S. Jaishankar News: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Emphasizes India's Role as 'Head of the Family' in Global Diplomacy
S. Jaishankar News - External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Emphasizes India's Role as 'Head of the Family' in Global Diplomacy
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently articulated significant insights into India's foreign policy, global diplomacy, and the nation's future during various engagements in Pune. Speaking at the 22nd Convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) and the Pune Literary Festival, he shed light on several pertinent issues, emphasizing India's growing global role, its relations with neighboring countries, and the importance of Indian talent on the world stage.
Leadership and Diplomatic Service
During the convocation ceremony at Symbiosis International, when asked if one Jaishankar was enough for the country, the External Affairs Minister humorously corrected the premise, suggesting the question should have been whether one Modi was enough. He drew a parallel between his service to Prime Minister Modi and Hanumanji's devotion, stating that ultimately, it's Hanumanji who serves, and similarly, he serves PM Modi. Jaishankar underscored that nations are identified by their leaders and their vision, which is subsequently implemented by the people, while according to him, in today's era, it's this combination of vision, leadership, and self-confidence that truly makes a difference. This statement highlights the central role of leadership in shaping India's foreign policy trajectory.The Global Political Landscape: A 'Coalition Politics' Scenario
At the Pune Literary Festival, Minister Jaishankar likened the global political landscape to 'coalition politics,' where loyalties are constantly shifting. He asserted that India must adopt a flexible approach in such an unstable environment, focusing primarily on its national interests. Jaishankar elaborated that today's world is a multipolar one, where no single power holds a clear majority. Equations between various countries are constantly changing, deals are being struck, and no nation remains permanently ascendant or subordinate. In this complex scenario, it's imperative for India to maintain. Flexibility in its strategies and prioritize its long-term interests above all else.India's Flexible Diplomatic Stance
To navigate this volatile global situation, Jaishankar reiterated his mantra of making decisions while keeping India's interests in mind. He stated that India must adopt a very flexible approach, while this implies that at times, India might align with one country on a particular issue, and with another country on a different matter. Despite this diplomatic flexibility, his guiding principle remains singular: whatever is in the best interest of his country will be his ultimate decision. This principle enables India to maintain its autonomy on the global stage and effectively address diverse geopolitical challenges.Managing an Increasingly Complex Foreign Policy
When questioned about an excerpt from his book discussing India's relations with major powers, Jaishankar acknowledged that managing the country's foreign policy has become Notably more complex over the past five years. He explained that in the current environment, building relations with the United States, managing China, and reassuring Russia have all become more challenging tasks. Specifically, reassuring Russia has become particularly difficult due to the Ukraine war and the pressure on India to distance itself from Moscow. Also, engaging Japan has also become more complex due to their deliberate pace, although India is striving to encourage them to move faster. He also highlighted that Europe has emerged as a crucial partner for India, necessitating greater engagement.Neighborhood Relations: Behaving Like the Head of a Family
Addressing India's neighborhood, Jaishankar stated that New Delhi's relations with its. Neighboring countries are influenced by their inherent asymmetry and unstable domestic politics. He explained that India's neighbors are smaller and closely linked to India. Their internal politics often fluctuate, leading them to sometimes praise and at other times criticize India. The challenge, That's why, is to maintain these relationships as stable as possible. He provided examples of India's proactive support, such as its immediate response to the recent cyclone in Sri Lanka, being the first to offer aid. He also noted that during COVID, neighboring countries received vaccines from India, and during the Ukraine war, when petrol and fertilizer supplies were disrupted, India extended assistance. The External Affairs Minister firmly asserted that India should behave like the head of a family, acknowledging that while one or two members might get upset, it remains India's responsibility to care for its neighborhood.India's Voice on the Global Stage
During the question-and-answer session, when asked how India responds to various global situations, Jaishankar humorously rephrased the question to, 'When do you stay silent and when do you speak? ' He clarified that it truly depends on the situation, while in today's multipolar world, if one remains silent, the world will suppress them. He believes that if you remain silent, people will perceive you as defensive. And push you to the margins, hence it's crucial to raise one's voice. This reflects India's assertive and confident foreign policy stance in the contemporary global order.The Global Significance of Indian Talent
Addressing concerns about alleged brain drain due to young Indian professionals moving abroad for work after completing their education, Jaishankar offered a different perspective. He mentioned observing individuals who go abroad for two, three, or five years but eventually return to establish businesses in India. He also pointed out that the majority of employees in the world's. Largest shipping company are from India, underscoring the global demand for Indian talent. He recalled that during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to India, there was an eagerness to encourage Indians to come and work in Russia. Jaishankar noted that despite ongoing debates about migration in Europe, Indians are generally viewed favorably, while they're perceived as family-oriented and hardworking, known as professionals working in the technical sector. Today, India has a global brand, and young people should view the world as a global workplace, embracing opportunities beyond national borders.