Democracy is collective responsibility…: EAM Jaishankar slams Rahul Gandhi for criticising PM Modi in US
1 min read 04 Jun 2023, 06:28 AM ISTTaking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi's comments during the US tour, Jaishankar said that there are sometimes things bigger than politics when one steps outside the country.
PremiumTaking a swipe at Rahul Gandhi for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said, “Democratic culture has a certain collective responsibility" and added, “There are things bigger than politics when one steps outside the country"
The senior Congress leader referred to Modi as a "specimen" and criticized his government's policies at an event in Santa Clara. Speaking at a diaspora gathering in Cape Town after attending a BRICS meeting, Jaishankar clarified that he refrains from engaging in politics while traveling abroad.
"Look, I said I can only talk for myself I try when I go abroad not to do politics." "I'm perfectly prepared to argue and argue very vigorously at home. Okay, so you will never find me wanting in that regard," Jaishankar said in response to a question.
"But I think you know, even a democratic culture has a certain collective responsibility. There is a national interest there is a collective image. There are sometimes things bigger than politics and when you step outside the country, I think that's important to remember.
"So I might differ strongly with someone. I could say to you, I differ with them. But how I counter it, I would like to go back home and do it. And watch me when I get back," India's top diplomat said.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of securing the welfare of Indian citizens abroad as a key aspect of Indian foreign policy. He stressed the need for responsive systems to address challenging situations, considering the growing globalization of Indians around the world.
"Sometimes they can be very country specific. We had a few weeks ago, very nasty situation in Sudan, and we have 5,000 Indians died last year, when the fighting started in Ukraine. We had more than 20,000 Indians now. In fact, when I look at these last nine years, almost every year, we've had one situation somewhere.
"So, it's something which will keep happening. And we have that fundamental obligation today to take care of Indian Indians. Working, living, traveling abroad," he said.
"It could be something like providing a flight, it could even be sometimes there are people who are stuck abroad, who have no money who are stuck in cases, they can't afford it. You know, we unfortunately have cases sometimes that people will pass away," he added.
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