New Delhi:
India’s goal of becoming a $35 trillion economy by 2047 depends on regional stability, said Ajay Bisaria, India’s former high commissioner to Pakistan.
Speaking on India’s stake in West Asian affairs at the NDTV World Summit, Mr. Bisaria argued that India’s role in promoting peace is critical to mitigating risks to its growth trajectory.
Mr Bisaria highlighted India’s efforts to improve relations with its neighbors Pakistan and China. He noted that recent diplomatic initiatives, including Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan, signaled India’s desire to stabilize these relations.
Asked about the potential for further progress in India-Pakistan relations after Mr S Jaishankar’s visit, Mr Bisaria said the aim was to stabilise, if not normalize, relations.
He emphasized India’s desire to be a force for peace and stability in the region and globally. “We want to be the rising tide that helps all the neighbors. And to be an advocate and a force for peace in conflicts around the world,” he said.
Tim Romer, executive director of APCO and former US ambassador to India, echoed Mr Bissaria’s sentiments, saying India could play a key role in building a new architecture for regional cooperation and security. He highlighted India’s sizeable diaspora in the Middle East and its growing economic interests as factors driving its engagement in the region.
Mr. Bisaria also acknowledged the potential pressure on India-Iran relations due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
He noted that the conflict has implications for the Indian diaspora, oil prices and geopolitical interests.
The BRICS summit, where Prime Minister Modi and the Iranian president met on Tuesday, was an opportunity for India to address these concerns and potentially play a role in peace efforts, he said.
He also said that “If we can play a role in peacekeeping, we will. India’s interest is that this conflict ends as soon as possible.”
