Manmohan Singh's decision is a grave diplomatic error; Indian news papers criticise severely.
279 views · Published 12 November 2013 · 1:03 · Indexed 21 September 2026
Channel: Hiru News International · 2013 · People & Blogs
A number of leading newspapers published in India say that India has committed a grave diplomatic error. BBC has reported about this today citing these newspapers. These reports say that the Indian Prime Minister has informed the Sri Lankan President in writing that he would not be participating in the summit. These reports say that this decision has been taken based on an internal Indian political problem. These reports point out that accordingly the Indian Prime Minister could be considered the second Commonwealth head of government boycotting CHOGM held in Colombo. Prior to this Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper had said that he would boycott the Colombo Commonwealth Summit. The newspaper Decan Herald published in India has put forward a severe criticism about the Indian Prime Minister's decision. The newspaper has pointed out that this is a grave diplomatic flaw. In addition this newspaper points out that it is totally wrong to sacrifice a country's foreign policy for the sake of local regional political parties. The Times of India identifies Indian Prime Minister's decision as popular decision taken by a weak government in the run-up to an election. The Newspaper "The Hindu" points out that due to this decision of India there is a greater chance for other powerful states of the region including China to get closer to Sri Lanka.
