The Russia-Ukraine war has put India in a tight spot. On the one hand, the USA is pressurizing India to support it against Russia. On the other hand, India does not want to go against its old, time-tested friend Russia. To talk about this burning international topic and many other national issues, journalist Anurag Sason has an in-depth conversation with international relations’ expert and national incharge, IT cell, Minority Morcha-BJP, Dr Gulrez Sheikh.
Here are important excerpts from the exclusive interview: (Scroll down to watch the complete interview in Hindi/पूरा इंटरव्यू हिंदी में देखने के लिए नीचे स्क्रॉल करें)
Q1) How do you see India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine war?
Gulrez Sheikh: For the first time, India is able to execute the autonomy of its foreign policy. We are keeping in mind the interests of Russia and the western world. And we are able to execute the autonomy of our foreign policy because we are atmanirbhar (self-dependent).
Q2) How do to see the response of NATO in this Russia-Ukraine war?
Gulrez Sheikh: NATO’s sanctions are moth-eaten. It appears to be weak. The military alliance (which consists of 30 member states) has differences within itself.
Q3) Have you watched the controversial movie The Kashmir Files?
Gulrez Sheikh: I don’t watch violent movies. They make me uncomfortable. Yes, but I believe that art should be free. It should not be politicised. Those who suffered must be given justice.
Q4) Opposition is saying that BJP is politicizing this movie. Your reaction.
Gulrez Sheikh: No, BJP has never politicised this movie. If someone has a problem with the movie, the person can present its counter version.
Q5) Does the Muslim community need to worry from the Modi government?
Gulrez Sheikh: See, I am myself is a practicing Muslim. And I can guarantee that no one needs to worry. Everyone is free to practice the religion they want. India is for everyone. The policies of the Modi government are for all. Our governments at the centre or in the states are working for everyone.
ALSO WATCH | Russia-Ukraine crisis: Are we on brink of World War 3? Political analysis by Anurag Sason
Q6) Yogi Adityanath has come out with flying colours in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections 2022. How do you see the victory of the UP CM?
Gulrez Sheikh: Yogi Adityanath has won because of the good works his government has done in the state.
Q7) Can Yogi Adityanath be the future PM candidate of the BJP after Narendra Modi?
Gulrez Sheikh: BJP prepares every party worker for the national leadership. It can be anyone…Yogi ji, me or anyone else! But yes, Yogi Aditynath is a very charismatic leader.
WATCH FULL INTERVIEW
About the author: Anurag Sason is an Indian journalist with experience in mainstream journalism. He has worked in newspaper, news agency, TV, news app (short video sharing app) and digital media. He tweets at @AnuragSason
To watch interviews CLICK HERE
YouTube channel (4 million+ views) CLICK HERE
Follow anuragsason.com on Google News CLICK HERE
Dailyhunt news app profile link: https://profile.dailyhunt.in/anuragsasondotcom
Anurag Sason 