Replication of Western Asia-type unrest not possible in India: PM

The situation in West Asia and recent violent incidents in Egypt are a matter of concern for India but replication of such events is not possible in any part of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said today.

"Whatever happens in the Gulf or in West Asia including the countries mentioned (Egypt) is a matter of concern to us...No (replication of such events is not possible in India), because India is a functioning democracy," Singh said when asked if West Asia-type unrest can surface in any part of India - in Kashmir, North-East or Maoist-controlled areas.

The prime minister said, "We have five million Indians in the Gulf countries and if peace is not prevalent, if orderly processes of management of economy and polity breaks down, that could effect this vital community of Indians, who are working and contributing to development of countries of West Asia."

Asserting that India is a functioning democracy where people already have a right to change government and it has a free press, Singh said "...There is no question that things that have happened in Egypt and other Arab countries can be replicated in India."

On India's position on recent developments in Egypt, the prime minister said people of Egypt want to move towards the process of democratisation and they have our good wishes and that is true of all countries.

"We are a functioning democracy. Though we do not believe it is our business to advise other countries, we welcome the dawn of democracy everywhere," said Singh.