All countries form foreign policies according to their interests and convenience. Independent India under the leadership of Nehru credit this path with great care. India emerged as the leader of the third world countries when the cold war between America and Russia was at its peak. India took a soft stance on Russia when Pakistan hurriedly rest into the arms of America. Nehru understood that India had to side with Russia though America the strongest nation then could have been of great help with its capitalist power. It never declared his inclination towards Russia. He has maintained an arm's length distance from Russia. This continued till the Soviet Union collapsed.
India's baseline progress as a lot to Nehru's foresightedness. India's foreign policy turned week after the 90s.With America attacking Iran, India grew a lot confused about its preferential ally. By then, India had begun to long for America's friendship owing to growing unrest with Pakistan. It would change its stance on many issues relating to Middle East conflicts.Finally after entering into nuclear agreement with America, India dashed hopes of all third world countries. Just around the time the relationship between US and Pak hit a roadblock, India began to long for America's hand of friendship, even at the cost of putting its own internal policies at stake.
Pakistan was cozying up with China when America took a soft stance towards India. Not just that, even today, Pakistan has not been able to grow beyond the tentacles of America. The US has attacked Pakistani sovereignty many a times and treated it like it's own subordinate colony. The world is watching how the Saudi nations are being g handed out raw deals owing to their undue friendship with America, whose president recently said Saudi nations won't last even two weeks without their help. Saudi could not even respond with basic courage. Saudi and Pakistan are fine examples of what would happen to nations that submit their internal matters before another nation. India probably knows and has got adequate indications that it will be facing the same fate in the coming days.
The 8 defence agreements that have been made between India and Russia of high importance. They are back in the discussion because America has expressed clear objection to these. America has said any defence agreement between India and Russia will not be tolerated. India is an independent country and has the freedom to enter into agreements between any of the nations it chooses to go with. India had its own foreign policy all the time. It was seen as a developing nation even without any assistance or help from America. The fact that America can dictate terms to India shows the clear latter's failure of foreign policy. This is the result of being at America's beck and call, paying heed to every instruction issued by the US. America's enemies have turned into India's enemies too by default and unnecessarily so.
Today, the rupee is losing value before the dollar at a fast pace. Oil prices are increasing rapidly. If India had shown some wisdom against the sanctions America imposed on Iran, the rates wouldn't have probably increased in this manner. The wrong assumption of Indian corporate sector that India can access oils through America from Iran has landed us here. Iran and Iraq were friends of India. India stood against Iraq for the sake of America. Now friendship with Iran is in a precarious situation. India has to clearly indicate to America that it will choose its allies and partners by its own preference. Though the relationship between Russia and India has indicated this to the US, the problem doesn't end here.
Though albeit late, India now knows the danger of being friends with America. The country is also looking ways of salvaging relationship with Iran. America is not too blind to these attempts of India. The US may bring more pressure on India in the coming days and India has to prepare for this challenge. India has to prefer peace over all other choices. Unless we improve our relationships with our neighbours, India or Pakistan cannot free themselves from the tentacles of America.
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
