Ex-diplomats dismiss Obama not calling PM

Former diplomats sought to dismiss Barack Obama not calling PM Singh after the Democrat leader's election to the top executive post.

Former diplomats on Sunday sought to dismiss US President-elect Barack Obama not calling Prime Minister Manmohan Singh after the Democrat leader’s election to the top executive post.

“May be, Obama has priorities set out for the region mainly Afghanistan and Iran and is trying to put in place a plan according to his priorities,” former Foreign Secretary Shashank said.

Similar was the view of Lalit Mansingh, also former Foreign Secretary, who felt that asking such a question smacks of inferiority complex.

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“You are making a mountain out of a molehill. I take people saying betrayal as having inferiority complex,” he said when asked to comment on Obama not calling the Prime Minister on his election as US President.

Mansingh said, “Let us give the benefit of doubt to Obama. May be, he is doing things in his own way and perhaps following some principle or logic.”

He pointed out that among the 15-odd world leaders Obama had called within two days of being elected as President were mostly military allies of the US.

“I am happy that at least we are partners but not allies,” Mansingh said.

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Shashank said Obama’s actions reflect the level of priority he has for India and may be in a day or two, he may make a call.

“It is too early to make any assessment. May be he may call in a day or two. If he does not, then we could form an opinion,” he added.

The US President-elect had phoned leaders of Australia, Britain, France, Japan, Poland and Pakistan among others.