Former Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria said India’s goal of becoming a $35 trillion economy by 2047 depends on regional stability.
Speaking about India’s stake in West Asian affairs at the NDTV World Summit, Mr Bisaria argued that India’s role in promoting peace is critical to mitigating risks to its development path.
Mr Bisaria highlighted India’s efforts to improve relations with its neighbours, Pakistan and China. He said recent diplomatic initiatives, including Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming meeting with his Chinese counterpart and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Pakistan, indicate India’s desire to stabilize these relations.
Asked about the possibility of further progress in India-Pakistan relations after Mr S Jaishankar’s visit, Mr Bisaria said the aim was to stabilize, if not normalize, the relationship.
He stressed India’s desire to be a force for peace and stability in the region and globally. He said, “We want to be the rising tide that helps all neighbors. And to be an advocate and force for peace in conflicts in the world.”
APCO Executive Director and former US Ambassador to India Tim Roemer echoed Mr Bisaria’s sentiments, saying India can play an important role in building a new architecture for regional cooperation and security. He highlighted India’s significant diaspora in the Middle East and its growing economic interests as factors driving its engagement in the region.
Mr Bisaria also acknowledged the potential strain on India-Iran relations due to the ongoing war between Israel and Iran.
He said the conflict has implications for India’s diaspora, oil prices and geopolitical interests.
He said the BRICS summit, where Prime Minister Modi and the Iranian president met on Tuesday, was an opportunity for India to address these concerns and potentially play a role in peace efforts.
He also said, “If we can play a role in establishing peace, we will. India’s interest is that this conflict ends as soon as possible.”
