Thread by @d_jaishankar

Some highlights from the foreign and security policy sections of the #CongressManifesto:

Police forces: "deployment of specialist battalions and recruitment of additional personnel."

"Efficiency and full transparency" of defence procurement.

"Indigenous manufacturing" of defence equipment.

"National Commission for Ex-Servicemen."

"Credible deterrent and second strike capability."

#CongressManifesto

Our "position...combines the cumulative heritage of Non- Aligned-Movement and its advocacy of freedom for African countries and steady support for Palestine. We will continue to support the goodwill nurtured for decades amongst socialist countries." #CongressManifesto

Sorry - my fault - I realise I was looking at the 2014 manifesto. Will tweet the new one as it becomes available ... but will keep the above up.

Okay, now got my hands on the real thing: #CongressManifesto #CongressManifesto2019

"Congress will reverse the trend of declining defence spending...expedit all modernisation programmes of the Armed Forces in a transparent manner,...address any remaining anomalies in #OROP..."

Establish Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), provide statutory basis for NSC, NSA, NSAB.

Expand defence manufacturing... "will create manufacturing capacities in the public sector and in pre-qualified, security-cleared private sector companies."

Establish NCTC and NATGRID; increased strength of state police forces; strong action on crimes against women, SCST, etc.

"Firm belief in the continued relevance of the policy of friendship, peaceful co-existence, non-alignment..."

Establish National Council on Foreign Policy consisting of CCS, domain experts, etc.

"Compel Pakistan to verifiably end its support to...terrorist groups."

Pass a "Law on Asylum consistent with international treaties and conventions."

Redouble efforts to join UNSC and NSG.

Work with ASEAN and SAARC.

Strengthen ICCR

Increase size of IFS, induct domain experts, open more missions abroad.

Strengthen BSF, SSB, ITBP, Assam Rifles; improve border outposts and roads.

Remove anomaies in implementation of OROP. Compensation to the families of martyrs.

Increase strength of Central Armed Police Forces.

Reestablish Ministry of Overseas Indians.

NRI Invest Scheme.

Here are the same sections (Foreign Policy and Security) from the just-released #BJPManifesto #BJPManifesto2019:

- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
- Seek "knowledge exchange and transfer of technology" incl. International Space Technology Alliance
- 'Bharat Gaurav' campaign for diaspora

- Create multilateral forum for terrorism.

- Among list of multilateral engagements, Japan-America-India (JAI) mentioned alongside RIC (Russia-India-China)

- "open, inclusive, prosperous, and secure Indo-Pacific."

#BJPManifesto

- Open "University of Foreign Policy"

- "Zero Tolerance" on terrorism

- Strengthen Armed Forces (specific mention of AK-203 rifles)

- OROP, strencthen armed police

- stem illegal migration

#BJPManifesto