External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has several achievements to list during the one year of NDA Government, but she has one regret too. “My biggest regret is that while I could bring out thousands of our Indian citizens from violence affected zones of Yemen, libya and Iraq, I could not bring out those 39 men lying captive in Iraq. However, I am hopeful to bring them home soon,” Swaraj told The Pioneer on Sunday.
Her biggest achievement, Swaraj, said was the fact that the world now believes that India has a strong Government which is being heard by the world. “I am satisfied that the Indian diaspora is happy that they have a proactive and sensitive Government which is willing to take care of them”, Swaraj said.
Speaking during the Press conference on NDA Government’s one-year in office, the Minister said that her Government has touched base with at least 101 countries over the last 365 days. With emphasis on three areas — contact through visits, dialogue and outcome, Swaraj said 162 diplomatic engagements have taken place with 101 countries between Prime Minister Narendra Modi, herself and Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh.
These include visits to 18 countries by PM, 21 by Swaraj and 17 by Singh. Besides there have been several incoming visits prominent being US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Australian PM Tony Abbott, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Sri lankan President Maithripala Srisena. Swaraj also gave details of engagements with neighbours including Bhutan, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, Sri lanka and Afghanistan.
Swaraj said the focus of NDA Government’s foreign policy is on “Diplomacy with development” and that major flagship programmes of the Government have been incorporated in the international engagements.
Responding to PM’s involvement in foreign policy the Foreign Minister said says “a proactive PM is not a challenge but a support.” On criticism of comments like “NRI-PM” by Opposition parties, Swaraj said Modi’s foreign tours were more or less equal to that of former Prime Ministers.
A seasoned politician that she is, Swaraj dodged all politically loaded questions and steered clear from making any strong statements or allegations either on Oopposition parties or neighouring nations. “I keep a low profile because it goes with my role as FM. You have seen me vocal as leader of Opposition. But as FM I should not speak on domestic issues. Because when the FM speaks, it is not his/her personal opinion or party’s but country’s opinion. In past the other FMs too have maintained low profile”, Swaraj said. She added that Modi has not imposed any restrictions on her and it was she who prefers to keep a low profile.
She also waded through questions on her being relegated down in the government. “There is never a competition between the team members for number one, two or three. Team plays together. Competitions happen between opponents and not among team members. All my colleagues are working as number one and doing their best,” she responded.
She also commented on political situation in Maldives where former president Mohamed Nasheed has been sentenced to 13 years in jail under anti-terror laws. Swaraj said the episode is ot in the inetrest of Maldives government and an early peaceful resolution of the issue will be beneficial for it.
On fishermen issue between India and Sri lanka, she urged lankan authorities to stay away from making provocative statements. “Provocative statements can vitiate the conducive atmosphere to resolve the issue. This is an issue of livelihood and requires humanitarian approach,” Swaraj said.