to-date than Vivekananda’s musings. The Japanese state’s striking early example of fostering internationally competitive local industries was closely followed by countries such as South Korea and Taiwan. Leaders of Malaysia and Indonesia eagerly sought Japanese investment in their economies, primarily to diversify their industrial bases. The most avid of these Asian Japanophiles was Mahathir, the long-lasting prime minister of Malaysia and unabashed exponent of majoritarian nationalism.”
Pankaj Mishra, in Live mint
“Meanwhile, Abe is trying to jumpstart a Japanese economy that has been stalled for two decades, and badly needs new sources of exports and revenue for ailing Japan Inc. India, with its 1.2 billion increasingly wealthy consumers and bottomless investment opportunities, can provide just what Japan requires. That is especially the case due to Tokyo’s souring relations with that other Asian giant, China. As tensions have risen over disputed islands in the East China Sea, investment and trade between China and Japan has deteriorated.”
Michael Schuman- in Time Magazine
Modi as PM could become one of the greatest nation builders - equivalent to China's Deng, UK's Thatcher, France's de Gaulle, USA's Reagan
— Rajiv Malhotra (@RajivMessage) April 6, 2014
A wonderful new alliance. #India-Japan http://t.co/kNFu8eiygc
— Tunku Varadarajan (@tunkuv) September 2, 2014
What is @PandaJay doing in Tokyo? In which capacity did he accompany PM to Japan? Or is it a case of Junket? #100AccheDin
— Vinod Mehta (@DrunkVinodMehta) September 2, 2014
Modi in Japan:Gifted Gita to Emperor because he had “nothing more valuable to give & the world has nothing more valuable to get”. MillionRT
— RVAIDYA (@rvaidya2000) September 2, 2014
36.5 Cr BPL Indians who don't hv food to eat are watching on TV Modi is singing, dancing, gossiping in Japan. #100DaysIndiaPays
— Vinod Mehta (@DrunkVinodMehta) September 2, 2014
Waiting for someone to report that Japan loves India so much, they put a large bindi on a white cloth & are using it as their flag. Gah.
— Nigel Britto (@NigelBritto) September 2, 2014
I congratulate PM Shri @narendramodi ji for developing more stronger relations with Japan & 35 billion dollar investment deal.(1/2)
— Dr Raman Singh (@drramansingh) September 2, 2014
India _japan relation is giving shock to pro Chinese in India and China is using intrusion tactics on border! a new era is ushering
— Dr Rakesh Sinha (@RakeshSinha01) September 2, 2014
Our PM @narendramodi rightly said India & Japan must show path of peaceful growth for Asia to be a true leader in the 21st century.
— ShivrajSingh Chouhan (@ChouhanShivraj) September 2, 2014
