NEW DELHI, 11 February 2007 — India yesterday allayed fears of its neighbors that it is seeking an “exclusive sphere of influence” in South Asia. “What we seek is not an exclusive sphere of influence, as is often misunderstood, but a shared sphere of regionalism. Our vision for the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) region is one of regionalism,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee told a conference of editors of member states.
The minister said India was aware of the fact that no South Asian nation can succeed on its own. “Globalization and the advent of modern technology have endowed us with options that never existed before. We must create a stake for every nation in the economic success of the other.”
Outlining India’s agenda for the upcoming SAARC summit in April, Pranab said: “As we prepare to host the next SAARC summit, India will take the initiative in accelerating regional economic and political cooperation. We will play a positive role in the establishment of new trans-border transport networks and energy corridors so that the 14th Summit of SAARC countries gives a clear signal for improving the connectivity within the subcontinent by ensuring free flow of trade, commerce, goods, people and ideas.”
Acknowledging the new importance assumed by media, he said: “Gatherings such as these can help share experiences from differing political milieus and lead to strategies that can harness the growth and power of modern media technologies for the good of the common man of the entire region. Given its immense reach, there is a need, perhaps more than ever before, for the media to be fully aware of its own power and the responsibility it bears for creating proper understanding between neighboring countries. In many ways, the media is the torch-bearer of better people-to-people contacts,” he said.
Emphasizing importance of holding such conferences regularly, the minister said that these would realize the full potential of media in helping create a peaceful and closely integrated neighborhood.
The conference focused on such subjects as growth trends and quality issues in South Asia news media; media freedom, accountability and social responsibility.
