Imran Khan praises India's foreign policy yet again at Lahore rally. Here's why

Earlier in March, Imran Khan has admitted that the foreign policy of India is independent and for the betterment of the people. (REUTERS)Premium
Earlier in March, Imran Khan has admitted that the foreign policy of India is independent and for the betterment of the people. (REUTERS)
2 min read . Updated: 22 Apr 2022, 10:36 AM IST Livemint

Listen to this article

Praising India's foreign policy once again, former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that India's foreign policy is designed for the betterment of its people, unlike Pakistan.

While speaking at a rally in Lahore, Imran Khan said "India, which is a strategic partner to the United States, is importing oil from Russia, saying that its decisions are based on the betterment of their people. But our foreign policy is for the betterment of other people," as per news agency ANI report.

This comes following the his praise for India in March when Imran Khan had admitted that the foreign policy of India is independent and for the betterment of the people.

During a public rally in the Malakand area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Imran Khan had said: "I praise our neighbouring country as they always had an independent foreign policy. Today India is in their (America) alliance and they are part of QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue); they say that are neutral. They are importing oil from Russia despite sanctions because their policy is for the betterment of people."

He further justified the reason for his visit to Russia. Imran Khan said he went to Moscow so that the growing inflation in Pakistan could be controlled.

"I went to Russia because Russia gave us oil at a discount of 30 per cent," he said at the Lahore rally. The PTI chairman, not for the first time, claimed that he was out of power due to pursuing an independent foreign policy for Pakistan, which he said was not liked by international powers.

He accused global forces of colluding with local "Mir Jaffars and Mir Sadiqs among others" to end his government at a time "when the economy was shooting, the exports were record high -- and all of this at a time when the coronavirus was wreaking havoc."

Imran Khan explained the cablegate issue, repeating his allegation of US Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asia Donald Lu threatening Pakistan's ambassador to the US that Khan must be ousted from the power to get back in American good books.

"What crime had we committed that it warranted forgiving? Was it that we went to Russia? Or that we said we won't give military bases? Remember Lahore where they got these bad habits from. Why don't they ask the same of India?" he asked. Khan said the foreign powers did not like him boosting trade with China as well.

"Since they did not like all of these things, a conspiracy was planned. But no conspiracy can be successful without the support of Mir Jafars and Mir Sadiqs," the ousted premier said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Subscribe to Mint Newsletters
* Enter a valid email
* Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
Close