THE NATION’S SUPERCRATS

A VISITOR WHO MET Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the height of the standoff with China says he was struck by how calm he appeared. The prime minister explained that as he had delegated critical tasks to his team—like any successful chief executive would—and had full faith in them, there was no need for him to micro-manage or worry unduly. As his government approaches the 18-month mark of its second term, the prime minister’s reliance on bureaucrats to execute his vision has only grown. This is despite the year’s unprecedented crises—a pandemic, a nationwide lockdown, an economic meltdown and a border standoff with China.

Some familiar faces, like P.K. Mishra and Ajit Doval, have been elevated to cabinet rank. New power appointments have also been made—like General Bipin Rawat being made India’s first chief of defence staff. All these postings have come with definite tasks and purposes in