Jaishankar Hails Cross-Party Unity on Foreign Soil, Slams Emergency as ‘Family Over Nation’

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi — External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Thursday drew a sharp contrast between India's past and present political conduct, criticising the Emergency period as a time when “the interest of a family was put ahead of the interest of the nation,” while praising today’s united front by Indian leaders across party lines on the global stage.

Addressing a public event in the capital, Jaishankar said, “Emergency happened because the interest of a family was put ahead of the interest of the nation. Today, the interest of the nation is put first.” His remarks came on the anniversary of the 1975 Emergency declared by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, a moment still hotly debated in Indian political discourse.

Highlighting recent instances of cross-party cooperation in foreign diplomacy, Jaishankar expressed pride in the conduct of Indian parliamentary delegations abroad. “I have a great sense of pride when I see delegations led by Shashi Tharoor, Supriya Sule, Kanimozhi, Sanjay Jha, Jay Panda, Ravi Shankar Prasad, and Shrikant Shinde,” he said, noting that leaders from across the political spectrum spoke in one voice on issues like terrorism.

“When all parties go out into the world united, giving the message that terrorism is unacceptable and that we deserve the right to defend ourselves, it sends a powerful message,” he added.

He further stated that in every country these delegations visited, foreign officials highlighted the bipartisan unity as the most impressive aspect of India's position. “It was a great moment for us,” Jaishankar said, reflecting on the significance of political consensus in strengthening India’s image and stance internationally.