Srinagar, Mar 7 : National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday said that New Delhi does not require dictation from any foreign capital and must decide its own future.
Speaking to news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Dr. Farooq said, “We are a sovereign country. We don’t need anyone’s dictation or permission to do so,” in reaction to the US decision to issue a 30-day waiver to India for Russian oil imports amid supply concerns stemming from West Asia tensions.
The former Chief Minister invoked the legacy of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to underscore his point on strategic autonomy. He recalled an instance during the UPA regime when the United States attempted to influence India’s voting pattern, linking it to the civil nuclear deal.
“You know what Dr Manmohan Singh said? It is the decision of India. India will make its own decision. What is good for India, we will do that,” Dr. Farooq told news agency KNS.
Expressing concern over the diplomatic implications, the Lok Sabha member questioned the necessity of external approval for the country’s foreign policy. “The tragedy is, I don’t know why they are making us dependent. It is a question of independence of this country. This country has to decide what is good for it. Nobody else should decide our future,” he added.
His remarks come days after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen described the waiver as a measure aimed at stabilizing global oil supplies without significantly benefiting Moscow. (KNS)
