Lok Sabha Debates
Further Discussion On The Demand For Grant No. 31 Under The Control Of The Ministry ... on 16 March, 2011
> Title: Further discussion on the Demand for Grant No. 31 under the control of the Ministry of External Affairs (Discussion concluded).
MADAM SPEAKER: Now we will take up Item No. 28 – hon. Minister.
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA): Madam Speaker, at the very outset, let me very humbly convey to this House that it has been my privilege to listen to the statements by learned Members of this august House on a range of issues which are of particular relevance in our Foreign Policy framework. … (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप शांति बनाये रखिये।
…( व्यवधान)
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA : Before I begin my reply to the debate, I would like to share with the initiator of this discussion hon. Member Sh. Jaswant Singh, in expressing our deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences for the Government and the people of Japan at an hour when a terrible tragedy has struck that country and the people.
The earthquake and the Tsunami that struck Japan have devastated that country. We share a deep friendship with Japan as strategic global partnership with that country, and that partnership has acquired strategic relevance not only to the two countries but also to the entire Region.
Let me assure the Government and the people of Japan on behalf of Government of India and the people of India that we are ready to help Japan in whatever way necessary at this tragic hour. Our Ambassador in Tokyo has been in touch with the Government of Japan, and it has been conveyed to the Government of Japan, India’s readiness to help that country.
Hon. Jaswant Singh ji also mentioned about the passing away of two of our very eminent diplomats. Ambassador, Raminder Singh Jassal served the country with utmost professionalism and distinction in a number of important assignments throughout his long career. We mourn his death and we convey to the family our condolences. At the same time, it was pointed out by Shri Jaswant Singh ji about the extraordinary courtesy and civility that was shown to Shri Jassal and also to the people of this country by the Turkish Government to transport his mortal remains by a Turkish Air Force aircraft from Ankara to Delhi. I would like to convey the Government of India’s sincere appreciation and thanks to this touching gesture by the Government of Turkey.
Another distinguished Ambassador, Arif Mohammad Khan was the Head of our Mission in Italy. We mourn his passing, and we remember his contribution to the nation’s cause with gratitude.
13.00 hrs. I thank the hon. Members who expressed their sorrow at the passing away of these two eminent diplomats. We will convey the sentiments of the hon. Members to the bereaved families.
Madam Speaker, the debate on our Foreign Policy, which was initiated by hon. Member, Shri Jaswant Singh is a reflection of the maturity of our democratic institutions and the informed manner in which the Members have addressed the working of the Ministry of External Affairs and our Missions and Posts abroad. Hon. Jaswant Singhji had presided over the destinies of this Ministry some time back and he spoke with great eloquence and gravitas on substantive matters such as our relations with the United States of America, the pivotal position of India in a time of seismic changes in the global arena and the need to provide intensive focus to our neighbourhood. On all these issues, the former External Affairs Minister has brought the deep wisdom and experience that he has. He then, went on to spell out that how, over a period of time, we have been able to work out a national consensus with reference to the Foreign Policy of this country. I do share the basic postulates of hon. Shri Jaswant Singh, who brings vast experience in many areas, which not many of us can claim, such as having served the Indian Army with distinction.
Let me now provide a perspective of my own, to some of the points that hon. Jaswant Singh and other hon. Members of this House have made. As I mentioned earlier, our Foreign Policy has always been defined by the spirit of national consensus; and let me emphasise that it has never been a partisan issue. All of us are here to defend the national interest and the greater good of our people.
Hon. Jaswant Singh talked about the collapsed empires. May I say or may I add that at these junctures where we are at the crossroads of destiny, India occupies a strategic position here in our region and in the Indian Ocean?
India’s voice has been recognised as a voice of wisdom, of maturity and of balanced approach in tackling international problems. Any foreign policy has to protect and promote the cause and interest of India, not only in the neighbourhood but around the world. Madam Speaker, a country of India’ size and diversity, rightfully has interests that concern not only South Asia but also the Central Asian region, Iran and South East Asia.
When it comes to the definition of what our neighbourhood should be, the connectivity that we have sought to build for some of our North-Eastern States with South-East Asia is a manifestation of this. In some senses, when we look at the North-East, the image that comes to our mind is that India is not just a South Asian nation but it is also a South-East Asian nation because there are natural connectivities, historic, ethnic and linguistic, for instance, that link India with South-East Asia.
Madam Speaker, our foreign policy is not just a theoretical construct. It is defined by a number of real life factors like the need to safeguard our security interests, our fight against terrorism, the need for economic and trade connectivity in our neighbourhood, promotion of our trade and developmental interests in multilateral fora, seeking India’s rightful place in the top global councils of decision making and sharing our experiences in development with our partners of the developing world. In the pursuit of these goals, dialogue, interaction and cooperation with our key partners have intensified and are getting deepened.
Some Members seemed to suggest that India is isolated in the global arena. I am rather surprised over this particular criticism and I would very strongly strike a note of disagreement. India was elected to the United Nations Security Council last October. If we were isolated, could India have marshalled a record 187 votes out of the 190 votes that were polled in that particular election?
Is it isolation of India or is it a message to the entire world and to the cynics that India has arrived on the centre-stage of global affairs? As a country, we have a number of friends, well-wishers who are drawn to us by the enduring strength of our democratic values and our commitment to core global principles of peace, security and development. The richness of our culture and diversity and the magnetism of India’s performing arts draw visitors from all over the world.
Our aspiration to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council finds growing support in the international community, including a majority of the permanent members of the Security Council. We are also active members of BRIC – which now, with the addition of South Africa, has become BRICS – IPSA and basic group countries. Our voice, particularly the voice of the Prime Minister of India, is heard with great respect in G-20 gatherings. He has been the architect of some of the economic ideas which have been generated in the G-20.
Hon. Member Shri Jaswant Singh, hon. Leader of Samajwadi Party Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav and the hon. Leader of JD(U) Shri Sharad Yadav referred to our neighbourhood. I think they have done a useful service to the country and to this House by drawing the attention of this House that how India must conduct itself as far as our neighbourhood is concerned. We have always worked in our neighbourhood with a sense of perseverance and deep commitment to improving relations with all countries in our neighbourhood.
We have been strong advocates and supporters of the completion of the peace process in Nepal which was particularly referred to by both Shri Sharad Yadav and Shri Mulayam Singh Yadav. Well, India does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of any country. But, nonetheless we are committed to democracy in our country and we would love to see that the democratic process spreads its tentacles, spreads its wings wherever there are takers. It is in this context that I would refer to Nepal. Regardless of the complexion of the Government there, we believe that the relationship that binds between Nepal and India is by-partisan. What kind of Government they want is something that the people of Nepal will decide. As Shri Sharad Yadav conveyed to us yesterday, we do not impose as to which Party, whether it is the Maoists or the Nepalese Congress or a combination of these Parties, it should be.
Regardless of how and what shape or what complexion is of the Government in Nepal, we would like to continue to do business with them and we would like to continue to improve our bilateral relationship with Nepal in particular.
I have been to Nepal and very recently a very senior leader from Nepal, who is not in the Government but who has been the Prime Minister of that country, Surya Bahadur Thapa, visited India. Then, frequently Nepalese Government leaders, Nepalese political leaders do visit India and we would like these high-level visits between these two countries to continue. Apart from the Governmental-relationship, even at the level of political parties, I know about Samajwadi Party and JD(U) that they have excellent relationship with some of the leading figures of Nepali politics. My only suggestion, if I may place before you, with humility is that I found in some of the approaches of political leaders there a tinge of anti-India. I only hope that their suspicion about the motives of India are not suspecting. As I said, we do not want to interfere in their internal affairs, but between Nepal and India, our security interests are inter-twined and to that extent, our concern in Nepal is a continuing concern, an ongoing concern, and our bilateral relationship with that country, regardless of the shade of their Government, is going to be intact.
Hon. Jaswant Singhji, hon. Mulayam Singhji, hon. Vijay Bahadur Singhji, hon. Basuji and several other Members spoke about our relations with Pakistan. With Pakistan, we have pursued the path of dialogue to reduce the trust-deficit and to resolve all outstanding issues in a spirit of openness and in the hope that we can build a better future for the peoples of both countries. At the same time, we have never abandoned our concerns about the need to eliminate cross-border terrorism and to put an end to the activities of those terrorists and terror groups that have a negative and destructive agenda for our region, which in my humble submission, Madam Speaker, is not in the best interest of our region.
Terrorism is a scourge which is fast spreading. Those countries which encouraged terrorism, which provided space for terror to grow, who provided space to set up terrorist camps, now they may not say so, but they are deeply regretting for having done that. Take our immediate neighbour. Almost everyday, there is an explosion there in that country. The news has always been bad news of the number of people who died in these suicidal attacks.
Many hon. Members, including Shri Sudip Bandyopadhyay and Shri Chandrakant Khaire, spoke about our relations with Bangladesh. Our cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh headed by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has yielded mutually beneficial dividends for both countries. Subsequent to her State visit to India in January last year, our focus has been on implementing the comprehensive template of engagement envisaged in the Joint Communiqué issued at the end of the visit. The Memorandum of Understanding for the line of credit of US $ 1 billion was signed in August last year. We can see visible progress in our engagement in a range of areas, including security. I am confident that enhancing our bilateral relations with Bangladesh enjoys the bipartisan support of this entire House and we shall pursue this with all the sincerity at our command.
A number of Members raised issues regarding Sri Lanka. Madam Speaker, this has been discussed on a number of occasions earlier. I can recall Shri Sivasami, Shri Ramasubbu, Shri Wakchaure, Shri Thamaraiselvan among others who have mentioned about Sri Lanka. … (Interruptions)
SHRI J.M. AARON RASHID (THENI): Sir, I have also mentioned.
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: I will add your name also. Shri Aaron also mentioned it; even though it was a very short speech, the only point that he mentioned was this. I know how important it is for Tamil Nadu and Tamil Nadu fishermen.
With the end of the ethnic conflict in that country, India has been very active in rehabilitation of the Tamil people in war-torn areas and also stressing the need for a political settlement with the minority Tamils that addresses their legitimate aspirations within a united Sri Lanka.
I have been myself in Sri Lanka. I went to the South; I went to the North; and President Rajpaksa in India twice. We have conveyed to President Rajpaksa that in the aftermath of the victory that they have registered ending almost two-and-a-half decades of ethnic strife there, it is necessary for President Rajpaksa to be magnanimous to the Tamil-speaking minorities of Sri Lanka, their legitimate aspirations within the united Sri Lanka, as I mentioned earlier, has to be addressed.
Two fishermen were very recently killed in Sri Lankan waters. We have conveyed our deep resentment over the killing of these Indian fishermen.
We have stressed the need to prevent the recurrence of such incidence to the Sri Lankan Government. We are working with the Sri Lankan Government to put in place more effective measures that will ensure prevention of violence against our fishermen and also to encourage Fishermen’s Association on both sides to interact with each other in order to reduce differences and promote lasting understanding between them. In this context, I would like to mention Katcha Theevu. It has been quite some time back when we conceded that Katcha Theevu is a part of Sri Lanka. But there is a festival that is being held every year. And we have requested the Sri Lankan Government to facilitate the pilgrims who go to that shrine to offer prayers – Christians go, Hindus go, Sri Lankans go. It is necessary for the Sri Lankan Government to provide them with ample protection and their safety has to be looked after.
Afghanistan was referred to by Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Shri Baijayant Panda and others. Our commitment to promote inclusive development and our support for a democratic, pluralistic Afghanistan, freed from terrorism and violence and at peace with its neighbours is undiluted. On the question of foreign troops being present in Afghanistan, let me say that this is an issue on which the Afghan Government should have the ultimate word. And let me stress that in our view the whole process of stabilization in Afghanistan should be Afghan-led and with Afghan institutions of governance, security, legislature and judiciary leading the way. We have taken up a number of steps in Afghanistan. We are building their Parliament building. Our workers in the field of education, in the field of health services are there in Afghanistan, even though our troops are not there. This is not liked by some of the countries in our neighbourhood. That is the reason why our Embassy in Kabul is being repeatedly the target of attack. But nonetheless India does not feel compelled to withdraw from Afghanistan. We are going to stay in Afghanistan. As long as the legitimate Government of Afghanistan wants India’s presence, Indian workers will be there. When I went to Afghanistan, I had a long meeting with President Karzai. When President Karzai came here on two occasions, he has had long meetings with the Prime Minister, with the Finance Minister and with other Ministers. He has conveyed that the work that has been done by India in Afghanistan has been appreciated by the people of Afghanistan. A survey was conducted by some of the American pollster agencies.
Then it turned out that 70 per cent of the people of Afghanistan said that India has been doing extremely well in Afghanistan, and their volunteers have been helping the people of Afghanistan to improve their quality of life, to teach their children. This we will continue. This is a path which we have pursued with careful deliberation, conscious always of the need to defend out security interests and to carefully monitor activities from other foreign powers including China.
There are various areas that China and India have similar approaches on but there are others where our interests do not coincide. Issues like stapled visas for residents of Jammu and Kashmir have generated differences in recent years. We have taken it up with the Chinese Government at the highest level when I went to China. When the Foreign Minister of China was here and when the Premier of China Wen Jiabao came to Delhi these issues were raised, and they have assured us that the intention of Chinese Government is to solve the problem to our satisfaction. It is our expectation that they will do so.
श्री लालू प्रसाद (सारण):मंत्री जी, बार-बार आपको सब बोल रहे हैं कि सब देशों के साथ ठीक-ठाक मामला है। उन्होंने कहा, इन्होंने कहा। चीन ने हमारी हजारों एकड़ जमीन दबाकर रखी है, यह सबसे बड़ा सवाल हमारे और देश के सामने है। इस पर क्या प्रगति हुई है, उसे खाली कराने के लिए आपने क्या बात की है? यह आया, वह आया, हैल्लो किया, आप गये, वह गये, इससे काम नहीं चलने वाला है। ...( व्यवधान)
संसदीय कार्य मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री, कार्मिक, लोक शिकायत और पेंशन मंत्रालय में राज्य मंत्री तथा प्रधान मंत्री कार्यालय में राज्य मंत्री (श्री वी.नारायणसामी): मंत्री जी इसका जवाब देंगे. ...( व्यवधान)
श्री लालू प्रसाद : नारायणसामी जी, आप हमारी बात सुनिये। आप अपनी डय़ूटी मत कीजिए। चीन के साथ हमारे जो मामले हैं, वे देश के सामने सबसे बड़े सवाल हैं। पूर्व के इलाके में सदन से ...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : मंत्री जी, अब आप जवाब दीजिए।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री लालू प्रसाद : अरुणाचल के इलाके में है। हमारी जमीन जो दबायी हुई है, उस पर आपने क्या बात की है, यह बताइये।...( व्यवधान)
श्री मुलायम सिंह यादव (मैनपुरी): अध्यक्ष महोदय, हमारा एक अनुरोध है। ...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : मुलायम सिंह जी, आप उन्हें जवाब पूरा करने दीजिए। इस तरह बीच-बीच में मत बोलिये।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री मुलायम सिंह यादव : हम ऐसी कोई बात नहीं कह रहे हैं, केवल सूचना दे रहे हैं कि 25 हजार भारतीय जापान में फंसे हुए हैं जिनमें सैंकड़ों लोग उत्तर प्रदेश के हैं। बुलंदशहर से एक खादिम नदीम खान का परिवार सम्भल का है, जहां से मैं दो बार लोक सभा का मैम्बर रहा हूं और एक बार मेरा छोटा भाई प्रो. रामगोपाल मैम्बर रहा है। जापान में फंसे उत्तर प्रदेश के सभी लोग वे हमें जानते हैं, इसलिए हमें सूचना दे रहे हैं, चिट्ठी लिख रहे हैं, टेलीफोन कर रहे हैं। वहां भारतीय परिवार फंसे हुए हैं। एयर इंडिया सप्ताह में एक दिन फ्लाइट चला रहा है। और एयरलाइंस का किराया एक लाख रुपये से बढ़ाकर डेढ़ लाख कर दिया है। मेरा अनुरोध है कि किराया सस्ता कर दीजिए और केन्द्र सरकार और आप स्वयं तत्काल बीच में हस्तक्षेप कर एयर इंडिया की डेली फ्लाइट चलाने की व्यवस्था करके भारतीयों को सुरक्षित वापस लाने की कृपा करें। ...( व्यवधान)
क्या आप इसे भी नहीं बोलने देंगी? ...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : यह सब बाद में बोला जाता है। अगर बीच में हर माननीय सदस्य बोलेंगे, तो मंत्री जी जवाब ही नहीं दे पायेंगे।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप सब बैठ जाइये। क्लेरीफिकेशन बाद में होता है। आप मंत्री जी को पहले जवाब पूरा करने दीजिए। आप बार-बार मत उठिये।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: If everybody gets up, how will he give his reply? Please sit down.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप बैठ जाइये।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : मंत्री जी के रिप्लाई के बीच में उठना ठीक बात नहीं है।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Hon. Minister is not yielding. Mr. Minister, are you yielding to him?
… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: No, Madam.
MADAM SPEAKER: Then please continue.
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Thank you, Madam Speaker.
… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Clarifications should be at the end. This is not a proper thing to do.
… (Interruptions)
THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI S.M. KRISHNA): In this context, hon. Members including Shri Mulayam Singh ji has raised the issue of roads, infrastructure in border areas. Shri Mulayam Singh ji, you have raised about infrastructure in border areas. Such as in Arunachal Pradesh, Utharakhand, etc. building infrastructure in the India-China borders is one of the priorities of our Government. … (Interruptions)
श्री प्रताप सिंह बाजवा (गुरदासपुर): महोदया, मैं एक क्लैरिफिकेशन चाहता हूं।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आपको बुलाएंगे। अभी आप बैठिए।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Mr. Minister, please address the Chair.
… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Building infrastructure in the India-China border areas is a priority of our Government. The Border Roads Organisation is constructing 61 India-China border roads, spread over Jammu & Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh and Utharakhand. … (Interruptions)
श्री लालू प्रसाद : मेरी बात सुनिए। ...( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) … * SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: This covers a total length of 3,429 kms. Border roads of 3,429 kms. in length in km. is being built. Work has been completed on 14 of these roads; 32 additional roads are to be completed by 2012; and another nine by 2013.
May I, Madam Speaker, assure this House that the Government will continue to pursue the development of infrastructure in our border areas as a matter of strategic significance? If we were not mindful of what was happening on our border, particularly with one of our neighbouring countries being hyper active, we would not have taken this step. So, we are strengthening our border roads; we are expanding our border roads; and that would be a continuing exercise depending on the exigencies of the situation in that area.
With Iran - about which again both hon. Members, Jaswant Singh ji and Mulayam Singh ji, among others spoke - our relationship is civilisational spanning centuries of contacts and mutually beneficial types. We have a regular exchange of views with the Iranian Government and the bilateral agenda has been varied and substantial. I visited Iran in May last year to represent India at the G-15 Summit. The Finance & Economy Minister of Iran visited Delhi in July last year, and co-Chaired a Productive Meeting of India-Iran Joint Commission. He visited Delhi again last month. The imposition of sanctions on Iran has endangered some difficulties in payment for crude oil imports from that country through established banking channels. Let me say that there difficulties are being addressed by both countries; satisfactory solutions are being found.
Several hon. Members including Shri Karunakaran had spoken about India’s relations with the United States of America. Our relations with the United States are conducted in a spirit of equal partnership between two of the world’s leading democracies.
Our strategic dialogue with US is multi-sectoral encompassing cooperation in a number of areas of mutual concern and interest. Actually, the Joint Commission was to have met next month but because of certain difficulties faced by both sides it has been put off by a couple of months.
Russia is our time-tested friend. Somebody mentioned that we were opportunistic.… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing, except what the hon. Minister says, will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: An hon. Member mentioned that we were opportunistic in sidelining Russia. With Russia we have a time-tested relationship, a stable strategic partnership marked by deep understanding between our leaders and the traditional friendship between our peoples. With the United Kingdom we have ties that are marked by a spirit of enhanced partnership. With France, understanding and cooperation have further deepened through our high level dialogue.
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: A reference was made to the harassment of Indian dignitaries and senior officials at US Airports. The Government has taken up the matter strongly with the Government of the United States of America and conveyed that while we recognize the right of each country to institute adequate security procedures at airports, it should be done in a manner that is consistent with diplomatic privileges and courtesies and respects the religious and cultural sensitivities of all travelers. … (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing is going on record.
(Interruptions) …* अध्यक्ष महोदया: हरसिमरन जी, कृपया बैठ जाएं। इतना आवेश में न आएं।
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: The US Government has expressed regret at the incidents and has conveyed that it will take steps to avoid similar incidents in future.… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: Nothing will go on record.
(Interruptions) …* SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Developments in the Arab world, Madam, Speaker, were referred to by Dr. Mehboob Beg and several other distinguished Members. These developments have captured global attention in recent weeks and let me say that by no definition is India a bystander. We have economic interest in the region as a population of almost 6 million Indians live and work there. Our first concern has always been and is going to be the welfare of the people of India who are working in these countries. We can never sacrifice their interests. The situation in the region is fluid. It is a developing one. The people of the region have rising expectations about what they want from the Governments. It is certainly not incumbent upon us to draw any hasty conclusions. Our assessments are being made carefully and in consultation with regional countries and our partners in the United Nations Security Council. We will not be caught on the wrong side of history, let me assure this House. I am also in regular touch with my counterparts in many of these countries and India’s views are heard with respect.
India is not only keeping her historic links and solidarity with Africa intact but also consolidating the relationship by expanding our developmental and economic cooperation.
We are implementing the decision of the first India-Africa Forum Summit to extend lines of credit worth over five billion US dollars to African countries. Our projects such as PAN-African e-network have added new dimensions of tele-education and tele-medicine to our on-going efforts of partnering African nations in capacity building and economic development.
The second India-Africa Summit is due to take place in May of this year and perhaps it would be our effort to build on this development partnership about which we are justifiably proud.
Madam, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme extending to nearly 160 countries has acquired a brand name in the developing world. Demand-driven and user-oriented, it is today a major component and dynamic part of India’s bilateral assistance programme in diverse areas of cooperation and a shining example of South-South Cooperation. Over 270 courses for about 6000 slots in over 40 institutions covering areas as diverse as finance, agriculture, education, planning, administration, IT, pharmaceuticals, etc. have been offered under this Programme for the year 2011-12.
I am happy to inform the House that India hosted, for the first time, a Ministerial Conference of the Least Developed Countries last month in New Delhi. This was attended by Ministers and other senior dignitaries from well over 40 countries and international organisations. The Conference reiterated our commitment to the cause of South-South Cooperation.
There was a reference to our nuclear doctrine and hon. Jaswant Singhji, thought aloud about it. I would only like to state, in this context, that there is no change in our policy. Our commitment to universal non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament remains firm.
As far as Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal is concerned, without going into the specific numbers, let me assure this House that the Government remains committed to taking effective steps to safeguard India’s security and defence interests consistent with our doctrine of credible minimum nuclear deterrent.
India is in the United Nations Security Council as a non-permanent member. During this period, we are playing an active and constructive role in the Council deliberations beginning with discussions on the UN Mission in Nepal in January; on Sudan referendum, the Ivory Coast situation, developments in the Middle-East including Libya and the issue of piracy involving Somalia. We are chairing two important committees, namely, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Committee concerning Somalia and Eritrea.
We are also the third largest contributor to UN Peace Keeping Mission with 8,714 personnel.
Madam, I will not for a moment underestimate the importance of public dealings in the working of our Ministry, particularly our passport offices. It is incumbent on all our passport offices to be accessible, helpful and positive in dealing with citizens. We have decentralised application collection centres, provided special counters for widows and physically challenged persons and holding passport adalats. Under the Passport Seva Project, seven out of the 77 state-of-the-art passport Seva Kendras have been launched and the rest are expected to be launched in the course of this year. This project has enabled us to outsource some of the front-end and non-sensitive activities such as submission of passport applications, taking of digitalised photographs of applicants and collection of biometric features. An hon. Member did raise the question about involving outside agencies in our passport offices. But this should satisfy the hon. Member. No sensitive issues are being handled by them. We will constantly seek to ensure that these processes work smoothly and to the satisfaction of the public. Many hon. Members have approached me about the desirability of having passport offices and Seva Kendras in their own areas. Well, for the time being we have 77 in the pipeline but as and when we complete these 77, we certainly can address the concerns of the hon. Members once the reach the target.
Madam, the welfare of our citizens outside the country is of utmost importance to us. The whole House is aware that evacuation of Indians from Libya was satisfactorily concluded on the 13 March. 53 flights operated to bring back an estimated 14,998 Indians who were in Libya. The total number of Indians evacuated from Libya was well over 16,000. I want to place on record our deepest appreciation for Air India which alone operated 36 of these flights and rose heroically and with a great deal of sensitivity to the needs of our people. I also would like to say that the success of the operation should be judged both by its speed as well as the meticulous arrangements made to ensure the welfare of the evacuees by the Government including the Ministries of Overseas and Indian Affairs, Shipping, Civil Aviation and Defence. Many State Governments and particularly by our Mission in Tripoli, Cairo and Tunisia, they were under tremendous pressure. All our Ambassadors were besieged by these Indians stranded there. I must compliment the poise, the commitment of our diplomatic core in these three countries who did bring pride to our country, particularly the Missions in Tripoli, Cairo and Tunisia in our evacuation efforts.
Trivalley is another subject which has been raised repeatedly by this House and I have answered a number of questions on this unfortunate incident. There is a federal enquiry going on about this bogus university which was floated and the gullible number of students who were enrolled to this bogus university.
This was raised by Shri Namo Nageshwara Rao and other Members who continued to draw the attention of the Government. We have spared no efforts in seeking justice. I have myself met a few students in New York who were in the Tri Valley University. This is about the radio caller request. There were about 18 students and 17 radio tags have been taken away. No Indian student from Tri Valley is held in jail as was stated by some hon. Members. More than 50 per cent of the affected students have begun the process of seeking admission to other universities. We remain in constant touch with students as well as the US Government, and our Consul General in San Francisco in particular have done a commendable job and I would like to commend both the Consul General and the Ambassadors of India and United States.
We heard a very disturbing incident about Australia yesterday.… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप अभी रुक जाइए। अभी मंत्री जी को उत्तर देने दीजिए। Let him complete his reply.
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Day before yesterday, it was mentioned that an Indian girl student in Australia was murdered. We took it up with the highest authority in Australia. Our High Commissioner in Australia had high level meetings with the Australian authorities. I am happy that the culprit has been apprehended and taken into custody. I am sure that the law of the land will take its own course.
In the context of the United Nations, a mention was made by Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and Shri Vijay Bahadur Singh about the use of Hindi as official language. Madam, the Government has been actively taking measures for the introduction of Hindi as one of the official languages of the United Nations. … (Interruptions) For example, the Inaugural Session of the Eighth World Hindi Conference was held at the UN Headquarters in New York in 2007 and was addressed by the UN Secretary-General. On several occasions, Indian leaders have delivered statements at the UN in Hindi. The United Nations produces a weekly programme in Hindi and makes it available in the UN website in Hindi. Madam Speaker, member States have been reluctant to support proposals entailing additional financial burden brought about by adding another official language. We will persevere with our efforts to introduce Hindi as an official language at the United Nations.
Many hon. Members have mentioned matters relating to Haj. Last year, a record number of 1,71,000 Indian pilgrims performed Haj. We managed to streamline the system and arrangements, introduced transparency, efficiency and objectivity and initiated important reforms in the entire process. We will continue these efforts in consultation with all stake holders.
Madam Speaker, hon. Members had mentioned in the discussion yesterday and on previous occasions as well about the issue of Indian nationals held hostage by Somali pirates. Sea piracy is a complicated international problem. Out of over 1000 sea-farers kidnapped by pirates from 2007 upto this month, 175 are Indian nationals.
14.00 hrs. Out of these, 120 Indian nationals have been released and 53 remain hostage at present on five ships. Through the Indian Missions and Posts concerned, the Ministry has strongly taken up the issues with the foreign shipping companies and the Governments concerned to ensure the release of the Indian hostages and has been in constant touch with them ever since the incidents were brought to our notice. I am happy that all the eleven Indian sailors on board MV Rak Africana were released and have safely returned to India.
It is true that for a country with such wide ranging foreign relations and vast global interests, conducted through 176 Missions and Posts, we have rather a lean foreign service. We have undertaken an exercise which will augment the Indian Foreign Service with over 500 officers over a period of ten years through a three-pronged strategy of increasing direct recruitment through the Union Public Service Commission, fast tracking promotions from IFS-B and attracting officers from other Government of India Ministries. Nearly 130 posts have already been added, about half of them abroad. A fair degree of language specialisation has been developed within the Ministry of External Affairs for the All-India Foreign Service officers. There is no doubt that we need to augment the specialised interpreters cadres which have nineteen languages, and specialist officers in different languages such as Russian, Chinese, Arabic, Persian, Japanese, German, French and Spanish. This is being done through, inter alia, hiring the services of interpreters abroad.
A suggestion was made about consultation with outside experts. I am happy to inform the hon. House that the Ministry has established an extensive programme of such consultation with think-tanks on defence, security and economic issues. We also work with a number of academic institutions around the country. Our lecture series on India’s foreign policy not only creates a more informed discussion but also provides with an informal platform for consultations with leading academics. During the last one year we have done so in almost thirty university campuses.
The conduct of foreign policy is a complex and delicate task. We live in a world that faces a number of challenges, both in terms of threats to our security from trans-national terrorism and arms build-up, … (Interruptions) ensuring access to technology, capital and resources for development and achieving inclusive growth. … (Interruptions) The Ministry of External Affairs is fully geared to promoting our interests in the world arena. We will not be found wanting in fulfilling these important responsibilities. … (Interruptions)
Hon. Members would be aware of the plans to celebrate in India and abroad the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great son of India, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore. In his well-known poem, Gurudev has prayed for that heaven of freedom, where the mind is without fear and the head is held high; where the mind is led forward into ever-widening thought and action.
It has been the endeavour of my Ministry to represent in the best possible way to the world this land of freedom; its values and ideals; interests and aspirations, envisioned by the founding-fathers of modern India.
With these words, I commend the House that the Demands for Grants in respect of the Ministry of External Affairs may be approved.
MADAM SPEAKER: I shall now put four cut motions in respect of Demand No. 31 relating to the Ministry of External Affairs, moved by Dr. Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, to the vote of the House.
All the cut motions were put and negatived MADAM SPEAKER: I shall now put the Demands for Grants relating to the Ministry of External Affairs to the vote of the House.
… (Interruptions)
14.07 hrs. At this stage Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur Badal and some other hon. Members came and stood on the floor near the Table.
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप अपनी सीटों पर जाइये, हम आपको बोलने के लिये मौका देंगे।
14.08 hrs. At this stage Shrimati Harsimrat Kaur Badal and some other hon. Members went back to their seats MADAM SPEAKER: Please go to your seat. As a special case, I am calling Shri Pratap Singh Bajwa.
… (Interruptions)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : बाजवा जी, आप बोलिये।
श्री प्रताप सिंह बाजवा (गुरदासपुर): माननीया स्पीकर साहिबा, मैं आपका मशकूर हूं कि आपने मुझे बोलन के लिए मौका दिया। फॉरेन मिनिस्टर साहब ने अपनी चर्चा यहां रखी मगर एक बहुत ही इम्पार्टैंट बात है...( व्यवधान) मैं जिस बात का जिक्र करना चाहता हूं, वह यह है कि आज के टाइम्स ऑफ इंडिया पेपर में रिपोर्ट आयी है कि हिन्दुस्तान के एक बहुत ही एमिनैंट स्पोर्ट्समैन गौल्फर अमरचन्दर सिंह हैं , उन्हें मिलान एअरपोर्ट पर बहुत ही जलील किया गया, उनकी पगड़ी उतारी गई। वह आज के टॉपमोस्ट गौल्फर जीव मिलखा सिंह के कोच हैं। उन्होंने कहा कि अगर सिक्यूरिटी फ्रिस्किग करनी है तो कर लीजिये, इसमें कोई एतराज नहीं लेकिन सरेआम एक सिख को कहना कि अपनी पगड़ी उतारो तो बहुत ही गलत बात है। यह पहली दफा नहीं हुआ है। सिखों के लिये पगड़ी सब से बड़ी बात है, हम अपनी पगड़ी के लिये बड़ी से बड़ी कुरबानी देने को तैयार हैं। ऐसा हमारे हुजूरी रागी निर्मल सिंह के साथ हुआ, इंडिया के यू.एन.ओ. में परमानेंट एनवॉय हरदीप पुरी हैं, उनके साथ ऐसा हुआ। हमारे फॉरेन मिनिस्टर साहब ने यह बात कही कि हिन्दुस्तान एक बहुत पॉवरफुल नेशन बन कर निकला है जिसकी हमें बहुत खुशी है।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप सवाल पूछिये।
श्री प्रताप सिंह बाजवा: सारी सिख कम्युनिटी सरकार से यह एश्योरेंस चाहती है कि आप डिप्लोमैटिक चैनल्स इस्तेमाल करके इन देशों की जो पौलिटिकल लीडरशिप है, उनसे बात करके देखें कि सिखों को जलील न किया जाये,यह मेरी गुज़ारिश है।
...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : बहुत-बहुत धन्यवाद। श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आपको भी अभी बुलायेंगे। आपको भी बुलायेंगे।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री मंगनी लाल मंडल (झंझारपुर): महोदया, ये पहले से बोलना चाहती थीं।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप बैठ जाइये।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज (विदिशा):मेरे बाद आपको बोलने का मौका देंगे।...( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल : उनकी पार्टी के ही मंत्री हैं और ये ही बोल रहे हैं।...( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज :हरसिमरत मेरे बाद आपको मौका मिलेगा।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : हम आपको बुला देंगे।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज :महोदया, मैं मंत्री जी से एक प्रश्न पूछना चाहती हूं कि ट्राई-वैली यूनिवर्सिटी के स्टूडेंट्स के बारे में उत्तर देते हुए आपने कहा कि वहां के काउंसिल जनरल बहुत प्रभावी ढ़ंग से काम कर रहे हैं और आपने स्थिति पर संतोष भी जाहिर किया। मैं आपको अध्यक्ष महोदया के माध्यम से बताना चाहती हूं कि वहां बिल्कुल भी संतोषजनक स्थिति नहीं है। अभी परसों वहां के बच्चों ने मुझसे बात की है। 20 बच्चे कांफ्रेंस कॉल पर आये थे और रो रहे थे। बाद में आड़वाणी जी ने मुझे बताया कि उनसे भी उनकी बात हुई है। आप कहते हैं कि बच्चे जेल में नहीं हैं। वहां उनका यह कहना है कि 60 बच्चों को एन.टी.ए. इश्यू हुआ है। एन.टी.ए. का मतलब है नोटिस टू एपीयर। जिसमें उन बच्चों को बार-बार कोर्ट जाना पड़ रहा है और लिम्बो में उनका भविष्य आकर खड़ा हो गया है। वे एम्बेसी से संपर्क करते हैं, काउंसिल जनरल से संपर्क करते हैं, लेकिन कहीं से भी उन्हें राहत नहीं मिल रही है। एक बच्ची वहां खड़ी हुई यह कह रही थी कि मैम मुझे केवल भारत वापस बुला लीजिये। मैं टिकट देने के लिए तैयार हूं, लेकिन उसे भारत भी आने नहीं दिया जा रहा है। इसलिए मैं आपसे यह कह रही हूं। एक लेडी वहां प्रगनेंट थी, जिसे सुबह 6 बजे से लेकर रात 8 बजे तक उन्होंने बिठाकर रखा। बार-बार कोर्ट के चक्कर काटेंगे, 5-6 साल तक न इंडिया आ सकेंगे और न ही उन्हें वहां कुछ करने को मिलेगा। इसलिए मैं आपसे कह रही हूं, जो जानकारी आपको दी जा रही है, वह सही नहीं है। हमें लग रहा था कि स्थिति में सुधार होगा क्योंकि पहले जो आपका बयान आया था, हमें लगा कि सरकार पहल कर रही है, लेकिन ढ़ाई महीने बाद भी स्थिति वैसी की वैसी बनी हुई है। आप और सोर्सेज से पता कीजिए, बच्चों की हालत बहुत चिंताजनक है। उनके पेरेंट्स यहां परेशान और बच्चे वहां परेशान हैं। आप कहें तो मैं आज उन बच्चों से कह दूं कि वे आपसे बात कर लें।
अध्यक्ष महोदया : ठीक है। धन्यवाद।
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज :कांफ्रेंस कॉल पर सीधे आप उनकी बात सुन लीजिए। उन बच्चों का भविष्य अंधकार में हैं, आप उनके लिए कुछ कीजिए।
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप अपना क्वेश्चन पूछ लीजिए।
श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज :यह मेरा आपसे अनुरोध है।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : श्री अर्जुन राम मेघवाल, डॉ. राजन सुशान्त, श्रीमती जयश्रीबेन पटेल और श्रीमती दर्शना जरदोश को श्रीमती सुषमा स्वराज जी द्वारा उठाये गये विषय के साथ संबद्ध करने की अनुमति दी जाती है।
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल जी आप बोलिए।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री अरुण कुमार वुंडावल्ली (राजामुन्दरी):महोदया, मेरा भी उनसे जुड़ा हुआ विषय है।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : बैठ जाइए। अब उन्हें बोलने दीजिए। हम बुला लेंगे।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल : महोदया, यह बहुत ही दुख की बात है कि देश की एक कम्युनिटी, जिसने इस देश की आजादी में सबसे बड़ा योगदान दिया, आज उस कम्युनिटी की आइडेंटिटी को खत्म करने के लिए पूरे विश्व में एक साजिश रची जा रही है।...( व्यवधान) ये माननीय सदस्य जो बातें बोल रहे हैं, इनके मंत्री उस महकमे में बैठे हुए हैं।...( व्यवधान) जो आज तक मुंह नहीं खोल सके हैं, ये क्या बातें बोल रहे हैं?...( व्यवधान) ये आपसे पूछ रहे हैं...( व्यवधान) आप इनसे बोलिए कि ये अपनी ही पार्टी से पता करें।...( व्यवधान) सबसे शर्म की बात यह है कि आज सिखों के बच्चों को फ्रांस जैसे देशों में स्कूल में भर्ती नहीं होने दिया जा रहा है।...( व्यवधान)वे कह रहे हैं कि टर्बन उतारो, बाल कटवाओ, दाढ़ी हटाओ, उन्हें कड़ा भी नहीं पहनने दे रहे हैं। अगर वहां अपने ड्राइविंग लाइसेंस के लिए फोटो लेनी है तो कहते हैं कि टर्बन हटाओ। पासपोर्ट में वीजा लगाना है तो टर्बन हटाओ। एक कंट्री ने ऐसा करना शुरू किया तो एक से दूसरे, दूसरे से तीसरे, सारे कंट्री ऐसा कर रहे हैं।...( व्यवधान) यह हमारी एक कम्युनिटी की आइडेंटिटी पर सिक्युरिटी थ्रेट नहीं वाइप आउट थ्रेट है। इस सरकार ने उसके बारे में एक लफ्ज भी नहीं बोला है। जब फ्रांस के राष्ट्रपति यहां पर आये तो अकाली दल के लोग उनके पास मैमोरेंडम लेकर गये, ये उस समय कहां थे?...( व्यवधान) आप पूछिये कि ये उस समय कहां थे? ...( व्यवधान) क्या इन्होंने मुंह खोला...( व्यवधान) क्या इनकी सरकार ने मुंह खोला? ...( व्यवधान) एक बार भी बात नहीं उठायी। ...( व्यवधान) आज सिखों की दुनिया भर में बेइज्जती हो रही है।...( व्यवधान) उन्हें टर्बन छूने से डिस्टर्बिंग महसूस होता है।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : ठीक है। माननीय मंत्री जी।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल : जब एक देश की सरकार अपनी कम्युनिटी की हिफाजत नहीं करेगी तो कौन करेगा?...( व्यवधान) यह कांग्रेस सरकार सिख विरोधी है, माइनोरिटी विरोधी है...( व्यवधान) यह सिख विरोधी सरकार है, माइनोरिटी विरोधी सरकार है।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : बस आपकी बात हो गयी है।
…( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: Please take your seat.
… (Interruptions)
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल : यह सेक्युलरिज्म सिखाती है, लेकिन माइनोरिटीज़ के साथ धोखाकरती है।...( व्यवधान) मैं इनसे एक जवाब मांगती हूं कि सिखों की हिफाजत के लिए यह सरकार क्या कर रही है? ...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : ठीक है, अब आप बैठ जाइये।
…( व्यवधान)
श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल : बातें बोलने वाली बहुत हैं...( व्यवधान) लेकिन यह सरकार इतने दिनों से कर क्या रही है, यह बताए?...( व्यवधान)
MADAM SPEAKER: It has all been raised. Everything has been raised. The hon. Minister has to respond now.
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : डॉ. राजन सुशान्त, श्री अर्जुन राम मेघवाल, श्रीमती पूनम वेलजीभाई जाट और श्रीमती जे. शांता को श्रीमती हरसिमरत कौर बादल जी द्वारा उठाये गये विषय के साथ संबद्ध करने की अनुमति दी जाती है।
…( व्यवधान)
श्री दारा सिंह चौहान : महोदया, मेरा छोटा सा सवाल है। 11 जनवरी, 2011 को मलेशिया में एक जहाज डूब गया।...( व्यवधान) उसमें 12 लोग लापता हो गये...( व्यवधान) 8 लोगों की डैड बॉडी तो मिल गयी।...( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : वह बात हो गई है।
...( व्यवधान)
श्री दारा सिंह चौहान: मैंने विदेश मंत्रालय को दो-दो बार लिखा।
…( व्यवधान)
अध्यक्ष महोदया : आप बैठ जाइए।
...( व्यवधान)
… (Interruptions)
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Madam, I have, in my reply stated … (Interruptions)
SHRI ARUNA KUMAR VUNDAVALLI : Madam Speaker, Indian boys are suffering there. … (Interruptions) I want to make a small request to the hon. Minister. The Indian students have gone to the United States of America and America has given them visas. What mistake is committed by Indian students? This Tri Valley is a bogus university. If the same thing has happened to citizens of any other country, the entire country will react. Why are we not reacting? About 1,500 students have gone there with valid visas and we are saying that some federal inquiry is going on. We want the Indian Government to immediately tell the US Government that they are at mistake, not the Indian students. Indian students did not do any wrong. So, I request the Minister to do the needful. … (Interruptions)
श्री नामा नागेश्वर राव (खम्माम):तीन दिन पहले ही तीन हजार डॉलर देकर वे स्टूडेंट्स तजेल से बाहर आए हैं। मैडम, आप हमको टाईम क्यों नहीं देते हैं। ये हमारे आंध्रप्रदेश के स्टूडेंट्स हैं। … (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: You have already given your speech. Please take your seat now.
… (Interruptions)
MADAM SPEAKER: The hon. Minister will reply now.
SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Madam Speaker, with reference to the turban which is worn by our Sikh brothers, I would like to submit that we have the highest respect for the turban that they wear and we have the greatest respect for the entire Sikh community because they are the defenders of our security, they are the defenders of our country. Whenever such instances have been brought to the notice of the Government of India, we have always taken it up with the concerned Governments, whether it is the United States of America or some other country. We have said that due courtesies and respects to the religious and cultural sensitivities of all travelers – it is not only confined to the diplomats but all travelers – have to be taken into account by the Government.
Now, with reference to the Tri Valley issue, there are about a lakh Indian students there in USA. Why should only these 1,500 students be singled out?
श्री नामा नागेश्वर राव :मैडम, हम लोग वाक आउट कर रहे हैं। यह छोटे से इश्यू को हल नहीं कर पा रहे हैं।...( व्यवधान)
14.18 hrs. At this stage Shri Nama Nageshwara Rao left the House SHRI S.M. KRISHNA: Since it was a bogus institution, there is a federal inquiry going on and we will have to await the conclusion of this inquiry. We are dealing with a sovereign country like the United States of America. It is not a colony of India where we can dictate terms to them. We are dealing with a country with which we have relationship, civilized relationship, bilateral relationship and strategic partnership. If there are problems, those problems have to be put across and then they have to be decided.
The hon. Leader of the Opposition did raise this issue. I know that this Tri Valley issue is a ticklish problem. We are trying to find a solution and it is going to take some time. I can certainly convey to the Leader of the Opposition our anxiety, the Government’s anxiety, the Government’s concern on this issue. We have as much concern as has been expressed by the Leader of the Opposition.
MADAM SPEAKER: The question is:
“That the respective sums not exceeding the amounts on Revenue Account and Capital Account shown in the third column of the Order Paper be granted to the President of India, out of the Consolidated Fund of India, to complete the sums necessary to defray the charges that will come in course of payment during the year ending the 31st day of March, 2012, in respect of the head of Demand entered in the second column thereof against Demand No. 31 relating to the Ministry of External Affairs.” Demands for Grants –Budget (General) for 2011-2012 submitted to the vote of the Lok Sabha No. Name of the Demand Amount of the Demand for Grants submitted to the vote of the House 1 2 3 Revenue (Rs.) Capital (Rs.) 31 Ministry of External Affairs 6314,97,00,000 791,00,00,000 The motion was adopted.
14.19 hrs The Lok Sabha then adjourned for Lunch till fifteen minutes past Fifteen of the Clock.
The Lok Sabha re-assembled after Lunch at Seventeen minutes past Fifteen of the Clock.
(Mr. Deputy-Speaker in the Chair)