A New India, Or Old Wine In A New Bottle?

Although the sentiment at home has been one of guarded optimism, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed with rapturous applause in Australia both for the G20 summit and for his state visit to Australia. The Prime Minister has been recognized as a veritable "man of action" and as the much awaited force of change that India so desperately needs.

For instance, just before leaving for the G20 summit, Modi and Obama achieved a breakthrough on the WTO impasse – the disagreement between India on one side and possibly the rest of the WTO members on food security had threatened to derail the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The implementation of this agreement is a high-priority item for developed nations and is expected to facilitate trans-boundary movement of goods by (amongst others) reducing customs and similar duties. It is reported that President Obama himself has credited Modi with achieving this deal.