“If we have to make a choice, we will make it for the well-being of our citizens,” he said.
Singapore:
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said “terrorists are terrorists” no matter what language is used and terrorism should not be allowed to be excused or defended because of different interpretations of it.
Jaishankar made the remarks while interacting with members of the Indian community in Singapore.
Replying to a question on how Indian officials deal with sensitive and linguistically diverse topics with their global counterparts, the minister said that in diplomacy, different countries bring their own culture, traditions and sometimes their own languages or concept to debate.
“It is also natural that there are different views. The purpose of diplomacy is to find a way to reconcile views and reach some kind of agreement,” he said.
Jaishankar said, however, when the situation is clear and not chaotic, some problems arise.
Citing terrorism as an example, he said: “You can understand it in any language, but a terrorist is a terrorist no matter what language he uses.” excused or defended,” he said without mentioning any country.
He said that on some issues, two countries can indeed have different views, and “when they are used as cover, excuses, justifications, problems arise.” People should be able to spot the differences and figure out how to deal with them, he said.
In his speech, Jaishankar recalled India-Singapore relations dating back to the days of the independence struggle when Subhas Chandra Bose founded the Indian National Army and issued the ‘Delhi Chalo’ call.
“He (Neta) lucky) remains a clear inspiration to our entire nation,” Mr. Jaishankar said while watching the Singapore-produced Netaji short film with about 1,500 members of the Indian community.
As India globalizes, the relationship that started with the Look East policy and then the Act East policy… has evolved to where India is located in the Indo-Pacific region – a story that in many ways actually begins in Singapore , Jaishankar shared with us. Business-focused Indian community here.
Jaishankar stressed that the more globalized India becomes, all aspects of it will be reflected in the strength and quality of relations with Singapore.
“Singapore has been our partner in India’s globalization and this role and partnership is something we cherish,” Jaishankar, who is on a three-day visit to the Asian financial hub, said.
Jaishankar also updated the Indian community in Singapore on the accelerated pace of infrastructure development in India and emphasized that “Bharat is a global friend.”
“This is an India that will not be pressured to speak its mind. If it has to make a choice, we will make a choice for the welfare of our citizens… So the idea is to make India Stronger, more capable and willing to take the hard route,” he said.
Jaishankar assured that this is an India that takes care of its citizens and people of Indian origin.
“As more and more Indians settle in different parts of the world, it is our responsibility to protect their safety, ensure their well-being during their difficult times and bring them back home,” he said. Ukraine and Sudan were Thought to be an example of Indians getting into trouble during the war.
“A capable India, a diplomatic India, a reforming India, a protective India… an innovative India in many ways,” he stressed, noting that the Chandrayaan landing on the moon earned global respect.
And India, a friend of the world. “Friendship begets more friendship,” he said, referring to the supply of vaccines to nearly 100 countries during Covid-19.
“We stepped up in difficult times,” Jaishankar said, adding that India had provided a $4.5 billion aid package to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis.
“Across the Indian Ocean today, the situation in the Red Sea is very difficult if something goes wrong, we have 21 ships to combat pirates and board and search ships.
Briefing non-resident Indians about the level of global services provided by India, Jaishankar said: “We have conducted more than 1,000 search missions in the past three months.” These are examples of a responsible India. “It was very insightful (the speech),” said Nimit Shade of the Gujarati Society of Singapore. “We are very proud that the minister shared with us how India has come a long way,” Singaporean businessman Puneet Pushkarna said at a Jaishankar interactive event.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
