Our Correspondent / New Delhi
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Thursday hinted that India-China stand off on Doklam, could be resolved through dialogue and war is no solution.
Replying to a short duration discussion on India’s foreign policy and engagement with strategic partners in the Rajya Sabha, she said, India will continue to engage with Chinese side through diplomatic channels to find a mutually acceptable solution to the issue.
On relations with Pakistan, Mrs Swaraj said, India had chalked out a roadmap for peace and friendship but it cannot be one-sided. Mrs Swaraj said India cannot accept One Belt One Road initiative of China as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir which is an integral part of India.
On Sri Lanka, she said, India always takes fishermen issues strongly with Sri Lankan authorities and there is no question of being soft.The External Affairs Minister said, India’s foreign policy is at its best this time and New Delhi has good relations with the US, Russia,Germany and France,Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Palestine.
Earlier, initiating the discussion, Anand Sharma of the Congress called for maintaining country’s supreme interest without diluting its time-tested foreign policy. Referring to the current stand-off on Doklam, Mr Sharma said diplomacy must be given a chance to resolve the dispute.
Participating in the discussion Dr. Vinay P Sahashrabuddhe of the BJP said India became role-taker to rule-maker in global arena under the leadership of Prime Minister. He said Mr Modi took initiatives to strengthen bilateral relationship with several countries within three years.