Comprehending recent shifts in the nature of international politics is essential to framing policies and choices. The global order has not just become more multi-polar. In fact, there is an overall loosening of relationships and even countries that are formal allies are now hedging. Though the world as a whole is more globalised, distinct regional dynamics have also emerged. Situations to the east and west of India both offer examples. As a result, effective diplomacy increasingly calls for simultaneously engaging competing powers. It is now an exercise to manage differences and expand areas of agreement. Consequently, remaining passive to international developments is no longer an option. This understanding of the world explains the more active nature of Indian diplomacy now. We believe that India's interests and prestige have been well served by this more energetic engagement.
An India that aspires to a greater global role must necessarily have a larger diplomatic footprint. At a structural level, this means more embassies and a larger foreign service. Both are part of ongoing efforts. But more immediate is the requirement for broader and frequent engagements with other leaderships. It was clear to us that interactions can no longer be limited either by distance or size. We cannot expect understanding, leave alone support, from those who have not been engaged. And you would be astonished at the gaps we found when analysing high-level visits. It was, therefore, with a strong sense of purpose that the Modi government approached this issue. In the last two years, in addition to the very vigorous efforts of the prime minister personally, my Cabinet colleagues and I have been to more than 140 countries. I have myself met almost 170 of my counterparts, heads of state/government and other dignitaries in this period. In addition to these bilateral engagements, we have also broken new ground in terms of multilateral gatherings. The India-Africa Summit was expanded from the earlier 17 nations to its full complement of 54. For the first time, a summit of Pacific Island states with India was held, not just in that region but in India as well.
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It is not enough that India is heard or seen in different parts of the world. Perhaps our own people don't appreciate deeply enough how much of an example we can be, especially on development and governance issues. Our capabilities in technology, education or industry can make a difference to the growth of others. Even our inter-faith practices and resistance to radicalisation has a message for the world. Expanding programmes and platforms that share experiences and contribute to global development is an increasingly important element of our diplomatic outcomes. You can see this reflected in growing lines of credit, more grants and technical assistance, as well as in major development projects abroad. These are truly win-win situations because they also advance the international operations of Indian businesses.
Among the issues that dominate global concerns today is the threat of terrorism. It is an issue which has confronted Indian diplomacy for many years because of its cross-border manifestation. Unlike in the past, we cannot agree that dialogue with sponsors and supporters of terrorism should carry on without being linked to action in that regard. In fact, we have insisted that addressing the terrorism challenge is central to engagement. At the international level, we are also putting the spotlight on early conclusion of a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Equally important, we have made counterterrorism cooperation a key element in many of our bilateral interactions.
At a time when there is talk of a demographic dividend, it is also worthwhile to examine its foreign policy implications. India will surely make its presence felt in the world through its people. You can already see this happening. And as education, skills and employment progress, we can truly be a human resources super power. Already, there is an Indian diaspora that wields considerable influence in many nations. There are also other Indians, with varying levels of skills, who earn their living abroad and contribute to our prosperity at home. Our country makes as much by services and remittances as it does by trade in goods. These Indians abroad are a huge asset for the country, whether in the economy, in image or in influence. The Modi government has broken new ground in appreciating their contribution, enhancing their standing and protecting their interests. The prime minister has again led the way himself. Another method of expressing that is to give them the comfort that the Indian government is always there for them. That is the least we can do for our nationals who do so much for us. Perhaps you will now understand why Sushma Swaraj responds 24X7 to Indians in distress abroad. Or why General V K Singh has been sent to Saudi Arabia to deal first-hand with the problems of our stranded workers. In fact, we have brought about a change in systemic attitudes towards them - whether it is in faster issue of passports at home, better consular responses abroad, or even in major evacuation operations like Yemen, Iraq, Libya or South Sudan. Conversely, we are also working on involving PIO/NRIs more closely in the unfolding of our development flagship programmes.
A defining characteristic of our government has been its focus on delivery. In the realm of foreign policy too, we are striving hard. Long-pending projects abroad, especially in the neighbourhood, are moving forward. The completion of the Parliament building and the Salma dam in Afghanistan, the Duriappah stadium in Sri Lanka, the Petrapole integrated checkpoint with Bangladesh or the Trauma centre in Nepal are some notable milestones. On the consular side, issuing passports on a pre-verification basis is a radical departure. Simplifying visa issuance through electronic format and merging PIO cards with OCI are also noteworthy. Within the Ministry and outside vis-a-vis the rest the Government, we have consciously moved towards a more integrated way of working.