European Union ends “boycott” of Narendra Modi

TNI Bureau: In a significant move, the European Union (EU) ended ‘diplomatic boycott’ of Gujarat Chief Minister Modi after he reassured the EU envoys that 2002 communal riots would not be repeated in the state.

The move came after British High Commissioner James Bevan gave a green signal over the UK government’s re-engagement with Modi ending a 10-year- boycott over the 2002 riots, two months before the Gujarat polls in December.

Even Modi had called the German ambassador in Delhi on January 7 and met other envoys of EU nations. The informal boycott of Modi ended after they were reassured that the history would not repeat.

According to national English daily Indian Express, Modi was quizzed on the 2002 riots by the envoys at the meeting and he answered them all. Modi also impressed the EU ambassadors by briefing them about his model of governance and his ideas for India. It was the first meeting with Modi since 2002.

It can be noted that Modi’s idea on development worked finally. He was able to convince the EU envoys and his image is now changing from hardline Hindutva leader to an ambassador of good governance.