In the Rajya Sabha, Congress MP Anand Sharma kickstarts a discussion on India's foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners. Highlights of his statement in the Upper House.


"Our foreign policy is marked by strong national consensus irrespective of the government in power," says Sharma recalling the contribution of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in creating a road map for foreign policy.

"Our engagement with our neighbours is tensed. Managing the periphery comes first, rest comes later. We have rightful aspirations to play leadership roles. But unless we manage our neighbourhood well, it is impossible to play neither a regional nor global role, warns Anand Sharma.

He talks about India's relations with Pakistan, raises the issue of cross border attacks, terrorism and killing of soldiers. India had succeeded in de-hyphenating India and Pakistan. "The real concern is that the hyphenation is back, because many countries have commented their intent to mediate between us. China has made this statement," he says.

"Turkey has made a statement. These nations have never spoken before. We cannot change history or geography. The Prime Minister repeatedly says we have isolated Pakistan. A mature country doesn't make such statements," he  said.

"Isolation is factually incorrect. Pakistan has economic relations with China and Turkey. They have defence ties with Russia. Where is isolation? What is the roadmap of the government?"

Anand Sharma recalls how the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was ridiculed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when a soldier was beheaded. The Prime Minister talks Mann ki Baat, but when he has to talk he is observing 'moun vrat,' says Sharma.

"During his visit to Washington, the PM said the world has recognised the prowess of India seeing the surgical strike. The world recognised it but our neighbour has not recognised it," says Sharma. "What happened in 1971 was surgical strike," he says referring to Bangladesh Liberation War.

"China's profile in Pakistan is increasing and it is our concern," says Sharma. "Our relationship with China is complex and uneasy. We are aware of the growing confrontation with China. There are India's security interest in Doklam. We stand with the government when it comes to India's national interest. China is being unusually aggressive, he says. What is India's response, he asks.

However, diplomacy should still be given a chance. That does not be retreat. It means a negotiation safeguarding India's interest, says Sharma.

File pic.