Manmohan Singh Praises India’s Diplomacy and Prioritization of Sovereign Interests
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has commended India’s stance under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting its emphasis on safeguarding sovereign and economic interests while appealing for peace. Singh also reflected on the evolving role of foreign policy in domestic politics, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy without undue influence from partisan politics during India’s G20 presidency.
In an interview with The Indian Express, the 90-year-old former Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction that India had the opportunity to host the G20 summit during his lifetime. He recognized that foreign policy had always been a vital aspect of India’s governance framework. However, he noted that in contemporary times, it has gained even more significance in domestic politics compared to his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
Singh underscored the importance of exercising restraint in using diplomacy and foreign policy for party or personal political gains. While acknowledging that India’s standing in the world is a legitimate subject of discussion in domestic politics, he stressed the need to balance this with the responsible and impartial use of diplomacy.
Regarding India’s response to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Singh commended the country’s approach as the “right thing.” He highlighted the immense pressure on nations to choose sides when major powers are embroiled in conflict. Singh praised India for prioritizing its sovereign and economic interests while simultaneously advocating for peace. He also pointed out that the G20 was not originally intended as a forum for resolving security-related conflicts but rather as a platform for policy coordination to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and global trade confidence.
Commenting on India’s relationship with China, Singh refrained from offering advice to the current Prime Minister on handling complex diplomatic matters. He expressed disappointment that Chinese President Xi Jinping had chosen not to attend the G20 summit. Nevertheless, he expressed hope and confidence that Prime Minister Modi would take all necessary steps to safeguard India’s territorial and sovereign integrity while working to diffuse bilateral tensions with China.
Manmohan Singh’s perspective sheds light on India’s evolving role on the global stage, with a growing emphasis on diplomacy and the careful consideration of sovereign interests in the face of international conflicts. His recognition of the need for responsible diplomacy underscores the importance of maintaining a balanced and pragmatic approach to foreign policy in the contemporary political landscape.
News Mania Desk / Agnibeena Ghosh 9th September 2023
