Indian democracy's greatest strength is that we have always put the nation above politics.

My poet's heart gives me strength to face political problems, particularly those which have a bearing on my conscience.

Neither India nor Russia perceives a threat from the strength of the other. Each sees a benefit for itself in the increased political and economic strength of the other.

It is true that of all the states in India, Nagaland has a unique history. We are sensitive to this historical fact. But this uniqueness has in no way diminished the spirit of patriotism among the Naga people.

India helped Bangladesh to achieve independence. The Bangladeshis should remain happy inside the territory of their own country.

If the elections are a mere fraud, why are terrorists being trained and infiltrated into India at the command of the Inter-Services Intelligence Agency of Pakistan to kill election candidates and to intimidate voters?

Our objective should be to firmly deal with terrorism and its sponsors, financiers, and arms suppliers. At the same time, our doors should always be open for processes which would restore peace, development, and progress to societies which have been devastated by terrorism over many generations.

While accepting donations, no one looks at the colour of money.

The regional parties have emerged as a strong force, and they, too, deserve a place in national politics.

India has never played politics with national security.

I believe that democracy is the best guarantor for peace and cooperation among nations.

For development, peace is essential.

We want peace to be permanent.

Our frequent initiatives to normalise relations with Pakistan are not a sign of our weakness; rather, they are an indication of our commitment to peace.

Whatever understanding is reached with Pakistan has to be followed honestly, and everybody will have to rise above party politics and be actively committed to make India prosperous.

For me, power was never an attraction.

This power of democracy is a matter of pride for our country, something which we must always cherish, preserve and further strengthen.

India is a proud and sovereign country. We do not take any decisions under pressure from the U.S. or any other power.

Let me make one thing clear. I have never considered mere survival in power as any achievement, just as I have never seen coming to power as an achievement in itself.

We need to convert the extraordinary goodwill between India and Russia into a thriving, visible, vigorous, and mutually beneficial economic relationship.

I would like that no citizen of the state feels alone and helpless. The entire nation is with them.

India and the United States have taken a decisive step, away from the past. The dawn of the new century has marked a new beginning in our relations. Let us work to fulfil this promise and the hope of today. Let us remove the shadow of agitation that lies between us and our joint vision.

We hope the world will act in the spirit of enlightened self-interest.

Himachal is my second home.

Victory and defeat are a part of life, which are to be viewed with equanimity.

Two roads diverged in a wood and I - I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.

The best way out is always through.

Modern poets talk against business, poor things, but all of us write for money. Beginners are subjected to trial by market.

A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman's birthday but never remembers her age.

Half the world is composed of people who have something to say and can't, and the other half who have nothing to say and keep on saying it.

Forgive me my nonsense, as I also forgive the nonsense of those that think they talk sense.

Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee, and I'll forgive Thy great big joke on me.

Freedom lies in being bold.

The only certain freedom's in departure.

If society fits you comfortably enough, you call it freedom.

You have freedom when you're easy in your harness.

The greatest thing in family life is to take a hint when a hint is intended-and not to take a hint when a hint isn't intended.

You don't have to deserve your mother's love. You have to deserve your father's.

It's a funny thing that when a man hasn't anything on earth to worry about, he goes off and gets married.

I never dared to be radical when young for fear it would make me conservative when old.

Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence.

Education is hanging around until you've caught on.

Education doesn't change life much. It just lifts trouble to a higher plane of regard.

Happiness makes up in height for what it lacks in length.

Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.

I go to school the youth to learn the future.

There never was any heart truly great and generous, that was not also tender and compassionate.

A civilized society is one which tolerates eccentricity to the point of doubtful sanity.

The best things and best people rise out of their separateness; I'm against a homogenized society because I want the cream to rise.

Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor.