Sushma Swaraj
People often ask us what we get by our frequent travel to countries. I want to tell them we do not travel to have fun; we travel to build our relationship with other countries, and it is because of our ties with these countries that we were able to rescue 7,000 people from Yemen.
In our midst, there are nations that still speak the language of terrorism, that nurture it, peddle it, and export it. To shelter terrorists has become their calling card. We must identify these nations and hold them to account.
These nations, in which U.N. designated terrorists roam freely, lead processions, and deliver their poisonous sermons of hate with impunity, are as culpable as the very terrorists they harbour. Such countries should have no place in the comity of nations.
The brutality against the Baloch people represents the worst form of State oppression.
When we carried out air strike across the border after the Pulwama terror attack, we had told the international community that we took that step in self-defence only. We had told the international community that the armed forces were instructed not to harm any Pakistani citizen or its soldier during the strike.
I was a minister in the Vajpayee government. Atalji wanted to do so many things. But, since he was heading a coalition government, he could not do all those things.
I can go to foreign countries, but following the advice of the doctors to stay away from dust, I am unable to visit Vidisha, as mostly it comprises of rural areas only.
I have toured my constituency maximum number of times as a member of the Lok Sabha among the MPs from Madhya Pradesh.
If the U.N. is ineffective, the whole concept of multilateralism will collapse.
The U.N. cannot be run by the 'I.' It only works by the 'We.'
The U.N. is biggest platform for all nations. But slowly, its significance, effect, dignity, and use is being reduced. We should worry that we don't meet the same fate as League of Nations. Their descent was caused as they were not ready for reform. We shouldn't repeat that mistake.
If we have to save the world from the adverse effects of climate change, then developed nations must lift the deprived with financial and technical resources.
The world's biggest challenge comes from the threats of climate change and terrorism. In India's case, terrorism is not bred in some faraway land but from across our border.
Who can be a greater transgressor of human rights than a terrorist?
These are important markers in our engagement with South East Asia, in enhancing our strategic ties with ASEAN across 3 Cs. These 3 Cs are commerce, connectivity, and culture.
To enhance ease of doing business, the government has taken multiple steps to simplify procedures, rationalise rules, and increased use of technology.
Abduction of Father Tom Uzhunnalil is a matter of grave concern for us.
National security, both internal and external, is a challenge.
Peace is a pre-requisite for development.
Democracy cannot be imagined without Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, and they cannot be imagined without MPs and MLAs.
This is the era of television and media. If you do not raise issues, then people say that the MLA does not speak in the House. You have to play an effective role in the assembly. Raise issues related to your area.
Electorates need a simple MLA, even if the person is a big leader.
When you are in election mode, you are focused only on winning.
Formation of alignments for governments are done by our central parliamentary board and not locally.
I have already disassociated myself from my husband's views.
My husband is an opposition MP. Our political alliance may have fallen through, but our matrimonial alliance is intact.
The unhappiest memories are of losing my mother when I was 14. Alter six months, my father remarried. The thought that somebody was taking the place of my mother was unacceptable. It is sad because, after that, my father also changed.
I cannot tell a lie, and I'm very straightforward. Sometimes this hurts people. I've wondered if I should change, but I feel more comfortable about myself this way.
My best and most trustworthy friend is my husband. I trust him more than I trust myself.
I am not afraid of anything, even death.
None from my family was in politics. I am a first-generation politician.
I come from a RSS family. My father was a strong supporter of the RSS, and he was a swayamsewak of the Palwal Shakha.
I was born in Ambala Cantt., but my parents belong to Palwal.
Right from the college day, I was in politics.
The India-China relationship is an important relationship for both of our countries.
BRICS meetings are keenly watched world over, and our decisions have profound impact globally.
India is committed to working with SCO to strengthen our economic and investment ties.
We believe that economic globalisation should be more open, inclusive, equitable, and balanced for mutual benefits.
Protectionism in all its forms should be rejected, and efforts should be made to discipline measures that constitute barriers to trade.
The SCO countries have been connected historically through shared commonalities, which we are constantly rejuvenating.
It is necessary that we eliminate the scourge of terrorism in all its forms, without any discrimination, and end the ecosystem of its support.
The world is moving ahead to become more integrated and connected, where movement of goods and people is becoming easier with each passing day.
Development of seamless physical connectivity is key for achieving regional growth, employment, and prosperity.
When two friends sit together, what do they want? They want to talk their hearts out to each other, share what they feel.
If there is an interpreter sitting between two friends, he may be able to translate the words but not the feelings with which I say something.
Our diaspora provides a platform for a stronger relationship between India and ASEAN countries.
India's engagement with the ASEAN region lies in the clarity of the principles that we share.
Our North East region will prosper when it is better connected to South East Asia, and when the North East becomes our bridge to South East Asia, we will be closer to realising our hopes for India and ASEAN ties.
India and the U.S. stand together in upholding an international rules-based system that has benefited all nations.