The Hindu : National : Multi-polarity in world ties planned

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 28, 2004

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National

Multi-polarity in world ties planned

By Amit Baruah

NEW DELHI, MAY 27. The United Progressive Alliance Government's Common Minimum Programme said today that its foreign policy would "seek to promote multi-polarity in world relations and oppose all attempts at unilateralism."

Significantly, the draft CMP, as published in the press on May 22, had not made any reference to promoting multi-polarity or opposition to unilateral policy approaches. The UPA Government also committed itself to pursuing an independent foreign policy "keeping in mind its past traditions."

It also sought to correct the policy imbalance vis-à-vis West Asia and Palestine. "Traditional ties with West Asia will be given a fresh thrust. The UPA Government reiterates that 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," the document said.

The CMP dropped the word "strategic" (that figured in the draft) when it talked of ties with the United States and added Russia and Europe to its priority list.

The CMP, as released today, said: "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."

The May 22 draft read: "The UPA Government will maintain the independence of India's foreign policy stance on all regional and global issues even as it pursues closer strategic and economic engagement with the USA."

The UPA committed itself to giving the highest priority to building closer political, economic and other ties with South Asian countries and to strengthening SAARC. "Particular attention will be given 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 fulfil the legitimate aspirations of Tamils [the draft referred to all linguistic and religious minorities] and religious minorities within the territorial integrity and solidarity of Sri Lanka."

The CMP also made a pointed reference to resolving outstanding issues with Bangladesh and initiating an intensive dialogue with Nepal for developing water resources to mutual advantage. It also committed the Government to pursuing border talks with China "seriously" and expanding trade and investment with Beijing. "Relationships with East Asian countries will be intensified," the CMP added.

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