Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Dec 31: Foreign secretary in the union ministry of external affairs, Nirupama Rao, said that a congenial atmosphere has been created for India the world over, in its efforts to secure a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. Although she did not wish to predict a time frame by which this will happen, she said that our nation is sure to get this seat in near future.
Her address was one of the lectures under the Silver Jubilee Leadership Lecture Series being organized by T A Pai Management Institute (TAPMI). The programme was organized at Valley View Hotel auditorium in Manipal on Thursday December 30 on the subject of ‘India’s Foreign Policy – Dilemmas, Challenges, and Action’. She noted that India’s thrust towards securing a permanent seat in the Security Council spread over the last several years, has borne fruits, and that India is now being considered a capable nation, in tune with other permanent members of the council, USA, France, England, Russia and China.
“India’s contribution in International Monetary Fund has gone up from 2.44% to 2.75%, as a result of which its ranking has improved to 8 from the previous 11. In World Bank too, the country’s share has increased from 44.06% to 47.19%. In G-20, our country’s voting power went up from 2.77 to 2.91%, gaining a four-slot advantage from previous 11 to 7. All these speak of the eminence our country is gaining,” she explained.
She said that foreign policy is a delicate art, where maintaining balance and avoiding friction rank high. Giving example of Tibet, she noted that India provided shelter to Dalai Lama and his followers five decades ago, but never spoke of Tibet’s autonomy. In comparison, she noted that China had declared that Jammu and Kashmir were not part of India.
She revealed that India has been extending financial assistance to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan. The country also assists African countries though distance education and for healthcare. “This is why heads of state from 25 nations worldwide visited our country during the year 2010,” she added. Nirupama added that protecting the interests of people of Indian origin settled elsewhere also happens to be an important function of any foreign policy. She described foreign policy as a multi-dimensional science, which takes into account current international affairs, and is driven by specific goals and ambitions.
To a question raised by TAPMI professor, Dr R C Natarajan as to whether being honest and truthful, and speaking diplomatically are different, Rao said that it would be wrong to say that they are different. “Both should carry truth forward, and in tune with principles and policies. There should be finesse in the use of language and facial expressions. At the same time, one should not compromise on principles,” she felt.
TAPMI board of directors chairman, Dr Ramadas M Pai, was present. Director, Dr Saji Gopinath, welcomed. Prof Dr R C Natarajan compered the programme.