The Relationship That Was

The Relationship That Was GPD RAJIV GANDHI's trip to Moscow has an obvious significance. It is his first trip abroad as Prime Minister. At one time it looked as if the Soviets had scored a major diplomatic point by making sure that the new Prime Minister of India travels to Moscow before he goes anywhere else. Since the visit to the US was bound to be on his agenda, the Soviets could have asked for nothing better than Rajiv Gandhi agreeing to go to Moscow first. The Soviets also tried to consolidate their advantage in New Delhi by promptly and quickly responding positively to the appeal issued by the non-aligned (from New Delhi) on the question of peace and weapons and so on. Responding positively to appeals issued from New Delhi should be one of the easiest things to do. Most of them are finely worded, but of little practical significance. Even so the Soviets response mattered. In short, the stage was set for Rajiv Gandhi's successful visit to the Soviet Union. It looked as if a near- euphoric stage in Indo-Soviet relations was about to be reached.