External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently criticized India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, for prioritizing China over India, citing past decisions that led to ongoing territorial issues. Speaking at the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ahmedabad, Jaishankar highlighted Nehru’s stance on giving China priority over India, including in the context of a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
- Nehru’s ‘China First’ Stance:Jaishankar referred to a time when Nehru reportedly said, “India second, China first,” indicating a prioritization of China’s interests over India’s.
- Warnings from Sardar Patel:He mentioned that in 1950, Sardar Patel had warned Nehru about the growing threat from China, but Nehru dismissed the concerns, believing it was impossible for China to attack India across the Himalayas.
- Consequence Of Nehru’sPolicies:Jaishankar attributed past mistakes of Nehru to current problems, including the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) issue and the occupation of parts of Indian territory by China.
- India’s Stand on UNSC Seat:Nehru’s position on India’s bid for a permanent seat in the UNSC was also highlighted. He had reportedly stated that India deserved a seat but should ensure China gets one first.
- Current Situation:Jaishankar emphasized the need to learn from past mistakes and reiterated India’s stance on its boundaries, stating that they remain unchanged and must be respected.
- Optimism About UNSC Seat:Despite the past, Jaishankar expressed optimism about India’s chances of securing a permanent seat at the UNSC, noting the international momentum in favor of India’s bid.
Conclusion:In conclusion, S Jaishankar’s remarks shed light on historical decisions that continue to impact India’s foreign relations. They underscore the importance of learning from past mistakes while remaining optimistic about India’s future on the global stage.
