India should consider fellowship programme for journalists in BBIN region, as part of the perception management plan

(The following was my presentation on Presentation on “People-to-people connectivity through multi-sectoral engagements” at "National Conference on Advancing BBIN Sub-regional Cooperation" organised by the Delhi Policy Group on May 5. My co-panelists were Swarnim Wagle, Member Nepal Planning Commission; Lyonpo Om Pradhan, former Ambassador of Bhutan to India; Shaheen Afroze, Director Research, Bangladesh Institute of International & Strategic Studies and Sabyasachi Dutta, Director Asian Confluence Shillong)

Good Morning,

As a writer, I focus on the economic cooperation issues, especially in the field of energy, infrastructure, transportation, investment etc. So don’t be surprised if you find me looking at ‘People-to-people connectivity’ through the same prism.

For those of us in the Eastern Indian border-States, people-to-people relation barely deserves much mention, as we always knew each other.

Kolkata has been the pivot of sub-regional relationship since its days as the second biggest city in British Empire. Despite the decline in fortune, Kolkata is still a binding force in the Sub-region.

Nepal is catered by Kolkata port, Bhutanese knows the city like the back of their palm and, it is the most visited foreign destination of Bangladesh. They come here at every pretext - even to watch latest Hindi films. 

I think India is yet to capitalise on this advantage and extend the scope of formal economic engagements by addressing perception problems which give rise to political hurdles for greater economic cooperation. 

Physical Hurdles

There is no daily flight between Kolkata and Kathmandu. There are few trains to carry Nepalese businessmen from Birgunj or Biratnagar to Kolkata. And the condition of those trains is pathetic.

From India, ISD charges to Nepal and Bangladesh are Rs 12 a minute as against Rs 8 for India-US calls. Who knows how much money Bangladeshi medical tourists spend on telephone alone?

Despite the recent focus on developing Integrated Check-posts (ICP), our land border infrastructure – to a large extent - is still primitive. Travel through Changrabandha or Panitanki borders and you will know what cattle class means.

Due to cultural and geographical proximity, East and North East is the most preferred choice of investors in the region. However, due to a variety of reasons - including the stiff restrictions on capital movement from Bangladesh and Nepal - such investments takes place through unofficial routes.

While the neighbouring economies should do better to give formal transactions a chance; India may not be helping the cause either. A few regional investors, who took the formal route, allege harassment – mostly in the name of security.

Security is a priority. But I am sure there are more efficient ways of handling the issue than keeping applications pending inordinately.

Weak public diplomacy

The purpose of telling this was not to blame India for every folly. On the contrary, I believe India, as the proverbial 298 pound Gorilla on the beach, has the extra responsibility to work on its image.

And, that takes me to question the efficacy of our external communication and public diplomacy strategies. Considering the complexity and exclusivity of the region, our communication deserves to be custom made - which I think, it is not.

Consider this: Electricity supplies from India have changed life in Dhaka and Kathmandu. India sponsored SAARC satellite will contribute to the regional well-being. It is time to question why such initiatives do not appear in facebook discussions in these nations.

As I scrutiny some of the recent media controversies concerning India in neighbouring economies I notice many information gaps. This is arising out of complex socio-politics and poor information dissemination system in those countries.

I believe a crafty approach could address these gaps partially, helping build public opinions in India’s favour.

Journalism fellowship 

One time-tested way to build opinions is by increasing intellectual exchanges. Journalists are a crucial pivot in building public opinion. I believe it is time for India to invest in structured programmes and fellowships to increase journalistic exchanges.

I am aware that many journalists from the region visit India at the invitation of the government, corporates and non-corporate bodies. This is not enough.

What I am looking for is the emergence of a think-tank, like RIS (Research and Information System for Developing Countries) in Delhi, as a replica of East-West Centre in Hawaii that runs structured programmes to encourage journalistic research with candidates selected through transparent means.

It would help create the foundation for more matured journalism in the region.

It would also make Indian journalists more respectful to the achievements of our less resourceful neighbours all of whom are placed above India in Human Development Index.

Thank you.