External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized certain decisions made by the Jawaharlal Nehru government, urging a departure from the "cult worship" of the post-1946 era as a time of greatness for India's foreign policy. He highlighted flaws in Nehru's handling of Pakistan and China while acknowledging successes with the United States. Jaishankar emphasized the need for critical analysis of past policies rather than blind adherence.

Regarding Nehru's era, Jaishankar referenced contemporaries like Syama Prasad Mookerjee and B R Ambedkar, who questioned decisions such as the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. He urged a shift from idealizing that period and advocated for open-minded evaluation.

Addressing current issues, he acknowledged India's two-front situation and Pakistan's minimal formal relations due to terrorism and reactions to decisions like Article 370's abrogation. Jaishankar stressed the necessity of prioritizing national interests over global popularity, citing initiatives like Operation Ganga and Operation Vande Bharat during COVID-19.

He defended the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) as rectifying historical injustices during Partition, rejecting international criticism and affirming India's commitment to just treatment for affected individuals.

Jaishankar's remarks underscored a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, advocating for a critical reassessment of past strategies, prioritizing national interests, and addressing contemporary challenges with confidence and resolve.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar criticized certain decisions made by the Jawaharlal Nehru government, urging a departure from the "cult worship" of the post-1946 era as a time of greatness for India's foreign policy. He highlighted flaws in Nehru's handling of Pakistan and China while acknowledging successes with the United States. Jaishankar emphasized the need for critical analysis of past policies rather than blind adherence.

Regarding Nehru's era, Jaishankar referenced contemporaries like Syama Prasad Mookerjee and B R Ambedkar, who questioned decisions such as the Nehru-Liaquat Pact. He urged a shift from idealizing that period and advocated for open-minded evaluation.

Addressing current issues, he acknowledged India's two-front situation and Pakistan's minimal formal relations due to terrorism and reactions to decisions like Article 370's abrogation. Jaishankar stressed the necessity of prioritizing national interests over global popularity, citing initiatives like Operation Ganga and Operation Vande Bharat during COVID-19.

He defended the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) as rectifying historical injustices during Partition, rejecting international criticism and affirming India's commitment to just treatment for affected individuals.

Jaishankar's remarks underscored a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, advocating for a critical reassessment of past strategies, prioritizing national interests, and addressing contemporary challenges with confidence and resolve.