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By:

Akhilesh Sinha

25 June 2025 at 2:53:54 pm

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014...

India's multi-align diplomacy triumphs

New Delhi: West Asia has transformed into a battlefield rained by fireballs. Seas or land, everywhere echoes the roar of cataclysmic explosions, flickering flames, and swirling smoke clouds. et amid such adversity, Indian ships boldly waving the Tricolour navigate the strait undeterred, entering the Arabian Sea. More remarkably, Iran has sealed its airspace to global flights but opened it for the safe evacuation of Indians.   This scene evokes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's memorable 2014 interview. He stated that "there was a time when we counted waves from the shore; now the time has come to take the helm and plunge into the ocean ourselves."   In a world racing toward conflict, Modi has proven India's foreign policy ranks among the world's finest. Guided by 'Nation First' and prioritising Indian safety and interests, it steadfastly embodies  'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' , the world as one family.   Policy Shines Modi's foreign policy shines with such clarity and patience that even as war flames engulf West Asian nations, Indians studying and working there return home safe. In just 13 days, nearly 100,000 were evacuated from Gulf war zones, mostly by air, some via Armenia by road. PM Modi talked with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian to secure Iran's airspace for the safe evacuation of Indians, a privilege denied to any other nation. Additionally, clearance was granted for Indian ships carrying crude oil and LPG to pass safely through the Hormuz Strait. No other country's vessels are navigating these waters, except for those of Iran's ally, China. The same strategy worked in the Ukraine-Russia war: talks with both presidents ensured safe corridors, repatriating over 23,000 students and businessmen. Iran, Israel, or America, all know India deems terrorism or war unjustifiable at any cost. PM Modi amplified anti-terror campaigns from UN to global platforms, earning open support from many nations.   Global Powerhouse Bolstered by robust foreign policy and economic foresight, India emerges as a global powerhouse, undeterred by tariff hurdles. Modi's adept diplomacy yields notable successes. Contrast this with Nehru's era: wedded to Non-Aligned Movement, he watched NAM member China seize vast Ladakh territory in war. Today, Modi's government signals clearly, India honors friends, spares no foes. Abandoning non-alignment, it embraces multi-alignment: respecting sovereignties while prioritizing human welfare and progress. The world shifts from unipolar or bipolar to multipolar dynamics.   Modi's policy hallmark is that India seal defense deals like the S-400 and others with Russia yet sustains US friendship. America bestows Legion of Merit; Russia, its highest civilian honor, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle. India nurtures ties with Israel, Palestine, Iran via bilateral talks. Saudi Arabia stands shoulder-to-shoulder across fronts; UAE trade exceeds $80 billion. UN's top environment award, UNEP Champions of the Earth, graces India, unlike past when foreign nations campaigned against us on ecological pretexts.   This policy's triumph roots in economic empowerment. India now ranks the world's fourth-largest economy, poised for third in 1-2 years. The 2000s dubbed it 'fragile'; then-PM economist Dr. Manmohan Singh led. Yet  'Modinomics'  prevailed. As COVID crippled supply chains, recession loomed, inflation soared and growth plunged in developed countries,  Modinomics  made India the 'bright star.' Inflation stayed controlled, growth above 6.2 per cent. IMF Chief Economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas praised it, advising the world to learn from India.

A Six-Decade Political Journey Untainted by a Single Stain

Veteran Congress leader and former union home minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar, a towering figure in national politics for over six decades, passed away on Friday morning at 6.05 am at his residence, ‘Devghar,’ in Latur at the age of 91.


Known as a close confidant of the Gandhi family, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar stood apart in national politics for one rare quality: absolute integrity. In a political career spanning 60 years, he carried no allegations, no scandals, and no hint of corruption. His spotless public life became the defining feature of his statesmanship. With his passing, a six-decade chapter of clean and principled politics comes to an end. After stepping down as the governor of Punjab, he had withdrawn from active politics, choosing a quiet and dignified life away from the public glare.


Born on 12 October 1935 in Chakur in Latur district, Shivraj Patil began his political journey as municipal council chief of Latur (1966–1970) and was elected as MLA in 1972–1980, as a Lok Sabha MP, as Speaker of the Lok Sabha, and as Union Minister for Defence, Commerce, and Science & Technology, and later as Union Home Minister (2004–2008). He also served as Governor of Punjab (2010–2015).


He had arrived in Latur from Delhi. He suddenly took ill. His condition deteriorated rapidly despite continuous treatment by his family physician and a team of experts at his residence, ‘Devghar.’ His health worsened after, and he eventually breathed his last at his home on Friday at 6.05 am.


Patil is survived by his son, Shailesh Patil; daughter-in-law, Archana, a BJP leader who contested the assembly election but lost to Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh; and two granddaughters.


No Misconduct

In political controversy, Shivraj Patil Chakurkar remained extraordinary. Not once in his 60-year political career was he tainted by allegations of corruption, misconduct, or factional politics. Known for his dignified conduct, he never indulged in personal attacks, neither in public speeches nor in private conversations.


Despite facing political opposition and even orchestrated defeats, Shivraj Patil never responded with bitterness. In the 2004 Lok Sabha election, he was defeated by BJP’s Rupatai Patil Nilangekar.


Though a Lingayat by community, Patil never allowed caste identity to define his politics. His leadership was accepted across communities, especially among Muslims in Latur, who held him in high regard until his final days.


His command over Marathi, English, and Hindi, along with his exceptional grasp of constitutional matters, made him one of the most respected parliamentarians of his time. Patil was known for his vast reading, meticulous study, and articulate presentation. He embodied secular values—not just in speech but in action. His demise leaves a void of a statesman who represented calm, civility, and constitutional dignity.


Shivraj Patil Chakurkar’s passing marks the end of an era in Latur’s political history, an era where leadership meant dignity, restraint, honesty, and service.


A spotless journey from municipal council chief to governor, untouched by caste politics or corruption, now remains a lasting tribute to a rare statesman. He had denied medical treatment for the last 15 days.


According to family sources, the last rites will be performed on Saturday, December 13, at 11 am. The funeral will take place at Warwati, behind the Latur MIDC area, on the outskirts of the city.


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