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I am delighted to release
the first copy of the
Indian Foreign Affairs Journal. I compliment
the
Association of Indian Diplomats for this initiative. I sincerely hope that
your journal will be an important platform for free and informed
discussion on foreign policy and international affairs.
I have always believed that one of our greatest civilizational strengths
is that public policy is shaped by a broad consensus, based on a rich and
healthy tradition of open debate and public discussion. This has lent a
measure of democratic predictability and resilience to our policies. I
recall, for example, that the reorientation of our economy in 1991 came
after an informed debate of nearly a decade on our economic policy. Such
public discussion prepared the domestic ground for the transition that
followed. It was as a result of this broad based consensus that there has
been continuity in our economic policy since 1991, despite many changes in
Government. Such has also been the case with our foreign policy.
In this context, it is instructive to recall that even before
independence, our political and intellectual leaders extensively debated
the contours of the foreign policy of an independent India. As I said
yesterday, Panditji elaborated his vision of foreign policy within hours
after he took charge as the head of the Interim Government. He could do so
not only because of his own well-considered views on the matter, but also
because he knew his views reflected a consensus within the Congress Party
and the nation.
I do not suggest that such a consensus has precluded differences of
opinion on foreign policy within our society. Over the past five decades
of independence, there have been divergences and debates on many elements
of our foreign policy. Within Parliament and outside, among commentators
and our press, the burning issues of the day have always been debated and
contested hotly. However, what has remained constant has been a basic
understanding across the political spectrum on core elements of our
foreign policy. This has contributed to building a broad mainstream
consensus on vital issues of the day, on matters pertaining to our region
and beyond. This has helped our leadership take positions based
consistently on our national interest and in line with public opinion
Consequently, the philosophy of "non-alignment" was based on the principle
that we were aligned only with our values and our enlightened national
interests; we were not aligned with anyone, or against anyone. The
underlying philosophy was that issues would be judged on merits rather
than in a mechanical or deterministic manner. Non-alignment was therefore
always an _expression of our enlightened national interest and I dare say,
will remain so.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Over the past five decades and more, we have strived to create the
necessary space to exercise our freedom to make policy choices in an
increasingly inter dependent world. The means we adopt to pursue our
enduring objectives of peace, national security and economic development
will of course change from time to time. They must evolve in response to
the changing realities of an ever changing world. While the instruments of
policy and the tactics and strategy we adopt may change with time, the
values in which they are embedded are universal and will remain true for
all time. |
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In this context, let me once
again recall Panditji’s famous statement that international relations are
not merely a game of chess. Speaking in December 1947 in the Constituent
Assembly, Panditji said, “Talking about foreign policies, the House must
remember that these are not just empty struggles on a chess board. Behind
them lie all manner of things. Ultimately, foreign policy is the outcome
of economic policy.”
Thus the bottomline for our
nation and our people is and will remain, addressing the challenge of
development. We seek higher economic growth; growth that is equitable and
efficient. We seek new opportunities, new employment and new markets. We
seek new skills and technologies. As we strive to realize our due place in
the comity of Nations, any policy must stand the test of one simple
question : how will it affect our quest for development and our need to
provide a secure environment for government to deliver to our people. For
this, it goes without saying that the realization of our goal lies in
widening, deepening and expanding our interaction with all our economic
partners, with all our neighbours, with all Major Powers. As a confident
nation, we will interact with the world as a confident equal partner,
seeking mutuality of benefit for all.
I therefore suggest that yours is a forum that can be used to reinforce
this sense of self confidence among opinion makers in our society. True
confidence comes from wisdom, while ignorance and limited knowledge make
us tentative or foolhardy. As Tennyson said, knowledge comes, but wisdom
lingers. As a means of spreading wisdom, your journal can play an
important role by promoting a responsible, informed and intelligent debate
on the issues confronting our nation and our world today. This is the need
of the hour.
Therefore, let me once again welcome the publication of this new journal.
In conclusion, I urge you to open your pages to young and energetic minds.
Yours is an association of the best minds of our foreign policy
establishment. You have a wealth of experience and the wisdom of age on
your side. You can offer a perspective to younger scholars. You should
encourage them to think out of the box, to find new and alternate
approaches to chart a pathway to the future. While we must be guided by
the experiences of the past, we need not be constrained by it. We must
have an informed view of future possibilities and have the wisdom to
prepare for all eventualities. In this noble effort, yours must be a
prominent voice of alternate views, moderation and sobriety.
I wish you success in all your endeavours.
Thank you. |