Many neutral observers will see this as plain jealousy against an emerging power like India. Some will attribute it to a more sinister conspiracy. One thing I am sure about, after being a professional journalist for a quarter of a century and an editor for over half a decade, is this: either this story should not have been reported in the first place — most people have a minor bout of unwellness after a long-distance journey — or, if it was reported, it should never have been linked to the BRICS Summit. If it was linked, it should have been properly followed up on, not left hanging, casting a shadow over India’s arrangements after a successful summit. That is in poor taste and unbecoming of a free press.
