Jammu: Amid reactions, rhetoric, and visible ideological polarisation within certain sections of society during tensions and war-like situations between nations such as Iran and the United States, Pawan Sharma, State Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Jammu and Kashmir, has emphasised that India’s priorities must always be guided by its own national interest, not by emotional alignment with external conflicts.
He said that India is a sovereign and self-confident civilisation-state with a proud legacy of independent decision-making.
According to him, India’s foreign policy has historically been shaped by strategic autonomy, balance, and a clear understanding of long-term national objectives. From the era of the Non-Aligned Movement to today’s multi-aligned engagement, India has demonstrated maturity and prudence in navigating global complexities.
Reiterating his stand, Sharma stated that international conflicts must not become a trigger for ideological divisions within India.
“Creating camps within the country—either for or against foreign powers—does not strengthen Bharat. It dilutes our internal cohesion and distracts us from our national priorities,” he remarked.
He added that India’s strength lies in its diversity, constitutional framework, and civilisational wisdom. Every global development, he said, must be assessed through the lens of India’s security, economic stability, energy interests, diaspora welfare, and regional peace—not through emotional or ideological impulses.
According to Sharma, India’s foreign policy reflects strategic autonomy and sovereign judgment. “India is not a satellite of any power bloc. Our decisions are rooted in our own Constitution, our own civilisation, and our national interests,” he asserted.
He further appealed to citizens, intellectuals, and opinion leaders to maintain balance and responsibility in public discourse. Healthy debate, he said, is the essence of democracy, but emotional polarisation over external geopolitical conflicts is a matter of concern.
Concluding his statement, Sharma said, “The nation is supreme. National interest must remain our ultimate criterion. India is not a replica of anyone. Bharat stands tall on its own strength, and our unity at home reinforces our credibility abroad.”
