|
Foreign Policy, International Organisations
The UPA government will pursue an independent foreign policy
keeping in mind its past traditions. This policy will seek to promote
multi-polarity in world relations and oppose all attempts at
unilateralism.
22
The UPA government will give the highest priority to building closer
political, economic and other ties with its neighbours in South Asia
and to strengthening SAARC. Particular attention will be paid to
regional projects in the area of water resources, power and ecological
conservation. Dialogue with Pakistan on all issues will be pursued
systematically and on a sustained basis. The UPA will support peace
talks in Sri Lanka that fulfill the legitimate aspirations of Tamils and
religious minorities within the territorial integrity and solidarity of
Sri Lanka. Outstanding issues with Bangladesh will be resolved.
Trade and investment with China will be expanded further and talks
on the border issue pursued seriously. Relationships with East Asian
countries will be intensified. Traditional ties with West Asia will be
given a fresh thrust. The UPA government reiterates India's decades-old
commitment to the cause of the Palestinian people for a
homeland of their own. Steps will be taken to withdraw Indian
mercenaries from Iraq while further recruitment for this purpose will
be banned.
Even as it pursues closer engagement and relations with the USA, the
UPA government will maintain the independence of India's foreign
policy position on all regional and global issues. The UPA is
committed to deepening ties with Russia and Europe as well.
In keeping with the stance adopted by the late Shri Murasoli Maran
at Doha, the UPA government will fully protect the national interest,
particularly of farmers, in all WTO negotiations. Commitments made
earlier will be adhered to, even as efforts are mounted to ensure that
all agreements reflect our concerns fully particularly in the area of
intellectual property and agriculture. The UPA government will use
the flexibility afforded in existing WTO agreements to fully protect
Indian agriculture and industry. The UPA government will play a
proactive role in strengthening the emerging solidarity of developing
countries in the shape of G-20 in the WTO.
Next
|