India's Foreign Policy Based on People's Aspiration

Unless and until Pakistan eliminates terrorism on its soil, India will not hold talks with it. This was declared by Indian External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna at a conference of Indian envoys abroad held in New Delhi recently. He said that no meaningful dialogue will be possible until Pakistan comes up to India's expectations on these issues and promises.

India-Pakistan Differences
India desires to sort out the India-Pakistan differences through talks and has already informed Pakistan of its intention to build positive relations between the countries. The heads of 112 Indian Embassies abroad who attended the meet were briefed on how India can serve and promote its interests n foreign countries. They were asked to take meaningful steps. The two-day conference is being considered significant from the international viewpoint.

The External Affairs Minister clarified that India is of the view that stability in Pakistan is highly imperative for maintenance of peace not only in Pakistan but in this entire region as well. He categorically stated that the bilateral talks between the nations would be possible only after Pakistan stops allowing the use of its territory for anti-India activities.

Hence, Pakistan should translate into action all the assurances given by it to India under any circumstances. Nevertheless, in reality Pakistan continues to ignore all meaningful promises held out by it to India so far. Pakistan is supposed to honor its commitments.

Krishna said Pakistan has so far taken a few steps under the pressure of the evidences produced by India relating to the November 26, 2008 Mumbai terror attack, but Pakistan does not seem to be in the mood to dismantle the terror infrastructure on its soil nor has it initiated effective steps to stop infiltration of terrorists into India. He stated that India's chief objective is to alleviate poverty through economic development. He observed that the nation should not forget that the people's aspirations form the basis of India's foreign policy.

Relations With China
Referring to India's nearest neighbor, Krishna observed that India was committed to building cordial relations with all countries of the subcontinent. Alluding to China, he said that India was carrying trade at the highest level with China and there was the commonality of views on various global issues.

Nevertheless, talks are under way for peaceful resolution of pending issues between the nations. For India is the protagonist of complete peace in the region.

Economic Development
On the issue of economic development, Krishna felt that maintenance of cordial ties with all neighboring countries is extremely imperative. The targets set in this field can be realized in cordial conditions only. He expressed the hope that trade with foreign countries would register a substantial rise in the times ahead.

Hence, efforts are afoot for amicable settlement of crucial issues with neighboring nations. No one should forget that the people of the country form the basis of India's external affairs policy.

Throwing light on India's relations with the United States, Russia, East Asia, and Afghanistan, Krishna hoped these relations would be strengthened in the times ahead. Hence, India made it amply evident at the Indian envoys conference that the Indian policy is not only friendly but development-oriented as well.