Tharoor’s opinion that the Indian foreign policy during Gandhi-Nehru era was a moralistic running commentary has been a stark fact. Though Tharoor has been made to eat his words now.

Gandhi and Nehru were great human beings. Gandhi’s ability to analyze problems affecting society was superb as was his courage and truthfulness. But they lacked statesmanship to wade the country through quagmire of real political and diplomatic imperatives.

J&K problems, disputes with China, division of the country where 48% of non-muslim population was subjected to mayhem and genocide ,and its total deportation to divided India, creation of border disputes and capitulation to neighbouring countries not only on issues of borders but natural resources like rivers &economic sea zones, persistently unabated terrorism supported by Pakistan and no tit for tat from India are all festering wounds having genesis in the false-misplaced moralistic diplomatic initiatives of the era.

It was this un-pragmatic moralistic confusion which encouraged the misguided socialist leaders of India to meddle in Nepal’s affairs in the name of democracy since the fifties that culminated into ruining a brotherly peaceful kingdom. Now the result is one more inimical country with China making strong and steady inroads.

All this happens because we have inherited a timid leadership culture which is going to cost the country dearly. That leadership is the best which protects the national interests best on international arena without moral compunction. Of course, morality and character must be a criterion when a leader comes to rule our own country.