Sushma's Scottish reel

Sushma Swaraj came out with flying colours at her first press conference as external affairs minister. Flanked by Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and Minister of State V K Singh, she answered tough questions with elan. The trip-up came towards the end when a foreign correspondent asked her about India's reaction to and stance on the possible independence of Scotland that could result in the break-up of the United Kingdom (UK). The Scottish independence referendum, due on September 18, has been all over the news but Swaraj was clearly unaware of this development and, turning to Sujatha Singh for enlightenment, said in a shocked voice. "Break up of UK? God forbid it should not happen." After a murmured intervention by the foreign secretary, she hastily added, "It's for Scotland to decide". V K Singh, meanwhile, maintained a stern grin through this contretemps.