Observing that India is “very focused” on diplomacy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday mentioned that the nation ought to deal with its nationwide pursuits and be much less “concerned” about giving “gyan” to the world.
The minister was replying to the controversy on the Weapons of Mass Destruction and their Delivery Systems (Prohibition of Unlawful Activities) Amendment Bill, 2022 within the Lok Sabha.
“Today, we should be less concerned in foreign policy about giving gyan to the world. We should play our role. We should make our contribution. We should look at our national interests. We should do this effectively,” Jaishankar mentioned, replying to the controversy on the Bill by which 21 members participated.
During his speech, Jaishankar referred to factors raised by numerous members.
Referring to Sougata Ray’s remarks that Indian diplomacy is “passive”, Jaishankar mentioned, “At the same time, he [Ray] said that the Prime Minister has spoken to Russia and Ukraine only. Ab jhagda Russia aur Ukraine ke beech me hai (when the conflict is between Russia and Ukraine), who else we will speak to? So, speaking to the relevant party. May be doing the relevant thing may look irrelevant to the other people…We are today in diplomacy very, very focused,”
Later, the House handed the Bill unanimously. Jaishankar mentioned that the passing of the Bill will “strengthen” India’s “national security and global reputation”.
The Bill, which was launched in Lok Sabha on April 5, offers towards the “financing of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems so as to fulfill our international obligations.” It additionally seeks to “prohibit” financing of “any activity” in relation to weapons of mass destruction and their supply programs.
The Bill additionally seeks to empower the Center to “freeze, seize or attach funds or other financial assets or economic resources for preventing such financing.” It additionally proposes granting powers to the federal government to “prohibit making available funds, financial assets or economic resources for any prohibited activity in relation to weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems”.
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
