Before he reached the US, the success in getting Switzerland's backing for a seat at the NSG helped in creating a momentum. Though India still needs to scale the Chinese wall, incremental progress — and hype — might help.Back from the Americas, Modi will soon leave for Africa where he will address public events at Johannesburg and Nairobi. But this is part of a strategy that focusses on outcomes. The end of a seven-and-a-half-year deadlock that opens the doors to nuclear commerce with the US is one such tipping point as it makes norms easier for defence cooperation.Interacting with business leaders in the US, Modi patiently heard gripes on procedures for banking licences, delay in the GST law and land acquisition issues, and pointed out decisions taken by RBI and the government to ease rules.Somewhat wryly, he urged assembled CEOs to keep up the pressure for faster reforms and improved ease of business. NEW DELHI: It took members of the Indian delegation travelling with PM Narendra Modi a while to figure out that Mexican president Enrique Nieto had switched plans and decided to drive his guest for a vegetarian taco beans dinner.Though the fare was simple and perhaps bland, Modi would have found the meal rather satisfying as official talks had just ended with Nieto pledging to "positively and constructively" support India's case for Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership.The break from script as Modi wound up a five-nation tour that included a fruitful visit to the US was a special gesture on part of Nieto but also marked Modi's ability to use personalized diplomacy to good effect.

Source: Times of India June 11, 2016 22:09 UTC