India’s foreign policy to be driven by self-interest

Mamata Banerjee, who blocked Delhi-Dhaka deal on Teesta, wants India’s foreign policy to be driven by the self-interest of the nation. The manifesto released by Banerjee’s party Trinamool Congress ahead of India’s national elections promises a foreign policy, which will be guided by self-interests of the nation. Chief Minister of Indian state of West Bengal, herself, released the Trinamool Congress’ national manifesto in Kolkata. Though the Trinamool Congress is a regional party with limited footprint beyond West Bengal, Banerjee is keen to play a larger national role after Lok Sabha elections, which is likely to give India yet another coalition Government.While stressing the importance of ‘self-interest of our nation’ in shaping the foreign policy of New Delhi, Trinamool Congress also promised that India’s relation with all countries in the neighbourhood and beyond will be guided by the principle of “peaceful coexistence with all”.The party also promised greater emphasis on “promotion of social, economic, technological and cultural ties” with all nations.Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress came to power in West Bengal after the elections of the State’s Legislative Assembly in May 2011. Her party’s landmark victory was historic as it ended the 34-year-long rule of Left front, a conglomeration of Communist Party of India (Marxist) and other leftist parties in the State.She has since been steadfastly blocking the efforts of India’s Central Government in New Delhi to strike a deal with Bangladesh Government for sharing waters of trans-border river Teesta, according to a news agency.