India’s strength lies in safeguarding Constitution, institutions: Manish Tewari

India's strength lies in safeguarding its Constitution and institutions, says Chandigarh MP Manish Tewari. He emphasized the need for internal cohesion and strategic diplomacy in navigating an increasingly unstable world. Tewari was speaking at a discussion on his book 'A World Adrift', organized by the Punjab Lit Foundation.

Tewari reflected on India's role in a shifting global order, stating that the country faced a greater threat from within than from external actors. He argued that preserving institutions and ensuring the Constitution remains sacrosanct would be crucial to safeguarding India's future.

The MP warned against extremes in governance or public discourse, urging India to remain politically anchored 'in the middle'. He emphasized the need for consolidation and strengthening democratic foundations over the next two and a half decades.

Tewari also discussed global conflicts, stating that tensions in the Persian Gulf should not be viewed as a single conflict. He argued that several recent confrontations involving the United States were rooted in competition over resources and strategic influence.

He cited the US-Venezuela tensions as an example, saying the dispute had less to do with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and more with access to resources. China, he said, had been receiving Venezuelan crude at prices about $15 below the Brent benchmark, along with access to rare earth minerals and lithium.

Tewari also suggested that US President Donald Trump in his first term had seriously floated the idea of bringing Canada into the United States as the 51st state, linking it to Washington's efforts to counter Russia's ambitions in the Arctic region.

The continuing crisis in West Asia, he said, was already putting severe strain on Europe's energy supplies, forcing countries there to look for alternatives, including reviving gas pipelines damaged during the Ukraine conflict.

If the conflict in the Middle East were to continue for another month, he suggested, pressure on energy markets could accelerate efforts to resolve the Ukraine war, as even Russia appeared to be seeking an exit.

Discussing Asia, he said China was unlikely to mount a direct military invasion of Taiwan but could instead resort to psychological or hybrid warfare.

On India-China relations, Tewari pointed out that China had border disputes with over 15 of its 22 neighboring countries, highlighting the need for India to strengthen its diplomatic efforts and strategic partnerships in the region.