At the launch of journalist Shahid Siddiqui’s memoir I, Witness: India from Nehru to Narendra Modi in New Delhi, National Conference president Farooq Abdullah passionately advocated for the revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritize peace with Pakistan to strengthen India’s global standing.
Drawing inspiration from recent diplomatic engagements, such as the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, followed by Trump’s discussions with European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Abdullah emphasized the need for India to take bold steps toward regional harmony.
“The time has come for our prime minister to take steps so India can walk with the world for peace,” Abdullah declared, stressing that reviving SAARC—established in 1985 to foster cooperation among India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan, and Afghanistan—is critical.
Abdullah acknowledged the challenges, noting that India-Pakistan tensions have stalled SAARC since its last summit in 2014, but insisted that “hard steps can save our nation and shape the world.” Abdullah expressed hope that the current government would embrace this responsibility, invoking divine guidance for their efforts.
Reflecting on the 1947 Partition, Abdullah lamented the enduring Hindu-Muslim divide it created, which continues to hinder national unity. He contrasted India’s reliance on government support for 80% of its population with China’s unified progress, urging India to adopt a collective spirit: “If you survive, I survive.” He envisioned India’s growth driven not by military or economic might but by “the power of humanity,” with Gandhi’s principles as a global beacon.
The event also featured a panel discussion with Congress leader Salman Khurshid, Lok Sabha MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, who praised Siddiqui’s memoir, published by Rupa Publications for Rs 795, for its truthful depiction of India’s journey.
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