With his balanced politics, Atalji will always be remembered for both domestic and foreign policy initiatives
In politics, there are only a few individuals who make a lasting impression and whose thoughts endure forever. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the former prime minister honored with the Bharat Ratna, was one of such rare personalities. Atalji will continue to serve as an inspiration to people in all eras, as a leader who made an enduring impact on Indian politics with his diverse personality and vision. The message of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam that he conveyed is embedded in the culture of India, from the Parliament to the United Nations, and increased India's stature on the world stage. Just as Metternich and Castlereagh are discussed as effective strategists for home policy and foreign policy in Europe during the 19th century, similarly Atalji is also India's destiny maker, for the balanced inclusion of his national and foreign policy which will continue to be remembered.
On October 4, 1977, when the then foreign minister Vajpayee, representing India at the 32nd General Meeting of the United Nations, the world's largest democratic forum, started speaking, the representatives of other countries were stunned. During that period, the Cold War dominated the world forum. All the countries seemed to be divided in one direction or the other. Meanwhile, Atalji was giving the message of non-alignment. He strongly emphasized in this historic 40-minute speech that India wants amicable relations with all nations and does not seek to rule anyone. This was the first time that Atalji made Indians proud of their language by addressing in Hindi from the platform of the United Nations.
Earlier India lacked an effective foreign policy, but after Atalji became the foreign minister in 1977, a ray of hope arose. The foreign policy blueprint was prepared by Atal ji during his short tenure of 2 years, but instead of taking it forward, the Congress government kept it sidelined for years. But when he became the Prime Minister in 1998, Atalji again succeeded in establishing India on the world stage with self-respect on the basis of his foreign policy. Atalji has had a huge impact on everything, from establishing better relationships with China to holding Pakistan accountable for terrorism. On the strength of his foresight and diplomacy, he made the countries of East Asia and Israel along with America new allies of India, and strengthened the ties with an old friend like Russia.
When Pakistan was using “Gauri Missile” and “Ghaznavi Missile” in collaboration with China, Japan and America were pressurising India to sign CTBT i.e., Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. Meanwhile, Vajpayeeji was successful in getting India to conduct five nuclear tests in May 1998 due to his leadership ability. Shocked by this test, many countries showed their displeasure towards India and also imposed sanctions. But Atalji, without getting distracted by international pressure, got India recognized as a nuclear power nation. However, it was unfortunate that this nuclear test was opposed by political parties like the Indian Congress and the Left too. Along with this, the question was also asked with regards to the dangers before India. Whereas in 1974, Atal ji had supported the decision related to nuclear tests while being in the opposition.
Several successful experiments were also carried out by Atalji to strengthen relations between India and its neighboring countries. He asserted that although you may "change your friends," you cannot change your neighbors”. This policy of his developed a deep and positive initiative. Under his leadership, the first bilateral trade agreement in the form of a Free Trade Agreement was signed between India and Sri Lanka in 1998. Along with this, Atalji also helped Sri Lanka in the civil war against LTTE. On this, the then Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe had said that “Our economy was very weak due to LTTE. Vajpayee helped us by giving economic support and military training. He is a great prime minister."
It was always the intention of Atalji to strengthen ties between India and Pakistan. In order to do this, he started the Delhi-Lahore bus service in 1999, in which he himself went on a two-day trip to Pakistan. During this, there was also a bilateral agreement with India and Pakistan, but a few months later, the Pakistani army cowardly intruded into the Indian territory and captured Kargil, to which India gave a befitting reply and Pakistan's nefarious plans could not be fulfilled. Again in 2001, Atal ji also held the Agra summit with the then President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, which failed due to Pakistan's obstinate attitude. That's why it will not be superfluous to say that Vajpayee ji had made both the efforts of friendship and the sense of duty.
Atalji has also tried to cultivate a friendship with China. Atal ji was the first Indian to visit China as the Foreign Minister. In 1979, when Atal ji was in China, China attacked Vietnam, which was opposed by India and Atal ji left the journey in the middle and returned home. Atal ji's visit to China in 2003 was significant. He brought stability in the economic, political and cultural spheres of both the countries. Meanwhile, a special representative system was also formed for the settlement of border disputes between the two countries. As a result, China recognized Sikkim as a part of India. Through the Look-East policy, Atal ji also started mutual cooperation with ASEAN countries. During his reign, the "Concept of the 21st Century" was signed with America, which was the outline of a new useful direction. It was the result of Atal ji's own diplomatic maturity and political understanding that all the Indians trapped in the Kandahar plane hijacking incident were brought back safely.
Vajpayee ji had an inclusive personality and governed Indian policy with ethics, prudence, and determination. The foundation of strategic partnership with all the countries at the international level was the firm thinking of the Vajpayee government. His endeavor towards taking forward India's relations with all the countries was a recognition of the nature of natural alliances. He was popular in all the countries, castes, religions, sects and ideologies. For this reason, he is also called Ajatashatru. Atal Ji established himself as a ‘Rashtranayak’ for more than 50 years by maintaining discipline and decorum in parliamentary politics. Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1992, Best Parliamentarian in 1994 and Bharat Ratna in 2014, Atal ji lived his life as a Karmayogi and a seeker. As a journalist, poet, and skilled politician, Atal ji continued to lead India's culture and civilization. Because of this, his birthday is commemorated as "Good Governance Day." With his command over language and balanced politics, Atalji will always be remembered for both domestic and foreign policy initiatives, while being in power and opposition.
(The author is a University Professor in the Faculty of Commerce and a Member of the Bihar Legislative Council)
