New Delhi, Apr 2 : Outlining its policy to tackle terrorism, the Congress on Tuesday said if voted to power, it will take determined steps to persuade other countries to compel Pakistan to verifiably end its support to the terrorist groups that it shelters.
”Congress will take determined steps to persuade other countries to compel Pakistan to verifiably
end its support to the terrorist groups that it shelters,” the party said in its manifesto for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Describing that the party is against terrorism at global level, Congress said it is implacably opposed to terrorism any-where in the world and promises to work with other countries to eliminate terrorist groups, terrorist acts and cross-border terrorism.
”We will persuade the United Nations to constantly review the list of terrorists and to
expand the scope of sanctions,” the party said.
Congress affirms its firm belief in the continued relevance of the policy of friendship, peaceful co-existence, non-alignment, independence of thought and action, and increased bilateral engagement in its relations with other countries of the world.
Congress promises to establish a National Council on Foreign Policy consisting of members of the
Cabinet Committee on Security, scholars, domain experts and diplomats to advise the Government
on matters concerning foreign policy.
”We will work closely with all countries of the world, and particularly India’s neighbours and the G-20
countries, in various multi-lateral forums and institutions,” the party said.
”Foreign Trade will be an important element of our foreign policy and we promise to make every effort
to significantly increase trade with other countries,” the party said.
The party claimed that It was a Congress government that opened India’s economy to other countries of the world.
”Congress promises to strengthen its relations with other countries through enhanced economic
co-operation, two-way investments and closer relations between businesspersons,” the manifesto said.
”Congress promises to pass a Law on Asylum consistent with international treaties and conventions.
We will re-double the efforts to win for permanent membership India in the UN Security Council and the Nuclear Suppliers Group,” the manifesto said.
”Congress will work with SAARC and ASEAN coun-tries to enhance the volume of trade, investments,
tourism and cultural exchanges and reap the benefits of geographical proximity,” it said.
Congress in its manifesto promised to establish effective mechanisms with neighbouring countries, especially Sri Lanka and Pakistan, to resolve the problems faced by fishermen, to eliminate conflict, coercive action
and loss of lives, and to improve livelihood opportunities for our fishing communities.
”We will strengthen the Indian Council of Cultural Relations, expand its engagement with
other countries and encourage the Council to in-crease the projection of India’s soft power globally,” the manifesto said.
Congress further promised to increase significantly the size of the Foreign Service, induct domain experts and
scholars, open more missions abroad, participate more effectively in international organisations, leverage ”our growing economy and acquire a position of leadership in the world”.
Agencies
