Defaming India 'anti-national agenda': Jaishankar
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 28 2024: In a recent press conference, external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar addressed the situation in Manipur, emphasising that it is inappropriate to defame India based on the ongoing tensions in the state.

According to a report aired by News9 Live, Jaishankar acknowledged the historical roots of the conflict and the complex ethnic tensions present in the state.

However, he cautioned against using the Manipur issue as a means to malign India's global image, calling such actions as 'political propaganda' and labelling them part of an 'anti-national agenda' .

"There have been problems in Manipur; there are many complex reasons.

Some of them are historical, and some are related to the situation along the border.

But in the name of Manipur, I don t think it is right to damage the image of India or suggest that the world should take issue with India due to isolated events," stated Jaishankar in response to questions from the press.

He further stressed that while challenges do exist, they should not be used to undermine the country's image or fuel external criticism.

Jaishankar emphasised that India, like any democracy, is not perfect and faces the challenges of a developing nation.

However, he expressed confidence that democratic systems, such as regular elections, allow citizens to make informed decisions to address these issues over time.

"There are problems.

We are not a perfect country.

Democracies are never perfect.

That is why we are called developing," he noted, underscoring that electoral accountability sustains and strengthens the nation.

The external affairs minister also spoke on the India China situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), News9 Live further reported.

Jaishankar pointed out that while both sides have agreed on disengagement, further measures are still required to ensure lasting peace and stability along the border.

He emphasised that the agreement on disengagement does not imply complete resolution, as a "trust deficit" remains between India and China.

"Patrolling with China does not mean everything is resolved," he said, maintaining that continued diplomatic and strategic efforts will be essential to overcoming the ongoing tensions.

Comment