Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar critiques UPA’s response to 2008 Mumbai terror attacks

During a recent talk titled ‘Foreign Policy the India Way: From Diffidence to Confidence’, Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar sharply criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government’s response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. He alleged that the then-government chose inaction after the attacks, rationalizing that “it would cost more to attack Pakistan than not attacking it”. This statement reflects a significant moment in India’s political and security discourse, highlighting a shift in approach from previous administrations.

Top Developments:

– Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar criticizes the previous UPA government’s inaction following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

– Jaishankar emphasizes India’s responsibility and influence as a voice for the Global South in international affairs.

– The Minister speaks on the importance of robust defense and infrastructure to secure India’s borders.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, addressing an audience on matters of national and international importance, described India as a pivotal leader and advocate for the Global South, representing around 125 countries. He articulated India’s moral duty to support nations still grappling with the legacies of colonialism and slower recovery rates. The Foreign Minister underscored the trust these countries place in India to represent their interests and positions on the global stage.

Furthermore, Jaishankar outlined the strategic imperatives for India’s defense, emphasizing the necessity to enhance infrastructure and military capabilities to adequately respond to any threats to its borders. This stance is part of a broader narrative that moves away from mere public posturing to tangible action in national security.

The Minister also voiced concerns over the perceptions of India’s democratic processes in the Western media, suggesting that such criticisms are less about a lack of information and more about political interference. He highlighted the robust voter turnout in India despite challenging conditions, contrasting it with lower participation rates in Western elections.

In his remarks, Jaishankar also addressed the broader implications of global politics on India’s domestic affairs, asserting the need for India to assert its confidence and sovereignty in the face of external opinions and pressures.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s critique of the UPA’s handling of the Mumbai attacks and his subsequent emphasis on India as a voice for the Global South signal a robust and confident approach to foreign policy under the current administration. This stance not only defines India’s foreign policy contours but also reiterates its emerging role as a decisive leader on the world stage, capable of influencing international discourse and supporting its allies in the Global South.