The Indian National Congress affirmed its commitment to “uphold continuity” in India’s foreign policy, as the party unveiled its election manifesto in New Delhi on Friday, vowing to pay greater attention to immediate neighbours like Bangladesh.
The party criticized the ruling BJP’s policy on the ongoing Gaza conflict.
“There has been a consensus on foreign policy since Independence. Unfortunately, in many areas, foreign policy under the BJP/NDA government has witnessed marked departures from this consensus, notably on the ongoing Gaza conflict. Congress pledges to restore India’s global reputation as a voice of peace and moderation in world affairs,” reads the foreign policy pledge.
Bangladesh-India relations are said to have been the best during the BJP’s two tenures in government. Like the BJP, the Congress said it would also pay greater attention to immediate neighbours.
“We will enhance economic and cultural relations between India and Bangladesh, which are the two most populous countries in South Asia,” it said.
“We will re-establish the primacy of our special relationships with Nepal and Bhutan and strengthen them to our mutual benefit.”
“Engagement with Pakistan depends fundamentally on its willingness and ability to end cross-border terrorism,” the party said.
“Our approach was profoundly shaped by the freedom movement and developed through the wisdom of visionary leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru. Congress reaffirms its firm belief in the continued relevance of the established policy of peaceful co-existence, strategic autonomy in thought and action, and increased bilateral engagement in its relations with the countries of the world.
“We will work to strengthen India’s role in multilateral institutions, coordinate positions with other countries of the Global South on vital issues, and continue to work for reform and empowerment of international organizations to deal with the major challenges that transcend borders,” the election manifesto says.
“Enhanced foreign trade will be an important element of our foreign policy, and we will make every effort to conclude long-pending trade negotiations with other countries in the interests of Indian producers and consumers.
“Congress is implacably opposed to terrorism anywhere in the world. We will work with other countries to eliminate terrorist groups, terrorist acts and cross-border terrorism.”
The party said it would work to restore the status quo ante on India’s borders with China and to ensure that “areas where both armies patrolled in the past are again accessible to our soldiers.” “We will take the necessary steps to adjust our policy towards China until this is achieved,” it added.
“We will work with Sri Lanka to restore the political and commercial relations between the two countries and help Sri Lanka resolve its political issues, especially with the Tamils. We will repair relations with the Maldives and work with Myanmar to protect the political and human rights of the people of Myanmar,” the Congress pledged.
The Congress said it would “significantly” increase the size of the Indian Foreign Service, open more missions abroad, leverage India’s economic strengths, and acquire a position of leadership through the country’s values and mutually beneficial economic relationships.
“We will revive the position of a minister of state handling overseas Indians within the external affairs ministry to provide this important constituency with a one-stop window to address their concerns.”
