CHAPTER - 21
DEMANDS FOR GRANTS FOR MINSTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Lok Sabha , 22 March 1979
EDITORIAL NOTE
As a MP, it was the first occasion for Y B. Chavan to speak on the working of the Ministry of External Affairs. The speech brings out Chavan’s grasp of the basic issues in the field of foreign policy and contains his own thinking on several aspects.
Commenting on special emphasis on improving relations with neighbours, Chavan stated that it was in tune with the policy of the previous Government. While we should be considerate towards our neighbours, he warned that we must also take into account certain complexes in the minds of these countries about India’s large size. Good relation must be judged in longer term perspective and not only on record of two years of the Janata Government.
Speaking about China and Vajpayee’s proposed visit, Chavan warned • that the Foreign Minister should not lose sight of what is China’s own attitude towards its neighbours and what is its world view. In that context, Chavan went on to explain his own conception about China’s attitude and what could be India’s attitude towards China.
Y. B. Chavan expressed his deep commitments to non-alignment and the connection between the self-reliance and non-alignment. He exerted the Foreign Minister to ensure that non-alignment continues to guide India’s foreign policy when dealing with super-powers.
Chavan paid a handsome tribute to Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Foreign Minister for exhibiting a flexible attitude and elastic mind, especially because Vajpayee was following and justifying the legacy of Nehru’s policy.
Mr. Speaker : It is my desire to have a discussion every session.