Indian National Congress leader and former Rajya Sabha MP Anand Sharma has responded to the criticism regarding his comments on the West Asia crisis.
He is being accused that his opinions are different from the official opinion of the party. On these allegations, Congress leader Anand Sharma said, what is the party’s line? I don’t understand who is talking about the party’s opinion.
He said, shouldn’t we together decide the opinion of the party? The Congress Working Committee should meet, discuss and form an opinion.
Let us tell you that while praising the government’s efforts to deal with the West Asia crisis, Sharma had said that India has handled the situation in a mature and efficient diplomatic manner while avoiding potential threats. The former Union Minister also emphasized that India should try to unite the ‘Global South’ and strategic partner countries to restore peace.
All countries are facing unprecedented challenges – Anand Sharma
Sharma had said, ‘The situation that has arisen in West Asia after the unjustified US-Israeli attack on Iran and its counter-reaction has resulted in global turmoil and serious economic disruption. All countries dependent on imports of crude petroleum, LPG and natural gas from India and the Middle East and Gulf countries and supplies through the Strait of Hormuz are facing an unprecedented challenge.
He said that this challenging situation is a test of both policy and diplomacy in shaping India’s national strategic response. Sharma said, ‘Apart from the supply of petroleum, LPG-PNG, trade worth $200 billion, the interest and security of one crore Indian expatriates as well as about 60 percent of foreign exchange remittances will also have to be kept in mind.’
Praising the efforts of the Indian government, he said that Indian diplomatic efforts to deal with the crisis while avoiding potential threats have been mature and efficient. Sharma stressed, ‘India’s response must be supported by national consensus and resolve. The government has held an all-party meeting to apprise the leadership of political parties about the situation and policy decisions in the unexpected and volatile situation.