Less than a decade after they were at each others' throats for world supremacy, saner European leaders sat across a table to do away with suspicion and tackle that which was the bone of contention: economic instability. Thus were born the seeds of the European Common Market, today's European Union and the ominous future of the United States of Europe. Barring a few exceptions the sand currency and passport allows free movement of goods , people and jobs-the last being a pet dream project of the left-leaning politicians at least in the sub-continent.
Had such a theory been stated by Heads of State and Government of the SAARC nations it would make sense; coming from the level of an Advisor to the Prime Minister it doesn't. But that's what media reports have quoted him as saying: a single currency and passport.
Given the care with which India is ensuring that its overstaying visitors are screened and brought under an identity scheme that allows them to be shown the borders, the continuous agreeing to disagree between India and Pakistan and the Chinese silk route putting paid to such theory, the concerned Advisor's statement appears to stick out like a sore thumb.
When it comes to showing illegals the door, even Prime Minister Narendra Modi has backed off from an aggressive stand on what is described as the Bangladesh influx. On the contrary he has made it clear that his country would grant citizenship to exploited and oppressed Hindu communities from Bangladesh and Pakistan. But such are the powers of the state that they have their own views and the seven sister states that have benefitted most from the last nine years of the ruling party's policies are the most vocal against the illegals.
The European Union (EU) itself is creaking at the seams with individual groups finding the common good to their detriment. French farmers are annoyed, German businesses are quiet but worried at the prospective loss of business once Brexit happens and countries like Austria are fed up at the rising costs of living as a result of the Euro. Those who had dreamt of a Utopia are preparing for the worst scenarios, locating elsewhere or returning home.
In terms of indicators Bangladesh has outstripped most of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) nations but the figures bandied in support themselves come under question. The Advisor hasn't elaborated on the anti-dumping protectionist measures coming in way of addressing the balance of trade between India and Bangladesh. India is pushing for 'make in India' and Bangladesh has set a target of $100 billion foreign direct investment (FDI) in the 100 or so economic zones created. While the conflicting objectives are at bay, commonality isn't likely to be as easy as has been made out.
