External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized the need for nuanced and forward-looking foreign policy debates while presenting a roadmap for India’s foreign policy evolution at the launch of India’s World magazine on Sunday. He called for a broader understanding of global diplomacy, aligning with the country’s aspirations to emerge as a leading power in the 21st century.
Speaking at the release of ‘India’s World Magazine’ in Delhi. @IndiasWorld_mag
https://t.co/BEwz0k1vtt— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 15, 2024
Highlighting the dynamic nature of foreign policy, EAM Jaishankar said, “Just like the economic debates and the economic model of this country became more open, I think foreign policy debates, foreign policy thinking of this country also has to keep pace with what is happening in the country and needs to be more open.”
Presenting a comprehensive framework, the External Affairs Minister introduced several concepts that aim to solidify India’s position on the global stage. He referenced four pillars of Indian foreign policy, as articulated by strategic affairs expert C. Rajamohan:
- Strengthening ties with Western nations.
- Maintaining strategic autonomy in decision-making.
- Promoting multipolarity in global affairs.
- Building strong partnerships with the non-Western world, particularly the Global South.
EAM Jaishankar described India’s foreign policy priorities as overlapping concentric circles. At the core lies the Neighbourhood First policy, expanding outward to include SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region), Act East and Indo-Pacific engagements, connections to the Gulf and Link West, and partnerships extending to Eurasia and Europe.
India’s strategy, aishankar explained, must embrace diverse partnerships that reflect shared interests with other middle and upper-middle powers. He argued for creating a balanced foreign policy framework that collectively serves India’s strategic goals. “We need to create sets of balances whose aggregate actually favours India’s rights,” he said.
Positioning India as a nation planning for generational impact, Jaishankar advocated for a grand strategy that extends beyond immediate concerns to envision India’s role as a global power. He highlighted several initiatives launched in the past decade to expand India’s global footprint, such as strengthening ties with Latin America, engaging with CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market), building relations with Pacific Island nations, and advancing new connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
“I would suggest to you that this is an India that is actually planning at least a generation ahead, trying to expand its footprint,” Jaishankar asserted.
