Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday sharply criticized the opposition in Lok Sabha. In a pointed attack on Rahul Gandhi, he commented on foreign policy and referenced former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's tenure. It's worth noting that Pandit Nehru served both as Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. PM Modi mentioned the book JFK'S FORGOTTEN CRISIS and suggested that reading it would reveal the intrigues surrounding foreign policy during that era.
What Did PM Modi Say in Lok Sabha?
PM Modi stated, 'Some people feel that unless they speak on foreign policy, they do not appear mature. Regardless of the nation's repercussions, for them, it is necessary to speak on foreign policy. I want to tell such people, if they are truly interested in understanding foreign policy, they must read this book. Perhaps then they will grasp when and where to speak.'
He further added, 'The book's title is JFK'S FORGOTTEN CRISIS by renowned foreign policy scholar Bruce Riedel. It documents significant events and elaborates on discussions between India's first PM, Pandit Nehru, and then US President John F. Kennedy. During a time when India faced numerous challenges, this book brings forth the maneuverings in the name of foreign policy.'
What's in the Book?
So, what's the buzz about this book? It captures the experiences of former US President John F. Kennedy with India's first Prime Minister. It also narrates the tense phase of the 1962 India-China war. The book sketches this era, presenting episodes that may unsettle the Congress party. However, PM Modi in Lok Sabha merely mentioned the book without detailing these narratives.
The book claims that PM Nehru was more interested in Mrs. Kennedy than in President Kennedy himself.
Source: aajtak
When the Former US President Visited India
This episode traces back to when US First Lady Jackie Kennedy visited India. As the book narrates, during Nehru's visit to the US, Kennedy felt that Nehru was more interested in Jackie than in engaging directly with him.
The book further describes how when Jackie Kennedy came to India, the US embassy had arranged a separate villa for her stay. However, upon her arrival, Nehru insisted she stay in a special guest suite at the Prime Minister's residence, the very quarters frequently used by Edwina Mountbatten, who shared a close rapport with Nehru, reflecting the warm hospitality shown to Jackie.
Source: aajtak
Jackie's Photograph at the Entrance
Another intriguing chapter in the book reveals that a photograph of Nehru walking with Jackie adorned the main entrance of his residence. Various reports suggest that beyond Jackie, Nehru had a keen interest in JFK’s charming sister, Pat Kennedy.
When PM Nehru Visited America
According to the book, US President Kennedy had a peculiar observation about Nehru recorded with his advisor and then US Ambassador to India, Galbraith, during Nehru's 1961 US tour. Kennedy described this visit as the 'worst state visit' of his presidential term.
