India wants to build cordial, friendly and inclusive ties with the South Asian countries and the Prime Minister has a vision for friendly cooperation with each of the Saarc countries, said its new External Affairs Minister on Wednesday.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modiji’s invitation to the leaders of our neighbours in South Asia to attend his swearing-in ceremony is indicative of our intent and commitment to build cordial, friendly and inclusive ties with the countries of South Asia,” said Sushma Swaraj.
While assuming her office as the External Affairs Minister of India, she said this invitation was the first step towards realising this vision and the meetings were substantive and cordial, according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“Also, on our first day at work we engaged with leaders of all our South Asian neighbours…a promising beginning has been made at the start of the new government in our engagement with each of these countries,” said Sushma.
She mentioned that there are a number of challenges that all countries are collectively confronting. “I look forward to working with our strategic partners across the globe in tackling these international issues that plague all of us collectively.”
In the discharge of her responsibilities as the Minister of External Affairs of India, she also looks forward to opportunities that would allow her to have a more in-depth exchange with all friends in the media, said the Minister.
Meanwhile, Sushma has had interactions with the officials of the Ministry, and said she was looking forward to more detailed briefings on all aspects of India’s foreign policy in the next few days.
India’s foreign policy has civilisational roots and heritage, and is based to the principled pursuit of national interests, she mentioned.
“It’s a privilege and honour for me to assume responsibility as the External Affairs Minister of India following the historic swearing-in ceremony on May 26,” Sushma added.
Source: UNB Connect
