southasianvoices.org: By: Tridivesh Singh Maini and Yasser Latif Hamdani

With the BJP-led NDA Coalition being the frontrunner in the Indian Parliamentary elections, according to all surveys and opinion polls, all eyes are on Narendra Modi, the BJP’s PM Candidate and Chief Minister of Gujarat. Modi, who means different things to different people, a development icon for some and a hardline Hindu leader for others, has led an aggressive campaign targeting the current UPA dispensation for all its failures – especially mismanagement of the economy and corruption. He has also put forth his economic vision and agenda for development which at times seems sketchy, but has managed to strike a chord with the Urban Middle Classes – especially the youth.

In addition to his development agenda, Modi has also spoken about a robust but pragmatic foreign policy vis-à-vis the outside world.  Modi has had a troubled relationship with the US, which rejected his visa application in 2005. It would be crucial to add, however, that US businesses have invested in Gujarat over the past decade, and Nancy Powell who recently resigned as US Ambassador to India met with the Gujarat CM in Gandhinagar in February 2014 – before quitting. The strong Indian diaspora  in the US, as well as business interests in the US will play a pivotal role in ensuring that Modi establishes a working relationship with the US. What will be worth watching is Modi’s policy towards Pakistan. Some believe, that being a right-winger, Modi will be in a better position to strike a deal with Pakistan, citing the example of Former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee who led the earlier BJP Government from 1998-2004 and reached out to both Nawaz Sharif and General Pervez Musharraf. Others argue that Modi will adopt a hawkish approach towards Pakistan, pointing out to his rhetoric against Pakistan during the election campaign. The BJP leader also is not liked in Pakistan for his alleged role in the 2002 riots.

All these explanations are simplistic.

More: