India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of Indians both domestically and abroad. Speaking at a forum in Hyderabad on Tuesday, Jaishankar stated that ‘Modi’s guarantee’ of protection extends beyond the country’s borders and encompasses all Indians globally.
Referring to recent geopolitical events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts in Ukraine, and the situation in Israel, Jaishankar highlighted the government’s swift and decisive diplomatic interventions to secure the lives of distressed Indians abroad. He stressed the need for continuous preparedness to respond effectively to such challenges.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of establishing a ‘good system’ within the government, emphasizing that strong belief alone is insufficient and must translate into tangible reforms. He cited the rapid deployment of the Indian Navy and Air Force to Sudan within 24 hours of the outbreak of conflict as an example of such preparedness.
The External Affairs Minister also discussed India’s evolving foreign relations, particularly with Israel. He highlighted that India did not establish an embassy in Israel until 1992 and no Prime Minister had visited the country before Narendra Modi. Jaishankar suggested that ‘vote bank’ considerations had influenced India’s foreign policy in the past.
Additionally, Jaishankar emphasized the significance of the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that the special provisions enshrined in the Article had created a ‘vote bank lobby’ that hindered the progress of the region. He asserted that the abrogation was necessary to rectify a historical mistake and create a more equitable and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir.
