The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) organized a talk by former Ambassador T.P. Sreenivasan, in collaboration with the Indian Diaspora Center and the Indian American Kerala Center. The talk titled ‘India’s Role as a Peacemaker Since Independence’ was held at the Dr. Thomas Abraham Library Hall at the Kerala Center in Elmont, New York.
After a brief address by GOPIO Chairman Dr. Thomas Abraham, T.P. Sreenivasan spoke at length about how India’s role in global politics has changed over the years. Traditionally, he said that India has always been a prominent voice for peace, joining the Non-Aligned Movement and leading the United Nations’ decolonization and disarmament initiatives.
However, as due to conflicts with China and Pakistan, India has had to budge from its pacifist stance to protect its own sovereignty. “India is seen today not as a pacifist state, but as an aspiring world power,” he said.
Despite these challenges, India continues to be a responsible member of the international community, fighting conventional threats to security as well as the emerging dangers like terrorism, climate change and pandemics. He also emphasized that India has steered clear of military alliances but has built strategic partnerships with like-minded countries.
Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza war, he said that these conflicts are different from the wars of the 20th century, as all the players involved are trying to establish a new world order.
“We clearly believe in resolution of conflicts through bilateral discussions and that is what India is trying to achieve by keeping the dialogue open. The traditional peace-making efforts outlined in the UN Charter of preventive diplomacy, ceasefire, peace-keeping and peace-building do not seem to be effective in the present geopolitical situation,” Ambassador Sreenivasan concluded.