Updated July 19th, 2020 at 19:50 IST
Congress' Anand Sharma reacts to Jaishankar's take on Rahul Gandhi's 'foreign policy' jibe
Senior Congress leader and MP Anand Sharma hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for defending a 'directionless foreign policy' under his leadership
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Coming to Rahul Gandhi's rescue, senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for defending a 'directionless foreign policy' under his leadership. In a series of tweets on Saturday, Sharma accused Jaishankar of attempting to create illusions and rebuked the Foreign Minister's point-by-point response to former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi for his criticism of the Modi government. He highlighted that 'rhetoric and tweets' do not change ground reality.
'History will judge you by outcomes'
The Congress MP highlighted that the 'present drift' in the relation between India and Nepal and added that the Foreign Minister cannot have the 'luxury of denial' but should answer for the 'failures.' He also accused Jaishankar of using every brave action of the Armed Forces for 'partisan propaganda.' Furthermore, Sharma went on to 'advise' the EAM in 'national interest' and stated that he should not 'politicise or monopolise' the defence forces.
"Foreign policy must have gravitas and depth. Engagements with strategic partners demand seriousness and cannot be trivialised and reduced to event management. You may create illusions by your optics, but history will judge you by outcomes," Sharma concluded.
Amused by Foreign Minister @DrSJaishankar's defence of a directionless foreign policy. Rhetoric and tweets do not change ground reality. Neighbourhood first has been a priority of India's foreign policy but sadly derailed by a cavalier approach. (1/6)
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
READ | Jaishankar Rebuts Rahul Gandhi; Lists Why India's International Standing Is 'higher' Now
India & Nepal have historically shared a relationship bases on trust, friendship, and mutual respect. The present drift and tension are a matter of national concern. Foreign Minister cannot have the luxury of denial but should answer for the failures. (2/6)
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
Dr Jaishankar's reference to Mumbai terror attack was oddly out of place. As India’s Ambassador and senior diplomat, he was articulating India’s position which, for political expediency, he has chosen to criticize and disown. (3/6)
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
India's response was robust & mobilisation of International support exposed & isolated Pakistan. Why use Balakote, Uri and every brave action of Indian armed forces for partisan propaganda?
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
Every Indian is proud of them. (4/6)
READ | Rahul Gandhi Says Modi Govt 'behaving Like Chamberlain' With China Over Rajnath's Remark
Do I have to remind that Indian Army, Airforce and Navy existed before May 2014 and their heroics and valour respected globally. Army belongs to the nation and fights under the tricolour.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
Advising in national interest. Do not politicise or monopolise our defence forces. (5/6)
Foreign policy must have gravitas and depth. Engagements with strategic partners demand seriousness and cannot be trivialised and reduced to event management.
— Anand Sharma (@AnandSharmaINC)
You may create illusions by your optics, but history will judge you by outcomes. (6/6)
Rahul Gandhi on Friday shared his thoughts on the border conflict while underlying that India’s vulnerability has allowed China to increase tensions along the border. In a video shared on Twitter, the former Congress chief said that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s "mistakes and lack of discretion has weakened India", thus allowing its enemies to launch attacks.
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In a series of tweets, S Jaishankar had hit back, 'answering' the points raised by the Wayanad MP. He said India's major partnerships with the likes of the United States, Russia, Japan, Europe, etc. are stronger and international standing higher. "India engages China on more equal terms politically," said the EAM, in an apparent reference to the handling of border tensions and trade.
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Published July 19th, 2020 at 19:50 IST