Manmohan Singh extols PM Modi’s leadership, says ‘India did the right thing…’
Manmohan Singh extols
PM Modi’s leadership, says ‘India did the right thing…’
Former PM Manmohan Singh while extolling PM Modi for his leadership also commends India for prioritizing its sovereign and economic interests under PM Modi’s leadership. He also lays mphasizes on the importance of diplomacy and restraint in using foreign policy for partisan politics also appealing for peace apart Appreciating India’s stand on Russia-Ukraine war and that India has done “the right thing”.
He also pointed out at the increased importance of foreign policy in domestic politics compared to his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. Singh, as an invite to G20 dinner, further emphasised the significance of diplomacy sans being overly influenced by partisan politics amid India’s G20 Presidency.
Over his interaction with the media, the 90-year-old former PM mentioned that he feels extremely glad that India’s rotational chance for the Presidency of the G20 came in the midst of his lifetime and he is a witness to India hosting world leaders for the G20 summit. Foreign policy has always been an important element of India’s governance framework, but it is fair to say that it has emerged even more relevant and important to domestic politics today than earlier.
Even as India’s standing in the world should rightfully be an issue in domestic politics, it is equally important to exercise restraint in using diplomacy and foreign policy for party or personal politics.
He went on to add on the Russia-Ukraine issue, saying that when two or more powers are caught in a conflict, there is immense pressure on other nations to choose sides. He believea India has done the right thing in putting our sovereign and economic interests first while also appealing for peace.
The G20 was never envisaged as the forum for settling security-related conflicts. It is important for the G20 to set aside security differences and keep its focus on policy coordination to tackle the challenges of climate, inequality and confidence in global trade.
On India’s relationship with China, he added that it is not right for him to offer advice to the Prime Minister on how to handle complex diplomatic matters. It is unfortunate that the Chinese President Xi Jinping has chosen not to attend the G20 summit. I hope and believe the Prime Minister will take all steps necessary to protect India’s territorial and sovereign integrity and defuse bilateral tensions.
News Edit K.V.Raman
