Senior Congress leader and former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed disappointment over India’s failure in taking an initiative to play a role in restoring peace in the war-torn Middle East region saying, “Had we acted well, the peace talks being held in Pakistan would have been held in Mahatma Gandhi’s country.”
Talking to the media, the three-time ex-CM and multi-term Member of Parliament quipped, “Our foreign policy has been weakened, we should have generated such a conducive atmosphere that the peace talks on the Israel-US vs Iran conflict being held in Pakistan should have held here on the land of Gandhi”.
This is happening because our foreign policy has been trailing behind others in making an impact, he observed saying. “Desh Mein Jo Mahaul Ban Raha Hei Us Se Ham Pichhad Rahe Hein; Hamari Videsh Niti Pichhad Rahi Hei”.
The Prime Minister could neither tame NDA leaders, MPs at the Centre and BJP Chief Ministers in states for their below-standard (or derogatory at times) language in internal political verbals; nor could he ensured befitting rejoinders to world leaders like US President Trump’s indecent and unacceptable utterances, they repeatedly made against the Prime Minister of India,” Gehlot said.
This has encouraged the US and others to turn to Pakistan, so that a nation that in fact abetted and promoted terrorism, given shelter to terrorists and sent them to other countries, frequently in Kashmir, is projected as a mediator in peace talks, he said. “This reflects on the weakness of our foreign policy. Moreover, during Operation Sindoor not even a single nation was with India, none condemned Pakistan. Post Operation Sindoor, we sent teams of experts to many countries to explain-justify our deeds and expose Pakistan. However, what was the impact and outcome? No impact, even over the massacre of Pahalgam some nations merely observed formality to offer condemnation of the killings,” he added.
“Russia was our all-weather trusted friend; we have lost even this long time friendly nation. Today Russia is silent, maintaining neutrality for both sides,” Gehlot said.
However, he explained, “I don’t mean to oppose Pakistan’s initiatives of offering for mediating, efforts for peace by any nation, how big or small that may be, are always welcome, should always be welcome. My contention is that the appeal for peace and the situation of mediatory role for us should have been made from India and by India, the nation that has the worldwide reputation of a peaceful and peace loving nation”.