From today, Nepal has made it mandatory for India to have all official dealings with it via the good offices of Amitabh Kant. It may seem odd for a country to choose one man to be the conduit of all diplomatic relations. But with Kant’s impressive credentials and reputation as the critic of pure reason – his statements and actions have emphasised the value of passion beyond cost-benefit reports – it should be no surprise that Kathmandu has chosen him as their Chosen One. It would be interesting to see whether other countries follow this trend – of choosing one person who is not ambassador – to conduct their affairs Indian with him. Or, for that matter, whether Kant will be the point-person for India for many countries.
It could also be possible that we have misunderstood the news of Nepal making it mandatory from today for foreigners to take a guide along when they go on trekking. Effectively, a sherpa is now a must for all international tourists taking hikes or treks across Nepal. The confusion may – and we are yet to confirm whether it is, indeed, a confusion – also be because Kant is the Indian government’s G20 sherpa, and sherpas being skilled mountain guides in Nepal, Kant is their man. The only other possibility is that it is April Fool’s Day today and having a laugh is something everyone, including Mr Kant, would wish to be mandatory.
