Protectionism is a very real danger. It is understandable that in times of a severe downturn protectionist pressures mount but the lessons of history are clear. If we give in to protectionist pressures, we will only send the world into a downward spiral.

Nobody should be allowed to tinker with democracy. We will not discontinue the good works of the past government.

India has remained a full, functioning democracy.

China's influence is bound to rise.

My top most priority is to deal with India's massive social and economic problems, so that chronic poverty, ignorance and disease can be conquered in a reasonably short period of time.

I sincerely believe what happens in India has, I think, lessons, morals for the future evolution of humankind in the 21st century.

The salvation of the world ultimately lies in moving towards universal nuclear disarmament, but that's a long distance away.