Ahead of the G20 summit, former prime minister and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh praised Centre's move by putting the sovereign and economic interest first while dealing with the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
India has done the "right thing in putting its sovereign and economic interests first while also appealing for peace," said Singh in an interview with The Indian Express.
When two or more powers are caught in a conflict, other nations fall under immense pressure to choose sides, he said.
He also said that G20 summit should not be treated as a forum for settling security-related conflicts, while focus should be on police coordinations to tackle climate challenges and confidence in global trade.
Singh served as nation's prime minister between 2004 and 2014 under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA).
The former PM suggested not to use foreign police and diplomacy for party or personal politics.
"While India's standing in the world should rightfully be an issue in domestic politics, it is equally important to exercise restraint in using diplomacy and foreign policy for party or personal politics," he said.
Singh expressed optimism about India's future regarding the challenges ahead for the country.
He also lauded Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recent acheivement on the Chandrayaan-3 mission.