Quad a trap set by the US for India: Prakash Karat

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat has said that Quad, the quadrilateral security dialogue, is a trap set by the United States for India. He said that the US aims to indirectly involve India in its trade war against China. Mr. Karat was delivering a keynote address at a panel discussion on ‘Changing World and Indian Perspectives’ organised as part of the Sree Narayana Guru international literary and cultural festival on Tuesday.

“A Chinese company had sought permission to manufacture electric cars and lithium batteries in Hyderabad. The Central government denied permission citing security concerns. It was later revealed that this decision was made in favour of an American company. While claiming neutrality during wars and conflicts, our government has consistently adopted stances to please America. India, a country watched by the world, must be able to take independent stances,” he said.

Speaking at the discussion, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala pointed out that India adopted a neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict but did not do the same for the Israel-Palestine conflict. He said that the Central government was forced to rectify its stance on the Israel-Palestine issue only when it realised that the people of the country did not approve of it. Mr. Chennithala further said that India should be aware of attempts to indirectly involve us in the trade war between the US and China. “While claiming that India is adapting to the changing world, we should not ignore attempts to take the country back to a regressive period,” he said.

Our domestic policies and stances will reflect in the country’s foreign policy,” said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive member P.K. Krishnadas. He said that India’s foreign policy is strong, impartial, fearless, and decisive. “Our goal is a peaceful world and a peaceful country. Our policy is not to align with any particular bloc but to form alliances with different blocs. Why are those who are vocal about Israel’s killings silent about Hamas’ bloodshed?” he said.

Communist Party of India (CPI) State secretary Binoy Viswam observed that while India proclaims itself as a ‘Vishvaguru’ the fact that it has become a nation with the highest poverty rate cannot be ignored. “The Indian government had colluded with monopolies to make even a pandemic like COVID-19 a commodity. At the same time, Kerala has set an example for the world by supporting everyone during the pandemic,” he said.

Published - December 03, 2024 06:56 pm IST