Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, emphasized a significant shift in Bharat’s approach towards Pakistan, stating that Pakistan’s longstanding policy of using cross-border terrorism to bring India to the negotiation table has become irrelevant. According to Jaishankar, Bharat has opted not to engage in this game, signaling a refusal to negotiate on terms that legitimize terrorism as a means of dialogue.
Jaishankar clarified that Bharat remains open to diplomatic relations with its neighbor but refuses to accept terms that condone terrorism. This stance reflects a departure from historical patterns, challenging Pakistan’s traditional strategy.
Concerns Over Khalistani Movement in Canada
In the interview, Jaishankar expressed concerns about the Khalistani movement in Canada, highlighting that these forces have been granted space to engage in activities harmful to India and strain diplomatic relations between the two nations. He emphasized the damaging impact on both Bharat and Canada due to the space provided to Khalistani forces in Canadian politics.
Bharat’s Evolving Approach Towards China
Addressing the Bharat-China relationship, Jaishankar advocated for a realistic and respectful engagement with China, acknowledging the need for mutual respect, sensitivity, and shared interests. He criticized romanticized perspectives from the Nehruvian era and emphasized the importance of India projecting confidence and cultural identity in its dealings with other countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s Global Popularity
Jaishankar discussed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s credibility and popularity on the global stage. He highlighted the positive perception of PM Modi among world leaders, emphasizing that global leaders recognize and value Bharat’s Prime Minister.
Debate on the Term ‘Bharat’
The interview touched upon the ongoing debate regarding the term ‘Bharat’ as a potential replacement for term ‘India’. Jaishankar explained that the term holds cultural, civilizational, and identity connotations, and its usage reflects a broader mindset. He emphasized that the term ‘Bharat’ plays a role in shaping India’s self-perception and the image it presents to the world.
Bharat as ‘Vishwamitra’ – Building Relationships with Global Players
Jaishankar referred to Bharat as ‘Vishwamitra,’ highlighting its ability to maintain positive relationships with various countries. He cited the successful collaboration during the G20, where diverse nations came together despite initial skepticism. The minister attributed this success to Bharat’s diplomatic efforts and existing relationships with other nations.
Foreign Media Coverage and Bharat’s Perspective
In response to questions about foreign media coverage of Bharat, Jaishankar cautioned against taking reports at face value. He asserted that foreign media often pushes a specific agenda based on their interests and motives. While acknowledging room for improvement within Bharat, he urged the public to consider the motives behind foreign media narratives.
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