Vice President decries attempts to internationalize restructuring of Jammu and Kashmir state

New Delhi: The Vice President decried attempts to spread misinformation and internationalize the re-structuring of the Jammu & Kashmir state which was purely an administrative matter and within the purview of the Indian government.

Addressing the heads of Estonian diplomatic missions on the last day of his tri-nation tour to the Baltic Region, Shri. Naidu said that India would not accept interference or mediation in the internal affairs of the country and asserted that the restructuring of Jammu Kashmir state was aimed at improving governance and fostering inclusive and equitable growth. “This decision was taken by the Indian parliament with an overwhelming majority cutting across party lines”, he added.

The Vice Presidents said that attempts by our neighbouring country to spread misinformation was totally unwarranted and that this kind of meddling with other nation’s internal administration doesn’t bode well for world peace. “Misinformation, disinformation and malicious, hateful rhetoric exacerbate tensions.  In a world that has committed to achieve an ambitious, transformative agenda of sustainable development by 2030, these irritants can retard the progress substantially”, he added.

The Vice President also outlined a few perspectives that have been guiding India’s engagement with the world, Samvad, Samruddhi,Suraksha, Sanskriti, and Samman  (Dialogue, mutual prosperity, mutual security, strengthening cultural ties and mutual respect). “We believe that we must have an inclusive, open and free system that treats all nations equally and fairly and aims to create mutually- beneficial platforms for cooperation. We wish to see a world order that ensures security and growth for all”, he said.

The Foreign Minister of Estonia, Mr. UrmasReinsalu welcomed the Vice President and more than 60 diplomats were present at the occasion.

Earlier in the day, he held wide ranging talks with the President and Prime Minister of Estonia, who pledged to support India’s claim for permanent membership of the United Nation’s Security Council (UNSC) and to intensify the global efforts to fight against terrorism.

The Vice President and both the dignitaries, the President, Ms. Kersti Kaljulaid and the Prime Minister, Mr. Juri Ratas have agreed to expand bilateral relations in all spheres, particularly economic, cultural and Information Technology.

Pointing out that India has been facing the menace of cross-border terrorism for long, Shri. Naidu told the Estonian leaders that more needs to be done by the international community to counter activities of terrorist groups and individuals.

He stressed that there was a need to bring greater accountability and transparency to the work of UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee dealing with listing of terrorists.

The Vice President urged all members of the UN to demonstrate a collective political will for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism which was proposed by India in 1996.

Shri Naidu also told the Estonian dignitaries that India believed in peaceful relations with all nations, including its neigh bours. He also said that India was keen to cement its ties with the Baltic Countries and the EU on all regional and global issues of shared concern and for reforming the multilateral institutions to reflect contemporary global realities.

Addressing the media along with the President of Estonia, Shri. Naidu said that we recognized the importance of building a global order based on respect for international law and national sovereignty. He also discussed common concerns such as climate change and global warming. “I invite Estonia to join the International Solar Alliance in which India is playing a leading role”, he added.

In his meeting with Mr. Henn Polluaas, President of the Riigikogu, the Vice President called for enhanced contact and dialogues between the respective parliamentarians to increase understanding and adopting best practices for promoting efficiency, effectiveness and transparency of parliament systems.

Addressing the India-Estonia Business Forum, the Vice President said that India has been recording an economic growth of over 7% for several years and was expected to become a US $ 5 Trillion economy by 2025.

He said that, given Estonia’s IT capabilities and the disruptive innovation environment, there was a vast potential for building technology partnerships between India’s and Estonian Companies in IT, Cyber Security and related domains. “I am glad that the Indian start-ups and incubators participated in Latitude 59 for the first time in May this year in Tallinn.

Appreciating Estonia’s e-residency scheme, which facilitated about 2200 Indians to become e-residents of Estonia, he said it would enable Indian companies and entrepreneurs to use Estonia as a launch pad for entering the Baltic, Nordic and European markets.

Apart from mentioning about opportunities for working together with regional groupings like ASEAN and EU, he expressed hope that multilateral bodies are further democratized to reflect contemporary realities.

Addressing the India-Estonia Business forum, the Vice President Referred to the bilateral trade of US $ 172 million between Estonia and India and called for increasing trade and economic cooperation between the two nations. He said the companies of both the countries can have technology partnerships in IT, Cyber Security and related domains. He invited Estonian business men to take advantage of flagship programs like Make in India, Digital India and consider manufacturing in India to access markets in India, South Asia, Europe and Africa.

Addressing the Indian community, the Vice President outlined various schemes and programs launched by the government to propel India’s economy and appealed to the Indian diaspora to co-script India’s growth story as it marches to become a US $ 5 Trillion economy.

Coinciding with the Vice President’s visit, MoUs on Cyber Security and the exemption of Visa requirement for Diplomatic Passport holders were signed between Indian and Estonian officials.An enhanced agreement on e-governance was also signed.

The Vice President also paid homage to the martyrs of Estonia’s struggle for independence by placing a wreath at the memorial in Vabaduse Square.