Resolution

RESOLUTION ON EXTERNAL SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Introduced by Shri Pranab K. Mukherjee

Introduction

The Indian National Congress congratulates the UPA Government for farsighted, creative and constructive steps in foreign relations, based on the broad national consensus on India's foreign policy since Independence. The contours of these foreign policy initiatives clearly reflect India's emerging position in the economic and political reality of the 21st century. A strong and united India at home, and a confident and competitive India abroad, has been the aspiration of the UPA government; the success thus far achieved in just close to two years that the Congress led UPA Government has been in power calls for widespread appreciation and support. The Government led by Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, astutely guided by the vision of the Chairperson of the UPA and the Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, provides the best face of India for the challenging role of re-shaping the globe in our times.

India stands tall in the world today because of the sustained philosophical underpinning of our foreign policy. The relentless pursuit of peace, the willingness to engage, the firm commitment to multilateral institutions and above all, the transparent independence of our decision-making are steadfast, cherished characteristics of our foreign policy that have strenuously been preserved and protected by Smt Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh.

MULTILATERAL ENGAGEMENT:

SAARC

The Indian National Congress recalls the foresight and efforts of late Shri Rajiv Gandhi in giving shape and substance to SAARC and deeply appreciates that in our neighbourhood, the UPA government has endeavored to impart fresh energy and meaning to SAARC as it completes 20 years of its existence. These efforts have succeeded in dispelling the doubts about the relevance of SAARC. The coming into force of South Asia Free Trade Area (SAFTA) has taken us a clear step forward towards economic integration of trade in goods, services and investment with a view to realizing a Customs Union, and eventually a South Asian Economic Community.

The Indian National Congress appreciates that it has been India's consistent effort to help its SAARC neighbours to overcome their economic constraints and give them stake in India growing economic prosperity. India has offered Bangladesh the benefit of bilateral free trade agreement and encouraged the resolution of all pending issues through sustained dialogue. In Sri Lanka, it is our earnest hope that the recent political transition will not become the occasion for fresh strains on the ceasefire and prospects for peace.

India remains committed to a peaceful settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, respecting the legitimate aspirations of all the peoples of Sri Lanka, including the country's Tamil population. India has a close historical and cultural affinity with the people of Nepal, with which we share an open border. The continuing political turmoil in that country is a matter of serious concern. It remains our hope that an early political settlement would be pursued within the parameters of multiparty democracy and constitutional monarchy, in an atmosphere free from violence.

The Indian National Congress applauds the wisdom displayed by His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, insetting his country firmly on the path of a constitutional, democratic order. We wish His Majesty, the King, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and the friendly people of Bhutan, success in their historic efforts and commend the UPA Government's initiatives to further consolidate the traditionally close and friendly relations between the two countries India has also welcomed the recent democratic reforms in the Maldives and commends. President Gayoom for his wise and farsighted leadership of his country.

ASEAN

The Indian National Congress notes that beyond SAARC and BIMSTEC, the UPA government has diligently pursued the policy of entrenching our relations with ASEAN, such as actively engaging in the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation that brings together India and five ASEAN countries. India participated in the recently-held East Asia Summit and proposed moving towards the futuristic idea, of the Asian Economic Community that in broad terms would constitute an "arc of advantage" over which there would be large-scale movement of people, capital, ideas, and creativity.

India's active participation in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has added a new dimension to the experiment of fashioning a new pluralistic cooperative security order.

NAM (Non Aligned Movement)

India remains committed to the ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and believes that its objectives remain relevant in the contemporary international situation. NAM was conceived as a movement, based on solidarity among developing countries, to pursue their political, social and economic development goals, based on their own independent judgement and in consonance with their own aspirations, unfettered by the politics of rivalry among, and, domination by, powerful states.

The basic tenets of the NAM remain valid as does India's commitment to a multi polar world, but NAM's strategy needs urgent review in a rapidly transforming international order. The Indian National Congress earnestly hopes to see India take the leadership role in this urgent task.

EU (European Union)

The European Union has a unique importance for India, in terms of its contribution to providing a balanced and equitable World order as, indeed, as a successful experiment in federal governance, and last, but not the least, as the largest trading partner of India. With its expansion to include 25 member countries, the European Union also represents a successful, federal and plural polity encompassing like India, a diversity of ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic groups.

The Indian National Congress welcomes the establishment of a Strategic Partnership between India and EU in November 2004 and commends the adoption, in 2005, of a wide-ranging Action Plan to give practical effect to this partnership.

UNITED NATIONS

The Indian National Congress expressed its confidence in the United Nations even before our Independence and believes firmly that United Nations has contributed dramatically in containing the possibility, sometimes very real, of the emergence of widespread conflicts and threats to world peace. India has always willingly participated in the peace- keeping efforts of the UN and is continuing to do so. India has supported the demand for reform of the UN, particularly the Security Council commensurate with the changing geo-political realities of the world and to address the democracy deficit. The Indian National Congress believes that on any reasonable criteria, such as commitment to the Charter, size of population and strength of democratic polity, contribution to peacekeeping, etc., India should certainly figure as a Permanent Member. It commends the sustained efforts being made by the UPA Government to mobilize international support for India's candidature and expresses the hope that this will soon become a reality. India believes that through the process of reform, including the reform of the Security Council, the UN will be able to play an enhanced role in development cooperation and the issues of development will once again become the central theme of international discourse.

COMMONWEALTH

The Indian National Congress believes that the Commonwealth remains for India a historic link and a community of shared values of democracy and freedom. Even as more powerful and larger world movements claim attention, the role of the Commonwealth in promoting good governance, conflict prevention and resolution, and human rights has assumed great importance. India rightly remains committed to the Commonwealth.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

India and the United States are the world's largest democracies and for India, the U.S., has emerged as a major economic partner. The end of the Cold War, the opening up of the Indian economy, the importance of the war against terrorism in the post 9/11 international situation, all these have contributed to a significant improvement of relations between India and U.S. The two countries have now established a wider-ranging and mutually beneficial cooperation in a number of areas such as agriculture, industry, health, education and science and technology.

The agreement to resume civil nuclear energy cooperation between the two countries, which was announced during the visit of PM Manmohan Singh to Washington in July 2005, constitutes a significant diplomatic achievement. The UPA Government deserved credit for obtaining the recognition of India as a responsible nuclear power, with impeccable record in non-proliferation, and entitled to the same benefits and advantages available to other states 2 with advanced nuclear technology.

The expected dismantling of technology denial regimes targeting India and the potential gains to India's energy security, are significant outcomes of India's policy towards the United States.

The Indian National Congress appreciates the technological, energy and other imperatives that formed the backdrop to the Indo-US Agreement of July 18, 2005. The Prime Minister has repeatedly said that the agreement will be implemented in a spirit of transparency and reciprocity. The Indian National Congress is confident that these principles will continue to guide our strategy in the months ahead.

The Indian National Congress endorses the signing of the New Framework for the US-India Defence Relationship in June 2005. This is an enabling document which would promote exchanges in the defence field, based on mutual interest and benefit. The Indian National Congress believes that India has the self-confidence and ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities, exercising its own independent judgement.

The Indian National Congress pays a tribute to the contributions made by the Indian-American community in the U.S. to strengthening Indo-US relations and in changing the perceptions of India through their professional excellence and notable achievements.

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

Fifty years ago, our first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru visited the great city of Moscow and laid the foundation of an abiding friendship — a friendship based on mutual trust and confidence. Today on that foundation stands an impressive edifice. Today as before, Russia is a valued strategic partner. Our strategic relationship is based on political consensus in both countries. Despite the historic transformation in Russia the essence of our partnership has not been diluted. Energy security is an area of tremendous potential. India has made its most important overseas investment in the Sakhalin-I project, which has already come on stream. Russia is also contributing to India's power potential by setting up the Kudanakulam Atomic Power Project, which will come on stream shortly. Indian National Congress values Russia as a vital strategic partner, with particular regard to sectors such as civilian nuclear energy, space, high technology and defence.

UNITED KINGDOM

Relations between India and the UK are close and anchored in our historic experience and shared values embedded in the minds of several generations of Indian students who studied in Britain, as indeed the large number of People of Indian Origin (PIO) population in the UK. The Indian National Congress welcomes the decision of the UPA Government and the British Government to upgrade bilateral relations through a Cooperative Strategic Partnership.

FRANCE

The Indian National Congress expresses its satisfaction that efforts on both sides have come to increasingly focus on realising a long-term relationship, based on greater understanding and a similar vision of the post cold war unipolar world.

GERMANY

The Indian National Congress expresses its satisfaction that Germany has referred to India as a "Partner of choice" and identified its relationship with India as a foreign policy priority.

CHINA

The UPA Government has steered the India-China relationship towards a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. The two countries have agreed to work together to realize the vision of the 21st century as an Asian Century. The Indian National Congress commends the conclusion of an Agreement on political parameters and guiding principles which will pave the way for a boundary settlement between the two countries. The acceptance in principle of receiving the People's Republic of China as an Observer to SAARC, along with Japan, is a firm indication of maturing friendship between the three countries that have an important role to play together in Asia. The Indian National Congress hails the visit of the Chinese Premier to India in April 2005 when China explicitly acknowledged India' s sovereignty over Sikkim, ushering in a new era of mutual cooperation and trust. The opening up of the Nathu La pass for border trade will be another major step in confidence building measures.

JAPAN

The Indian National Congress commends the efforts of the UPA Government to widen existing ties of friendship with Japan into a strong and multifaceted partnership. In this context, the Indian National Congress hails the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister to India last year as a significant milestone in the newly expanded partnership.

SOUTH AFRICA

The Indian National Congress recalls the special bonds that existed between the people of India and the people of South Africa through out the period of struggle against apartheid and expresses satisfaction at our growing relationship. The Indian National Congress notes with great satisfaction the visit of Shri Rahul Gandhi, MP to receive South Africa's highest national award for foreign nationals on behalf of late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, has consolidated the bonds between a new generation of Indians and South Africans. The Indian National Congress calls upon the Government to pursue the welfare of Africa, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and East Africa, highlighted at the last G-8 Conference, in close collaboration with South Africa.

PAKISTAN

The Indian National Congress affirms that India desires peaceful, friendly and cooperative relations with Pakistan as envisaged in the Simla Agreement of 1972, which forms the bedrock of bilateral relations, between the two countries. In this spirit, India has undertaken several initiatives with Pakistan over the years to place bilateral relations on a harmonious and cooperative footing. Clearly, the key lies in escalated people level interaction for which the peace bus from Srinagar to Muzzafarabad was a major break through. The meeting between Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and President General Musharraf in April 2005 when they declared the peace process to be irreversible is a step forward. However the Indian National Congress continues to have serious concerns about terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan. The tragedy of the recent earthquake underscored our shared destiny as indeed the futility of extremist violence. Pakistan must now dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism completely. To fulfill its solemn commitment. The Indian National Congress reiterates the importance of the January 6th 2004 Joint Statement in which Pakistan committed itself not to allow any territory within its control to be used for terrorism directed against India.

AFGHANISTAN

The Indian National Congress notes with great satisfaction that Afghanistan is fast emerging out of its prolonged trauma. The focus of our interaction has been to support the Afghan Government and the political process in the country as mandated under the Bonn Agreement of December 2001. The completion of the process of Constitution ratification and elections to Parliament has naturally been applauded in India. India has supported the reconstruction effort in Afghanistan by providing extensive humanitarian, financial and project assistance having pledged an additional financial assistance of US $559 billion. The Indian National Congress supports the Government's efforts for rehabilitation of Afghanistan and particularly appreciates the initiative taken by India to receive Afghanistan as member of SAARC.

IRAN

India and Iran share, centuries of close cultural and civilization affinities. Close links between the two countries have continued over contemporary time. The prospects of working together on the oil pipeline from Iran to India are a promising opportunity for greater and permanent interdependence India's difficult but principled stand on the issue of Nuclear Proliferation and the vote in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) caused a degree of disquiet amongst some sections in both countries. The Indian National Congress notes that the matter came to vote despite strenuous efforts by India to avoid that eventuality. The Indian National Congress hopes that the impasse will be resolved through a mutually acceptable solution in the interest of world peace and keeping in mind Iran's concern for freedom to use nuclear research for peaceful purposes.

IRAQ

The Indian National Congress was categorically opposed to military intervention in Iraq and subsequently of sending Indian troops to that country. Many other countries as well as the UN shared India's reservations. The Indian National Congress hopes to see a rapid conclusion to the aftermath of the military action and restoration of the democratic rights of the Iraqi people. The secular fabric of Iraqi society must be preserved and protected.

WEST ASIA

The Indian National Congress recalls that India's relations with West Asian countries go back centuries and in recent decades two significant developments have brought us close together first, the oil imports by India, and second, the large number of Indians working in the region who are a major source of foreign exchange repatriation to India. In addition they are making a remarkable contribution to the strides being taken by countries like United Arab Emirates to become a hub of global trade.

The Indian National Congress recalls the long association with the struggle of the people of Palestine and mourns the passing away of President Arafat. The continuing distress of Palestine despite the peace process remains a concern for India. The Indian National Congress hopes that the Government will do its utmost to help in the resolution of the conflict Meanwhile, India's friendly relations with Israel and meaningful cooperation between the two countries have facilitated India's efforts to help in the process.

CENTRAL ASIA

The Central Asian countries have completed the first stage of transition to democracy and free markets. It is a matter of great satisfaction to India that they have adopted a secular political framework like India, respecting the rights of all religious and ethnic groups.

The Silk Route of the medieval times has been replicated in modem times through the tri-partite agreement between India, Iran and Turkmenistan. India's energy requirements can be met to a large extent from this region as indeed the growing markets of Central Asia provide an attractive incentive to Indian business. The Indian National Congress commends to the Government high priority to Central Asia. It appreciates the Government's efforts to work closely with the countries of the region in matters of security and in fighting terrorism.

LATIN AMERICA

Despite distances India has maintained close relations with Latin American countries. The Indian National Congress is pleased to record its appreciation of the close collaboration between India and South America on multilateral and bilateral issues.

The support for India on the issue of expansion of the UN Security Council is particularly heartening. The cooperation model of India-Brazil-South Africa (IBSA) has opened up fresh avenues of vast potential.

INDIAN DIASPORA

The conspicuously growing reach and clout of Indian Diaspora across the globe is reflected in persons of Indian origin getting elected and selected to serve in high public offices in major democracies of the world including the US, UK and Canada, not to speak of the traditional strongholds in the Caribbean, Africa, Indian Ocean region and South East Asia. Indian origin business abroad is providing impetus for FDI into India, making our country the second most sought after investment destination after China.

This growing interest in India and practical reality have found an appropriate response in the dramatic overture of offering a wider range of attractive facilities including Overseas Indian Citizenship to Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs). The Indian National Congress emphasizes that the importance India gives to persons of India origin will undoubtedly give us distinct advantages in centers of political power and commercial hubs across the world PIOs are India's permanent Ambassadors to the world. It was in fitness of things that a Ministry for NRIs was specially created, giving institutional recognition to the valuable relationship between India and its children abroad. In this context the Indian National Congress emphasizes, the need to revamp and revitalize the Overseas Congress.

SECURITY - NUCLEAR POLICY

The Indian National Congress remains unequivocally committed to a world free of nuclear weapons as a lasting tribute to the humanitarian vision of late Prime Minister Shri Rajiv Gandhi, a vision which remains undiminished. India is not a member of the NPT, but we suo moto fulfill the majority of its conditions including a unilateral moratorium on further nuclear tests. India's record in the matter of non-proliferation of sensitive technologies is irreproachable. All cooperation extended to India in the nuclear field is used to develop our peaceful civil programme.

The Indian National Congress congratulates the Government on ensuring that our constant willingness to go the extra mile in search of peace does not cause slackness in our defense preparedness, memories of which from the time of the NDA Government are still very painful. In this context, it congratulates the government for bringing the programme of modernization of armed forces back on track and urges the government to ensure that the programme is sustained.

HUMANITARIAN COMMITMENT

The Indian National Congress thanks and congratulates Smt Sonia Gandhi and Dr Manmohan Singh for their swift and sensitive action in response to the critical challenges of natural calamities and the human tragedies in their wake-the devastation caused by the tsunami and the earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir. In both cases, despite suffering colossal losses, India went beyond our own pain to reach out to the victims in other nations. Rs 20.61 crores worth of relief material was dispatched by aircraft and trains to Pakistan. Total assistance of US $ 25 million has been pledged for relief projects in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and in the North West Frontier Province of Pakistan. It was indeed a giant step in India's response to human tragedy when relief was carried to the US to meet the loss caused by hurricane Katrina. The Indian National Congress appreciates the UPA Government for the large - hearted humanitarian zeal unhindered by political differences or past experiences.

CULTURAL DIPLOMACY

The Indian National Congress supports the renewed efforts in the field of cultural diplomacy. Conscious projection of India's rich, pluralistic culture across the world is consistent with the growing importance in global society of cultural exchanges and assimilation. India, with its unique, multi-faceted heritage going back to the dawn of history, has a major role to play in this sphere.

CONCLUSION

Since Independence the Indian National Congress ha dreamt of a resurgent Asia and a world without want. In pursuit of that dream successive Congress governments have striven relentlessly. Many positions staunchly and vigorously supported by the Indian National Congress over the years have ultimately been accepted by the world. But there is much more to be done at home and in the world. The unwholesome shadow of global terrorism continues to haunt and threaten the world. India has lost innumerable Indian lives, including the precious lives of the father of the nation and two Prime Ministers, to terrorists and senseless violence. Today at last there is a common resolve in the world to fight cross-border and global terrorism and an indication that finally the tide has begun to turn. The Indian National Congress pledges to continue the battle till the world is made, safe again.