Towards a better Foreign Policy

Distress Migration is a well known characteristic of the third world. The forces that compel this migration are complex and rarely one-dimensional- mostly, a matrix of desperation and escape! The Prime Minister's visit and (chest thumping) speech abroad in U.S, Canada and Australia undoubtedly raised the awe and spirit of the Non Resident Indians in these countries. However, had his efforts to reach out to those workers who have migrated under distress mainly to the countries in the Arabian Peninsula, it would have been much more commendable. Exploitation of workers in Qatar  and other West Asian Countries surfaced only on  the premises of a glamorous event that called world attention. Most migrant labourers are citizens of the SAARC countries, who escaped a distress situation at home only to find exploitation and death awaiting for them in a foreign land. India, gets a bulk of its remittances from the migrant workers working under exploitative terms and situations in these countries. As a nation of emerging potency, India should stand up to protect its citizenry in any corner of this world, if not for her pride but at least as a mere return to the crores of foreign exchange being sent home annually. Moreover, as a regional player India should bargain as a leader on behalf of the SAARC nations for better wage and working conditions in these countries.