NEW DELHI, 24 February 2007 — The budget session of the Indian Parliament opened yesterday with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam addressing a joint session of the two houses. Kalam began his address by describing 2007 as “a very special year” for India, saying: “We are celebrating 60th anniversary of our independence. This year, we also observe 150th anniversary of the first war of Indian independence and centenary of satyagraha (nonviolent struggle). These are occasions for us to renew our commitment to building a strong, modern, inclusive, secular and dynamic India.”
Expressing “sincere condolences” for the victims of the train blasts, Kalam said: “We would not allow this tragic event to affect our common quest for normalization of relations between India and Pakistan.”
Drawing attention to the government’s commitment to the welfare of minorities, Kalam referred to the creation of a separate Ministry of Minority Affairs and the report prepared by the Sachar Committee. “The report was tabled in Parliament on Nov. 30, 2006 and will be discussed in this session. We will take all measures necessary to ensure that the fruits of development are shared equitably and backward minority groups become active participants and beneficiaries of our growth process,” Kalam said.
Referring to the prime minister’s new 15-point program for the welfare of minorities, Kalam said: “The program has identified certain important developmental schemes and created a mechanism to ensure that benefits of those schemes flow equitably to the minority communities also.”
Outlining India’s foreign policy, Kalam said that it is “shaped by the desire to create an external environment conducive to peace and stability in the region, ensuring our accelerated economic development and the safeguarding of our national security.”
In pursuit of this “enlightened national interest,” the government has “undertaken a comprehensive engagement with the world — with all major powers, with our extended neighborhood and with our partners in developing world and the Nonaligned Movement,” Kalam said.
With India hosting the 14th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Summit, Kalam said: “As SAARC chair, India will work for ensuring that SAARC becomes a vehicle for peace and progress in our region.”
Referring to India’s relations with countries of West Asia and Arabian Gulf, Kalam said: “My government is actively pursuing strengthened relations with countries of West Asia and Arabian Gulf region. We would like to see durable peace and stability in the region.”
“The visits to India of the emir of Kuwait and the king of Jordan following that of the king of Saudi Arabia last year, and the recent visit of Iran’s external affairs minister highlight the importance attached to our enduring interests in this region, vital for energy security and employment opportunities for Indians,” Kalam said. “My government has also reiterated its desire to see a stable, peaceful, prosperous, united and democratic Iraq.”
