Ram Nath Kovind  

President Ram Nath Kovind, in a speech at the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy in Athens, said, “India is committed to an international order marked by robust, rules-based multilateral institutions; by multi-polarity in international governance; and by investment and connectivity projects that are viable, sustainable.”

Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks at the recent Shangri La Dialogue in Singapore calling for “strategic autonomy”, President Kovind’s emphasis upon maintaining multilateral commitments indicates that India is keen to maintain a non-aligned attitude towards major power blocs in the world.

Pro-globalisation

The President, who is visiting Greece as part of his ongoing three-nation tour, said the interconnections that marked the era of globalisation have come under stress in recent years but urged Europe to join hands with India which is a “responsible power”, to preserve globalisation. “As a responsible power, India seeks to be a rule framer and rule custodian,” he said.

President Kovind’s speech highlighted the syncretic connections between the European and Indian traditions of art, politics and state formation and described Greece and India are “sister civilisations” who have been part of the large family of humanity as exemplified in the Indian notion of “ Vasudhaiva kutumbakam ”.

President Kovind’s speech in Greece coincided with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj’s ongoing visit to Europe.