When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years. 

She also touched upon India's foreign policy with the neighbouring nations and countries of rest of the world.

"We started a campaign to cover all 192 countries in the world. India is engaging with every single country in the world. Our aim is “Pratham Baar” or “First Time” to take India’s friendly relations with all countries of the world," said external affairs minister on completion of 4 years of NDA government.

"90,000 people from Indian community have been rescued from various places. In his visits to many countries, PM has saved many people from severe punishments. Today, Indians living overseas are living peacefully," said Sushma Swaraj.

On talks with Pakistan and Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018

We never said we are not ready for talks, But there's a caveat — terror and talks cannot go together. This has always been our position. When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate.

The answer we got in the response to what happened with Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018, was laughable. They tried to teach us history. Pakistan always distorts history & doesn't believe in the law. Only thing I felt while reading their answer was, 'look who's talking'.

US sanctions against Iran

Asked about India's position on the new US sanctions against Iran, Swaraj said, "We only recognise UN sanctions, not country-specific sanctions, We are not coerced into our foreign policy decisions,".

Sushma Swaraj on the H1-B visa concerns

We are trying our best by talking to the White House, talking to the administration and to the Senators and Congressmen.Ultimately its America's decision.they are a sovereign country. But we are trying our best.

The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations.

Foreign visits by PM and other ministers

I was surprised to hear that there were so many countries that our leaders didn't go to. When we formed our govt, we thought that we will cover all the 192 countries present at the UN, for ministerial-level talks. And, we have covered 186 countries already.

On the use of social media

"Used social media as a tool to help our citizens across the world. We have used Twitter in a progressive manner. All Indians are connected to us. We are just a click away," she added.