India has always maintained its independence and autonomy in its foreign policy: S Jaishankar

India has always maintained its independence and autonomy in the exercise of its foreign policy and ensured that the national interest determines the policy. 

External Affairs Minister S Jiashankar said this while making a statement in the Rajya Sabha on the government's efforts to promote the country's foreign policy focusing on the high level visits of President, Vice President and Prime Minister recently. He said, in the first six months of NDA government's tenure, New Delhi re-emphasized its Neighbourhood First policy and reinforced its relationships with all major countries. Dr Jaishankar also said, New Delhi has worked to expand its relations with the Gulf, South East Asia and African regions.

He said, India also expressed its strong interest fulfilling its commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals and reforming the multilateral system. The Minister said,



India has to engage large and small countries across all regions to shape the global agenda more effectively. This is required not only to advance country’s interest but also in view of high expectations the world has from New Delhi.

Responding to questions on Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Dr Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a decision not to go forward on RCEP. He asserted that the government will do what is right for the country on trade matters as well as on all other matters.

Talking about Pakistan, Dr Jaishnakar said Islamabad is a unique neighbour and it is very different from all other neighbours. He said trade, projects, visas and others with every neighbouring country except Pakistan is better than before. He added that Neighborhood First is a statement of priority for India.