Manmohan Singh Supports the Center’s Russia-Ukraine Position as “The Right Thing”

Regarding relations with China, Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed his hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would take all necessary measures to safeguard India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity

In New Delhi: In an interview with The Indian Express, former prime minister Manmohan Singh claimed that India has “done the right thing in putting its sovereign and economic interests first while also appealing for peace,” ahead of the historic G20 summit, which starts today in Delhi. He has also expressed caution about utilising foreign policy for domestic political purposes.

According to sources, Manmohan Singh, who served as prime minister for two terms of the UPA led by the Congress between 2004 and 2014, is one of the leaders invited to a G20 dinner on Saturday.

Dr. Singh claimed that, compared to his period, the importance of foreign policy to domestic politics has increased significantly while India is holding the G20 presidency. He emphasised the need for restraint while employing diplomacy for political gain.

I am really happy that India’s chance to serve as the G20’s rotating presidency fell during my lifetime and that I got to see it firsthand as India hosted the summit. Although it has always been a crucial component of India’s governance structure, it is fair to say that today’s internal politics place an even greater emphasis on and relevance to foreign policy than in the past. It is necessary to exhibit caution when utilising diplomacy and foreign policy for party or personal politics, the 90-year-old former prime minister said, adding that while India’s place in the world should legitimately be a topic of discussion in domestic politics.

Regarding the government’s management of a harsh diplomatic stance on the conflict between the Ukraine and Russia, Dr. Singh commented that it had “done the right thing.”

Read also:-India’s push for digital public infrastructure is praised by the World Bank

“Other countries are under tremendous pressure to take a side in conflicts involving two or more powers. I think India made the correct decision by prioritising our economic and national interests while simultaneously requesting peace. The G20 was never intended to serve as a forum for resolving disputes over security. In order to address the issues of climate change, inequality, and trade confidence, the G20 must put aside disputes over security and maintain its focus on policy coordination, he said.

Regarding relations with China and President Xi Jinping’s decision to boycott the summit, he expressed his hope that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take all necessary measures to safeguard India’s territorial and sovereign integrity but said that he would prefer not to give policy recommendations to the administration.

I have no business advising the Prime Minister on how to manage tricky diplomatic situations. It is regrettable that Xi Jinping, the president of China, will not be present at the G20 summit. The veteran Congress leader expressed his hope and confidence that the Prime Minister would take all necessary measures to safeguard India’s territorial and sovereign integrity and ease tensions between the two countries.

Dr. Singh said he was “more optimistic than worried” when asked about the challenges that lie ahead as India marks 75 years of independence, although he did sound cautious

In general, I am less concerned and more hopeful about India’s future. But my hope depends on India having a peaceful society, which is the cornerstone of all advancement and growth. The two-time Prime Minister declared that India has an intrinsic instinct to embrace and appreciate variety, which must be protected.

In addition, Dr. Singh commended India’s ISRO for Chandrayaan’s successful lunar landing. When he was prime minister, Chandrayaan 1 was launched.

The fact that India’s scientific establishment has once again demonstrated its mettle as one of the greatest in the world is a source of tremendous pride. Our efforts to foster a scientific mindset in society and establish institutions over the past seven decades have produced great benefits and filled us with pride. I’m overjoyed that the Chandrayaan mission, which was launched in 2008, has advanced to new heights by becoming the first spacecraft to visit the south polar region of the Moon. My sincere congratulations to all the ISRO employees, including men and women,” he remarked.

Regarding economic difficulties and India’s position, Dr. Singh emphasised that the nation’s external commerce increased significantly during his leadership. This was crucial in integrating the Indian economy with the world market.

In the ten years from 2005 to 2015, India’s external trade as a percentage of its GDP increased, greatly benefiting us and pulling hundreds of millions out of poverty. India’s economy is now significantly more connected with the global economy as a result. The G20 performed admirably throughout the 2008 financial crisis in terms of coordinating policy responses, establishing global financial safety nets, and starting an intergovernmental coordination process. Deglobalization and new trade restrictions are currently hot topics. These have the potential to upset the status quo but also present new supply chain opportunities for India. Maintaining an equilibrium of commercial links across nations and regions and avoiding being caught up in conflicts are both in India’s economic best interests, he said.