Prakash Ambedkar criticises Modi government’s foreign policy, calls for safeguarding strategic autonomy

Nagpur, Sep 22 : Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) president Prakash Ambedkar on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, alleging that India had compromised its strategic autonomy under pressure from the United States.

Addressing a press conference here, Ambedkar said India should firmly safeguard its national interests amid the possibility of the US imposing tariffs on countries purchasing oil from Russia and Iran.

He said New Delhi should prioritise access to affordable energy supplies rather than succumb to external pressure. “If I were in the Prime Minister’s position, I would tell US President Donald Trump that India is a sovereign country and will take decisions based on its own interests,” he said.

Ambedkar claimed that reducing India’s purchases of cheaper crude oil from Iran and Russia had adversely affected the country’s economic interests. He also sought clarification from the Centre on the benefits India had gained from its recent BRICS engagements and expressed concern over China’s claims concerning Arunachal Pradesh.

The VBA leader alleged that opposition parties had failed to effectively challenge the ruling establishment on important national and international issues.

Ambedkar also criticised the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), alleging that some of its ideological positions were rooted in outdated thinking and were inconsistent with democratic values.

He announced that the VBA would organise a march in Mumbai on October 1 in solidarity with Iran amid the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. The march will begin at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), and Ambedkar appealed to people across Maharashtra to participate.

Referring to the conflict involving Iran, Ambedkar said rising tensions in the region had already contributed to higher crude oil prices and warned that a prolonged conflict could have a serious impact on India’s economy and household budgets.

He stressed the need for efforts to ensure the availability of crude oil at affordable prices. Ambedkar also criticised the Centre’s foreign policy approach towards Israel and claimed that Iran had consistently supported India during times of crisis.

He said India should support Iran, citing the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

Emphasising the importance of national unity, Ambedkar said religion could provide personal satisfaction, but safeguarding the country’s sovereignty required people to remain united.