Friendship, not hegemony is India’s motto, says PM

PUNE, Aug 1: India does not have any designs of hegemony on her neighbours, the Prime Minister, I K Gujral asserted today.``Gujral doctrine...

PUNE, Aug 1: India does not have any designs of hegemony on her neighbours, the Prime Minister, I K Gujral asserted today.

“Gujral doctrine is basically extending a firm hand of friendship to all neighbours. My concept of neighbourhood does not confine itself to South Asia. It includes the countries in the Indian Ocean Rim, South East Asia, Central Asian republics, Russia and China”, the Prime Minister said while inaugurating an Afro-Asian students’ meet at Symbiosis International Cultural and Educational Centre, here.

He said “After a great period of turmoil and agony we have turned corners in so far as South Asia is concerned. The SAARC meeting in Male was a turning point as there was a realisation and appreciation that we must build a region and cannot go up singly”.

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The Prime Minister envisaged that in 2001 when SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Arrangement) would become reality, India would be a hub of the market which would be bigger than Europe.

“As India gets into the next half century, it must give friendship and co-operation in larger degree,” he said.Noting that currently there were an estimated 30,000 foreign students in India, Gujral said a country of India’s size can definitely do more.

He said “My thoughts go back to the days when Mahatma Gandhi was imprisoned in Aga Khan Palace (in Pune). Gandhiji was twice born, physically born in India but spiritually and politically in Africa. This is the chain which binds India and South Africa together”.

Police personnel seen to control the situation during a massive protest over the statehood demand and the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule, in Leh on Wednesday. (ANI Video Grab)

Statehood protest takes violent turn in Ladakh, BJP office set ablaze in Leh

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Protests in Ladakh turned violent as students and youth organisations demanded statehood and Sixth Schedule status. Two elderly protesters fainted, prompting a shutdown call. A BJP office and security vehicle were set on fire. Activist Sonam Wangchuk urged for a peaceful approach. The demand for Sixth Schedule status is due to Ladakh's tribal-majority population and direct central administration.

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