Broad Strategic Input-UPA II

Bikash Choudhury

1. Foreign Policy can be shaped in such a manner that would spur Indian Economic Growth.

2. Our South East Asian Policy must be integrated to give India a central role in the regions economy.

3. Our Global policy should have muscles so that "India should be Seen and Heard with respect in Global forum, just like in the time of Nehru.

All this objectives are achievable if Congress President takes a Proactive Role.

1. In current times Indian Central Govt. can make little changes or find difficulties in recasting its foreign policy due to lot of protocol and lack of reciprocation from other Nations. However, Congress President should not be bound by conventions and Govt. protocol too much, and therefore can take fresh and bold initiative to refashion our Global as well as South East Asian policy. A new spin in National Interest; And, if Successful the Indian Govt. could lap up the Initiative as defacto Govt. Policy and pursue further to strengthen the arrangement in National Interest.

2. South East Asia: Our relations with Pakistan is crucial to our foreign policy in the region. I feel if we open up trade and commerce lock-stock and barrel with Pakistan and allow our private sector to Invest in Pakistan in large scale projects then apparently Pakistani Troika Could Relent in future to change their Black Box.

• Modalities: Congress President can take initiative in this regard and talk to the ruling party of Pakistan of this proposal and simultaneously, Congress President can encourage the Leader of Opposition to talk to Nawaj Sarif and other Opposition leaders in Pakistan on this issue for a long term prosperity of the region. This effort can also be reinforced by the Media & other civil society organisations, without of course any Media Hype.
• Congress President and the Leader of Opposition can jointly visit Pakistan with a Business & Cultural delegation and talk to Pakistan people/young people, about peace and Indian wish of equal friendship.
• Objective is let there be an free exchange of trade,commerce and culture which over time would lead to greater trust of the Decision makers and lead to substantive discussion at laterpoint by the two govt.to resolve all out standing disputes for good.
• Only, such Initiative alone; in current circumstances of Pakistan would make the Whole world situp and take Notice of India.And, Indian foreign policy would gain a substantial advantage across the Global High Table.

3.Global Peace Messanger: India has alwys stands for peace and non-violence. Let India Agrresively Promote Peace across the World by Appealing to all Young people with the proposition of Disarmament & Development of the Planet.[MORAL HIGH GROUND]

• Modalities: Congress President can take Initiative for a Global Tour along with other senior leaders of Opposition, Business and Cutural delegation to speak to University Students of Each countries and Women and talk about Indian wish for Peace, Disarmament and Development for a Sustainable Civilisation on this planet and also can promote Indian Business, Culture and Tourism simultaneously.
• In short period of time this effort would place India among G-5 in terms of Importance in foreign policy and would be consulted in Important global issues with respect and undivided attention.