Dream of Asian Resurgence!

Mani Shankar Aiyar represents the core values of Congress party, with his articulate and balanced approach in diplomacy and politics; he has influenced the views on crucial issues across the world. As a Foreign Service official, parliamentarian, Minister and an avid intellectual, he immensely contributed to India’s foreign policy and grassroot democracy. Recently we had talk at his residence amidst his hectic schedule, though even in short meeting, he spoke substantially on our potential foreign policy in neighbouring countries which is the need of hour under the new changes. Excerpts of our talk are…

Q: - As a statesmen and senior parliamentarian, how you see the changing dynamics in Indian foreign policy? Isn’t it economic consideration alone that outgrowing the strategic compulsions?

A: - While it’s true that foreign policy is being driven less by ideological and more by pragmatic consideration than was the case earlier, I don’t believe economic consideration alone are determining the course of foreign policy. The relationships with the U.S.A, which has become the predominant parameter of foreign policy, is ofcourse closer than ever before and does contain strong component of economic, strategic and security consideration, but is not being allowed compromise our sovereignty or independent position on several matters of international interest.

Within our reason, there is determined effort to improve relations with Pakistan. Should a breakthrough be achieved, this will dramatically alter the regional and international context within which our foreign policy operates. Equally, a strong and political relationship with China is a necessary precursor for the Asian Resurgence to be witnessed in during this century.

Q: - Despite our growing recognition as an economic and strategic power at global arena, our ties with neighbours seems timid or even dwindling…how Indian authorities should approach on it?

A: - All foreign policy starts at a country’s doorsteps, not until there is peace and tranquility in a country’s immediate neighbourhood can that country hope to exercise any real influence in the world at large. Our most tangled relationship has ofcourse been with Pakistan and hence the priority that needs to be extended to removing this albatross from our neck.

Q: - Strategically, China has remained a big factor for us, and now it’s also leading an economic warfare with us in Nepal and Pakistan, where it has expansionist motives…recently China has invested billions of dollars in Gilgit/Baltistan region and also in the adjoining terrain of Tibetan border in Nepal…should India take an indifferent stand or enter in the fray with better competency?

A: - We can either turn Nepal into a South Asian Belgium or convert it into the battlefield between Indian and China, as happened in Europe between Germany and France or we can make Nepal a bridge of friendship between India and China in friendly co-operative relationships. The wiser thing would be the later, but ofcourse it would be the more difficult to be do. In a recent visit to Nepal, I took the measure of the extent of distrust there is for us matched by the extent to which China is looked upon benevolently. I am afraid, this gap in perception will be only widen if India attempts to impose itself on Nepal to force them entwining Indian mandate.

If, other hand, India were to regard China as a partner rather than a rival in Nepal, then we might be able to bring the Nepali’s perception of India on par with their indulgent view of China. What India must never forget in the natural and economic advantages, as well as civilisational, cultural and linguistic links which China will be never able to match. Therefore, instead competing for influence, rather we should try to work in the interest of Nepal and her people.
I am strongly view that foreign policy should be deployed to promote reconciliation, not aggravation. A hostile relationship with Pakistan will render the Chinese presence in these mountain areas a threat to our security, but a warm relationship with Pakistan will render the Chinese presence irrelevant.

Q: - What should be the India’s next course of action in Bangladesh, Nepal, Srilanka, Maldives and Bhutan?
A: - At the same time, there is much scope for getting our relations with Bangladesh on even kill. The same is the case with Nepal. As for Srilanka, much depends upon on internal settlement of the issue of Srilankan Tamils. Srilanka is perhaps our only neighbour with whom we appeared to have reached a satisfactory settlement. On Maldives and Bhutan, my view whatever will be the hurdles, ensuring peace, co-operation and good neighborliness in South Asia should be the highest objectives of Indian foreign policy.

Q: - You always supported for the balanced ties in our neighborhood; as a rising power too, it should be our aim to strengthen the co-operation in South Asia and dream for Asian Resurgence. Hoping best in the South Asian region with your remarkable views…

A: - The numerous challenges we are facing today either strategically or in foreign policy will be eased with a balanced ties with our neighbours. So, it should be our foremost aim to give more focus on the South Asian region…positive changes will be visible soon once India will secure its desired objectives in neighbouring region.
Atul Kumar Thakur
July 26, 2011, Tuesday, New Delhi
Email:- summertickets@gmail.com