Our Partnership With Any Nation Is Based On Equality & Mutual Respect: Rajnath Singh

National security should not be considered a zero-sum game, but a truly collective enterprise, which can create a global order beneficial to all, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Friday during his address at the 23rd International Conference of Chief Justices of the World in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.

He said India has adopted ideals in spirit and deeds throughout its journey after Independence and has always striven to treat the world as a brotherhood and the global community as a family.

“It is our moral responsibility to strive to build a safe, secure and just world for all times to come. Many multilateral organisations, such as United Nations Security Council, have been working towards creating a global order. There is a need to elevate it to a level of shared interests and shared security for all,” Singh said. 

He stressed the need to create a win-win situation for all, which is guided by enlightened self-interest, sustainable and resilient to shocks, instead of narrow self-interest, not beneficial in the long run. “Strong and prosperous India will not be built at the cost of others, rather, we are here to help other nations realise their full potential,” he added. 

He also referred to the recent global response to the Covid-19 pandemic, saying that it highlighted the urgent requirement for multinational collaboration in information sharing and situation analysis, as also research, development and production of the vaccine.

The Raksha Mantri reiterated that India believes in a multi-aligned policy which is realised through diverse engagements with multiple stakeholders so that all concerns are addressed for a prosperous future. He described it as the only way to lead to shared responsibility and prosperity. 

“India does not believe in a world order where few are considered superior to others. Our actions are guided by the essence of human equality and dignity, which is a part of our ancient ethos and strong moral foundations and gives us our political strength,” Singh said. 

He highlighted that India’s partnership with any nation is based on sovereign equality and mutual respect, adding that “forging relations comes naturally to us, as we work towards mutual economic development.”

He called for exploring ways and finding solutions to problems that transcend national boundaries and preparing a roadmap that can contribute towards building a more peaceful and sustainable world. 

Prithvirajsing Roopun, President of Mauritius; Rodney Errey Lawrence Williams, Governor-General of Antigua & Barbuda and other prominent leaders were present at the occasion.