Setting the agenda straight for the country’s foreign policy during the BJP-led NDA government’s third term, EAM S Jaishankar on Tuesday said India would focus on finding solutions to the ongoing border issues with China and to Pakistan’s “years-long cross-border terrorism”. Additionally, Jaishankar also expressed his confidence in the “foreign policy” of the Modi 3.0 government, underlining that India would stand out on the international stage amid the turbulent circumstances in the world with the Russia-Ukraine war and the West Asian conflict.
Jaishankar, who has been the face of India’s assertive foreign policy, assumed charge for a second consecutive term. Speaking on how India desires to tackle border disputes, EAM asserted that India’s focus concerning China will be on finding a solution for the border issues. Whereas regarding Pakistan, the nation seeks a resolution to the longstanding problem of cross-border terrorism.
Speaking on the world crisis that is currently dealing with two prolonged wars, i.e the Russia – Ukraine war and the Israel – Gaza war, EAM Jaishankar noted that though the current international scenario is turbulent owing to conflicts and tensions, India is in a position where the country is trusted by many. Regarding the same, he expressed hope that world leaders’ prestige and influence will grow, and their interests will advance regarding India.
He also remarked that India would continue taking concrete steps to get permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), stating that though there are different aspects, but the current leadership will “definitely increase” the country’s identity in the world.
Meanwhile, throwing light on the Modi 3.0 government’s foreign policy for the next five years, EAM Jaishankar said that PM Modi has given “Bharat First” and “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” as the two “guiding axioms” for India’s foreign policy, and remarked that the PM Modi government is confident of positioning itself as ‘Vishwa Bandhu’.
BYTE: video 2: 3.10 to 3.51 S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Min.
Jaishankar, who has been a career diplomat for more than three decades, will have several things that will need his immediate attention as he takes charge as Foreign Minister for another term. India needs to take a call on its attendance at the Swiss-hosted conference of peace for the war in Ukraine; while another task at hand would be to work on India’s statement of priorities and concerns that will be delivered by PM Modi at G7.
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