Days after Rahul Gandhi attacked PM Modi and his government during his ongoing US visit, S Jaishankar said that there are sometimes ‘things bigger than politics’.
Days after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government during his ongoing US visit, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that there are sometimes “things bigger than politics” when one steps outside the country, as reported by the news agency PTI. Addressing Indian Americans in Santa Clara in the US earlier this week, the former Congress party president and an ex-MP, described PM Modi as a “specimen” and also launched a scathing attack on his government’s policies on various fronts.
Speaking at a diaspora event in Cape Town after attending the meeting of BRICS foreign ministers, Jaishankar said that he can talk for himself and does not do politics while travelling 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,” he said in response to a question, as quoted by PTI.
“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 said one part of the Indian foreign policy today is extremely focused securing the welfare of Indian citizens abroad. He said given the globalisation of Indians today, it is important that systems are put in place which will respond to difficult situations.