Foreign policy adapted to global scene
The Prime Minister’s “Report to the People 2009-10” says his government has pursued a foreign policy which combined India’s firm commitment to its core national values with dynamic adaptation to changes in the international environment.
“As a corollary to these objectives, India is committed to close and good neighbourly relations with all countries in its immediate and extended neighbourhood,” it reads.
In its second term, the UPA government continued to press for reform of the United Nations Security Council and play a lead role in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to maintain the movement’s relevance and strengthen its voice on international issues.
The foreign policy was motivated by a desire to harmonise the country’s fundamental security and development priorities.
“India’s foreign policy aims at a global order in which India’s overriding goals of rapid, sustained and inclusive socio-economic development and poverty alleviation are attained rapidly without any hindrance,” reads the report.
In the first year of UPA-2, the government actively engaged in the multilateral negotiations on climate change so that the interests of the developing countries such as India were safeguarded. Several measures were taken to draw upon the experience and knowledge of the Indian diaspora. They included the setting up of Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council of Overseas Indians and an electronic platform called the Global Indian Network of Knowledge for connecting persons of Indian origin with people in India.
The government also approved the proposal for setting up the Indian Community Welfare Fund in the Indian missions in 17 countries where emigration check is required, and the Maldives, in August 2009. The fund will enable extending on site welfare and emergency relief to overseas Indians in distress.
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