International Affairs

As a lawmaker with experience of several terms in both houses of the parliament, Mr Baijayant Jay Panda has taken nuanced and proactive stances in relation to many pressing issues concerning international affairs. Here is a summary of few of his initiatives:

Indo-US Relations

In light of current global geopolitical realities, Indo-US ties have strengthened over time. Although Indo-US relations are multidimensional, resolving the issues around Nuclear Liability Law shall be able to remove the hurdles in cooperation in civilian nuclear sector.

Under Defense, Trade and Technology Initiative (DTTI), the Indo-US Defence Cooperation is expected to strengthen over years. Strengthening Indo-US relations can help clear domestic policy logjam in our national sphere.

Neighborhood Policy

Settling aside the differences in the subcontinent, India has to improve relations in its neighborhood and realpolitik must prevail in India’s relations with its neighbors. Given its size and stature in the subcontinent, India as a nation, should deal with its neighbours on the principle of ‘non-reciprocity’, where India needs to do more in its relations with its neighbours.

Given the size of Indian economy in proportion to the size of SAARC economy, India must maintain its double digit economic growth to actively pursue development partnership assistance in its neighborhood. India’s discord with Pakistan, should not be the guiding factor in India’s relations with other neighbours. India must speed up its rapprochement with other neighbours, which can be with or without Pakistan, strategic partnership with Bangladesh is a step in the right direction.

Position in UN Security Council

In the light of current instability in Ukraine and Syria, the five permanent members are no more able to deal with global geopolitical realities in the same way they could do in Cold War era. UNSC, despite the present nature of challenges, continues to have relevance in dealing the issue of nuclear proliferation in Iran and North Korea. All nations act on perceptions of national interest, so, in the light of changing geopolitical circumstances, India will receive varying levels of support for its membership from US, Russia and China.

Given the challenges of securing permanent membership of UNSC, India should actively work towards membership of other multilateral agencies and institutions, focus on its own economic growth, continue development partnership assistance worldwide. Joining the UNSC should be a preeminent goal of India’s foreign policy, but not the main keystone of its foreign policy.