Rajiv Gandhi is known as one of the most visionary
leaders of post-independence India. His insights and initiatives into liberalization
of Indian economy; technological advancement and most importantly bringing the
super computer to India against all odds; made him a futuristic leader of his
times.
Rajiv Gandhi unlike his mother or grandfather is
known to be more of a technocrat. His personality and leadership brought in a
high level of dynamism in India’s foreign relations. Though, some critics do
believe that his inexperience made him falter at times. Rajiv Gandhi is known
to have left his own personal mark on India’s foreign policy. He was known to be a humble and polite leader as well as an extremely ambitious and dynamic Prime Minister at the same time.His
timely leadership and initiative has led India to become one of the leading
markets in telecommunication & Information technology today.
He not only created a separate identity for himself
but he was also successful in taking forward Indira Gandhi and Nehru’s
initiatives as well. He gave a new motto
to the Non-Alignment Movement that of- Nuclear disarmament. India went through a lot of changes under
Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership. He was a great believer of peace and this belief
propelled him to propose the idea of disarmament.
During his tenure as the Prime Minister, India also
took up the cause of fighting against apartheid in South Africa. India’s role
is considered instrumental in establishing the South Africa Fund under the cause
of Non-Alignment Movement and thus provided support for many South African countries
in their struggle for independence through this fund.
Rajiv Gandhi’s farsighted initiative also resulted
into formation of G15 countries for promotion of the non-alignment movement
further enhancing & encouraging South-South cooperation and facilitating a
collective dialogue of the South countries with the industrialized nation-states.
His visit to the US in 1985 and his initiative of importing
super computer to India did not enjoy equal and opposite response from the US. In
spite of Rajiv Gandhi’s inclination of liberalization, privatization and to open-market
economy India did not get too close to the US. The US was more inclined towards
favoring India’s then arch rival, Pakistan. USA supported Pakistan in
encouraging the mujahedeen against the communist government in Afghanistan and
as a result against USSR. This brought a sour taste to the Indo-US relations.
Although, on the other hand the Indo-Soviet
relations were on an all time high. It was seen that Gorbachev and Rajiv Gandhi
got along really well. They both supported each other in the issue of disarmament
and in 1986 both simultaneously advocated the virtue of non-violence in the
world through a programme called the “Delhi declaration” and paved the way for
disarmament. This further enhanced
Indo-Soviet relations.
Moreover, Rajiv Gandhi is known to have modernized the
Indian armed forces. India developed missiles like Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, etc.
during his leadership. The defense spending was one fifth of the total
government expenditure. He helped India enhance her image and stature in world
politics. India’s standing in the world had improved a great deal the only
unresolved issue was that of SriLanka for which he lost his life.
