India

There Are Sometimes “Things Bigger Than Politics” When One Steps Outside The Country: Jaishankar Replies To Rahul Gandhi

There are sometimes “things bigger than politics” when one steps outside the country, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government during his ongoing US visit.

Speaking to Indian Americans in Santa Clara, California, earlier this week, Gandhi, a former MP and head of the Congress party called Prime Minister Modi a “specimen” and criticized his administration’s policies on a number of fronts.

After attending the BRICS foreign ministers meeting, Jaishankar stated that he can talk for himself and does not do politics while traveling abroad. He made this statement at a diaspora gathering in Cape Town.

“Look, I said I can only talk for myself I try when I go abroad not to do politics.” “I’m perfectly prepared to argue and argue very vigorously at home. Okay, so you will never find me wanting in that regard,” he said in response to a question.

“But I think you know, even a democratic culture has a particular collective responsibility. There is a national interest there is a collective image. There are sometimes things bigger than politics and when you step outside the country, I think that’s important to remember.

“So I might differ strongly with someone. I could say to you, I differ with them. But how I counter it, I would like to go back home and do it. And watch me when I get back,” India’s top diplomat said.

According to Jaishankar, one aspect of Indian foreign policy is currently very focused on ensuring the well-being of Indian nationals abroad.

According to him, procedures that can respond to challenging circumstances must be implemented because Indians are now more globally oriented.

“Sometimes they can be very country-specific. We had a very nasty situation in Sudan a few weeks ago, and 5,000 Indians died last year, when the fighting started in Ukraine. We had more than 20,000 Indians now. In fact, when I look at these last nine years, almost every year, we’ve had one situation somewhere.
“So, it’s something which will keep happening. And we have that fundamental obligation today to take care of Indian Indians. Working, living, traveling abroad,” he said. “It could be something like providing a flight, it could even be sometimes there are people who are stuck abroad, who have no money who are stuck in cases, they can’t afford it. You know, we, unfortunately, have cases sometimes that people will pass away,” he added.

Also read: “Our Prayers Go Out To Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones,” Joe Biden On Train Crash In India

Shruti Chaturvedi

Recent Posts

PIB Debunks Viral WhatsApp Message On Alleged Social Media & Call Monitoring Rules

The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has declared as false a viral WhatsApp message claiming government…

5 mins ago

Prez Murmu & VP Radhakrishnan Extend Warm Diwali Greetings; Urge Responsible Celebration

Prez Murmu and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan have wished citizens a happy Diwali, urging everyone…

1 hour ago

Obesity Linked To Alzheimer’s Risk In Adults With Down Syndrome, Study Finds

Obesity, not metabolic syndrome, is linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk in adults with Down syndrome,…

2 hours ago

Amit Shah Approves Rs 1,950 Crore Advance Release To Karnataka And Maharashtra For Flood Relief

The Central Government has allocated substantial financial assistance to various States for disaster response and…

3 hours ago

Our Hearts Are Fuller Than Ever: Parineeti Chopra And Raghav Chadha Welcome Their Baby Boy

Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra and her husband, politician Raghav Chadha, have become proud parents to…

4 hours ago

WhatsApp Tests Monthly Message Cap To Curb Spam And Unwanted Chats

WhatsApp is preparing to roll out a major update designed to curb spam and unwanted…

5 hours ago