Colourful diplomacy

Indian diplomacy is making its presence felt in Washington DC, thanks to the colourful Indian saree. India’s Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao and Ambassador Meera Shankar have become eye-catchers in the corridors of the US State Department with their bright silk sarees. However, inside meeting rooms, they are raising eyebrows more than they are turning heads. As one beltway wag put it, it appears Ambassador Shankar is not shy of making it obvious that it is she, and not the foreign secretary, who knows Delhi’s real mind on issues. The point being made, it seems, is that while seniority has put Rao in her chair, proximity to Delhi’s power centre has got Shankar her job! Meow