Farooq Abdullah Warns of Regional Isolation, Urges India to Mend Relations with Neighbors

Senior politician Farooq Abdullah has expressed concerns over India’s growing isolation in the South Asian region, drawing comparisons with the political turmoil in Bangladesh. Speaking on Wednesday, Abdullah highlighted the distinct challenges India faces, contrasting them with those in Bangladesh. “Our country is different. In Bangladesh, it was a different matter. In Bangladesh, Hasina was pro-India, and people there were not pro-India. She ran the system there until it was possible to do it here,” he remarked.

Abdullah emphasized the need for India to prepare for potential dangers, noting that the nation currently lacks strong alliances with its neighbors. “Today, none of our neighbors are our friends or partners; we are all alone. Be it Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka, it’s unfortunate that this big brother has made his younger siblings angry,” he said. Abdullah stressed the importance of reviving India’s reputation as a responsible and supportive regional leader. “It is important that this reputation be revived. And India should fulfill its right to a big brother.”

He called for a concerted effort to address and resolve disputes with neighboring countries to rebuild friendly relations. “Indians should sit and focus on problems with everyone so that our neighbors will be our friends,” Abdullah urged.

Mehbooba Mufti, another prominent political figure, echoed Abdullah’s sentiments, drawing lessons from the recent unrest in Bangladesh. Mufti warned that similar issues could arise in India if the concerns of the youth are not addressed. “The situation in Bangladesh has a lesson for our country. We should consider that when the youth are pushed to the wall and harassed in all terms and decisions,” she stated.

Mufti underscored the pressing issue of unemployment in India and criticized policies that she believes are detrimental to merit and public welfare. “We should look into the unemployment rate in our country as well as the Agniveer scheme. The reservations granted should not be at the cost of open merit. Anti-people policies will eventually lead to the fate of Sheikh Hasina; you will have to flee away,” she warned.

Both leaders’ comments come at a time when India is facing increasing regional tensions and domestic challenges. Their remarks underscore the urgency of addressing both international relations and internal socio-economic issues to prevent further isolation and unrest.