I believe that there is a win-win situation possible here. The farmers should get adequate compensation and should also benefit from the development that comes. However, all this need not come at the cost of delaying projects.
Q: What would be the focus of international policy, something the world is waiting for? It is said that, because of the US' past attitudes to you, Indian foreign policy in your government would be less pro-West and more oriented towards China, Japan, Korea, Israel and other emerging powers. Comment.
A: I have made it clear several times in the past that relations between two nations should not and cannot be influenced by incidents related to individuals.
Similarly, relations between India and another nation cannot be predicated with our relations with other countries. We have a right to conduct our foreign policy affairs guided by the supremacy of national interest. We will continue to do so.
Q: Your critics slam you as a dictator, compare you to Hitler and say you tend to be a know-all leader. How do you respond?
A: I am essentially a team man. Those who have worked with me know fully well that I work by achieving maximum consensus among all stakeholders. Even when it is difficult to achieve unanimity on all issues, I always try to have maximum consultation with all stakeholders.
