New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh commended Narendra Modi-led central government for prioritizing its sovereign and economic interests while also calling for peace. He acknowledged the importance of maintaining a balance between national interests and international diplomacy.

Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014, has been invited to a G20 dinner during the event.

In his conversation with The Indian Express, the former Prime Minister noted that foreign policy now plays a more significant role in domestic politics than during his tenure. He emphasized the need for caution when using diplomacy for political gains within the country, highlighting the importance of maintaining a balanced and responsible approach.

Speaking about the Ukraine-Russia war, Dr. Singh pointed out that there is an immense pressures of countries to choose sides when two or more powers come head on. He said, he believed

India’s decision to prioritize its sovereign and economic interests while advocating for peace is commendable.

The G20 was originally designed with the purpose of addressing economic and financial matters, rather than security-related conflicts. It is crucial for the G20 to maintain its primary focus on policy coordination to address pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and bolstering confidence in international trade.

Setting aside security differences within the G20 allows member nations to concentrate on collaborative efforts to find solutions to these critical issues.

Appreciates Current Foreign Policies  

The former PM expressed gratitude that India’s rotational chance for the Presidency of the G20 came during his lifetime so he could witness the nation hosting world leaders for the G20 summit.

He emphasized that the foreign schemes at present is one of the crucial element of nation’s governance framework. He also said that the nation has become even more relevant and important to domestic politics today than earlier.

The 90-year-old former PM also said India’s global standing was a valid and significant topic in domestic politics. However, it was equally crucial to exercise caution and discretion when leveraging diplomacy and foreign policy for the advancement of party or personal political interests.

Balancing national interests and international relations while refraining from exploiting diplomatic efforts for partisan or individual gains is essential to maintain the country’s credibility and effectiveness on the global stage, he added.