Originally Posted by
graraps
You're talking about a country whose president doesn't know the names of the current heads of state of major nations. Do you expect that airline employees and rent-a-cops at security checkpoints will have even heard of the gentleman's name?
Heck, I consider myself reasonably aware of global matters and, outside of Europe (I live here) and the big 3 powers, the only current leaders' names I know without thinking/looking up are the usual wackos (e.g. Chavez) and dictators (e.g. Mugabe, Musharraf).
My guess is he'll get treated quite well if the Indian government has a policy of issuing former Presidents with diplomatic passports...If he hasn't one, better prepare him for the "delights" of the security circus...
If you are worried that he may be hassled a bit too much, you might want to call the airports and notify them of the arrival, politely asking whether they could afford quasi-VIP treatment to a former head of state.
WOW....no wonder you are good at calling yourself good at international affairs. Do you even know that the gentleman we are talking bout is the one who carved out India's space programs and a part of nuke projects single handedly with no help from USA or Russia or UK? DO you know that he is called Missile Man? Do you know that President Bush had referred to him as one of the greatest visionaries and that too even before he was selected as the President of India? Do you know that his speech in UN general assembly is still considered as one of the most articulate ever? I am sure these recognitions matter a lot more than those by airline employees. Plus, he ives with Gandhian Principles so he least cares about these minor squabbles. PERIOD.