• Dr. Amna Mirza

Famous realist theorist H. J. Morgenthau had opined that the interest of nation as a whole held to be an independent entity separate from the interests of subordinate areas or groups and also of other nations or supranational groups any foreign policy which operates under the standard of the national interest. This statement becomes all the more important when we try to understand its significance in the Indian context. After gaining independence from colonial rule and trying to overcome the trauma of the partition, there were various aspects to underline the fact that the interest of the nation had been given priority above all, and that there was always an attempt to respect domestic issues and non interference in internal matters of the other nations.

India has had a glorious history in the matters of practice of foreign affairs. Indian Prime Ministers from Pandit Nehru to Late Smt. Indira Gandhi, to Late Shri Rajiv Gandhi, always gave utmost priority to national interests. Governments come and go, political fortunes witness winds of change, but National interest and nation is above all.

Practice of foreign policy, diplomacy revolves around securing national interest. In the theory and practice of international relations, it is one of the key concepts. Further, it’s one of the driving forces of internal and external dynamics of state sovereignty as well. This national interest also demands attention to the fact that any nation must respect territorial integrity and sovereignty of the state- and not interfere likewise in domestic issues of any polity. This timeless significant idea is complementary to the notion of bipartisanship or agreement or cooperation between opposing political parties too.

On September 22, 2019, the world witnessed Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Former United States President Donald Trump address Indian-Americans. There were videos circulating all over media and other communication platforms- with words of Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji- that, “Friends, we in India have connected well with President Trump.” The words of candidate Trump ‘Abkibaar, Trump sarkaar’ had uncanny resemblance to Indian election scenes, namely- “AbkiBaar, Modi Sarkar”.

There was debate all over whether the nation has compromised its long standing tradition and the policy of non-interference in domestic issues of other nation states. The dismay that was there in hearts and minds of People of India, could be heard when Member of Parliament from Wayanad and Former Congress Chief Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to address the importance of placing national interest above all and need to respect domestic issues of other nations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his ‘Abkibaar, Trump Sarkar’ slogan during the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston. In the words of Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, “Thank you Mr. Jaishankar for covering up our PM’s incompetence. His fawning endorsement caused serious problems with the Democrats for India. I hope it gets ironed out with your intervention. While you’re at it, do teach him a little bit about diplomacy.” (Dated: Oct 1, 2019, Source- Twitter Handle: @RahulGandhi)

Just few months down the line, the world witnessed the rise of Corona Virus pandemic. Nations were caught unaware as to how to deal with virus that had disrupted the world and domestic governance. Even at that time, when the nation was witnessing ‘Namaste Trump’ event, as a responsible voice of opposition that gives primacy to National Interests, Shri Rahul Gandhi ji did alert the government about the looming crisis. February 2020 when cases of corona virus were rising, there was no attempt made to stop international flights or efforts to reduce exposure to the virus. Sadly, amidst the drill of ‘Namaste Trump’, other programming efforts of the government, a voice of humanity to save the impact of corona virus on the people of nation, was ignored.

This is justified, from two glaring instances, on 12 February,2020, Shri Rahul Gandhi ji asserted that, “The Corona Virus is an extremely serious threat to our people and our economy. My sense is the government is not taking this threat seriously. Timely action is critical”. (Dated: Feb 12, 2020, Source- Twitter Handle: @RahulGandhi).

The government response to this important point raised by Shri Rahul Gandhi ji was that corona virus is not a health emergency and that there was no need to panic. (source: https://science.thewire.in/health/coronavirus-in-india-number-of-cases-rise-to-81/). What is essential to be noted here is how the people of nation suffered because of cold shoulder to this imperative for timely response by the government with reference to upcoming problem as highlighted by Shri Rahul Gandhi ji.

As United States Presidential Elections unfolded, the aspect that national interest is supreme and that vagaries of politics must never be allowed to interfere with the issues of polity, also came into limelight. The world witnessed Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji with ‘Abkibaar, Trump Sarkar’ slogan during the ‘Howdy, Modi!’ event in Houston. When issues of national interest surfaced where the Prime Minister was supposed to act as the real representative of millions of people of India, it was Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, who raised concerns about even the smallest of matters like twitter follow by white House. Shri Rahul Gandhi ji said- “ I’m dismayed by the “unfollowing” of our President & PM by the White House. I urge the Ministry of External Affairs to take note”. (Dated: 29 Apr 2020, Source- Twitter Handle: @RahulGandhi).

In the contemporary times, the need to have the right balance between national interest, bipartisan consensus in foreign affairs, is most essential as dynamics of governance cannot be reduced to military security alone. Trade, commerce, ecology, sustainable development, health, human oriented agenda, amongst others are also important where topmost priority must be the people of the nation. When India was being a witness as to how COVID-19 disrupted the Economy and health of people, Shri Rahul Gandhi ji categorically asserted that, “Friendship isn’t about retaliation. India must help all nations in their hour of need, but lifesaving medicines should be made available to Indians in ample quantities first”. (Dated: 7 Apr 2020, Source- Twitter Handle: @RahulGandhi).

The aftermath of United States Presidential Elections showed how world over there was debate on need to save democracy, need to undo politics of hate & populism. This can be understood through a remark made by President Elect Joe Biden, that “For the past four years, President Trump has unleashed an all-out assault on the institutions of our democracy.

Yesterday was but the culmination of that unrelenting attack.” (Source: Dated: 8 Jan 2021, Source- Twitter Handle: @JoeBiden). Further, immediately after the results of US Presidential Election, Joe Biden, also said, “America, I’m honoured that you have chosen me to lead our great country. The work ahead of us will be hard, but I promise you this: I will be a President for all Americans — whether you voted for me or not. I will keep the faith that you have placed in me,” Biden said in a tweet soon thereafter. (Source- Twitter Handle: @JoeBiden)

Time-and-again, the knit of saga of Howdy Modi, Namaste Trump, corona virus proves that the people of nation can clearly see how Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji valued national interests and put in all efforts through his voice to promote the concerns of polity in the best possible manner. The need to remain bipartisan when it comes to issues of national interest and foreign policy has always been upheld by Shri Rahul Gandhi ji. This shows the real nationalist who places the interest of the Indian state above all. It is a reflection of unambiguous nationalism that swears true allegiance to the nation always.

There can be debates at domestic level as that is the true hallmark of democracy, but there can be no ambiguity with reference to aspirations of the nation- at international level. The independence of the country, need to respect territorial integrity of other nations, and avoiding any undue controversies on foreign policy, have been duly observed by people of the nation, in different contexts, through the voice of Shri Rahul Gandhi ji.

The author is an Assistant Profes