In an appraisal of the shifting global perceptions of India, Foreign Affairs Minister S Jaishankar articulated that the world presently views the nation as one capable of “pursuing its own remedies.” He emphasized India’s advocacy for its consumer interests, energy selections, and national defense, underlining the evolution of India’s stance.
Addressing the audience at the ET Awards 2023, where he received accolades as the ‘Reformer of the Year,’ Jaishankar expressed, “Today, when contemplating India, the world perceives a nation capable of devising its own remedies, expressing its convictions, and standing firm. India upheld its consumer interests regarding energy selections and prioritized national security concerning deployments on northern frontiers and its alignment with the Quad. Hence, this is an altered India, and I cannot overstate my pride in representing it internationally.”
Jaishankar reflected on India’s heightened influence on the global stage in recent years. He remarked on how India tackled adversities such as the Covid-19 pandemic by distributing vaccines and vital medicines to 100 nations worldwide under the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative, despite confronting a domestic health crisis.
Accentuating India’s global engagement, Jaishankar remarked, “In recent years, our imprint on the global consciousness has deepened. When the world ponders India today, it acknowledges our response to Covid and our role as a vaccine provider to 100 nations worldwide through Vaccine Maitri.”
He further remarked, “Observers take note of our efforts to assist our citizens abroad, exemplified by operations like ‘Operation Ganga,’ ‘Kaveri,’ or ‘Ajay,’ along with initiatives like the ‘Vande Bharat’ mission during the pandemic. Additionally, they recognize the achievements of Indian businesses in overseas ventures and the surge in exports. Of course, they also acknowledge India’s significant domestic progress.”
During his address, the Foreign Affairs Minister touched upon India’s burgeoning economy, asserting, “Observers now witness, despite formidable global challenges, an economy sustaining an 8% growth rate. From being the eleventh-largest economy a decade ago, we are now the fifth-largest and soon hope to ascend to the third position.”
Jaishankar underscored that post-pandemic, the world faces ongoing challenges such as the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as maritime concerns in the Red Sea. “Various challenges persist, including those on our borders and beyond. Thus, the world is not devoid of challenges,” he added.
Emphasizing the abundance of opportunities amidst challenges, Jaishankar remarked, “We must recognize the global marketplace, workplace, and technological landscape evolving globally. Opportunities abound, including the chance to participate in manufacturing endeavors previously overlooked.”
He added, “However, seizing these opportunities demands leadership, vision, and collective national commitment. With the right ingredients in place, I am confident that future representatives will project the nation’s image abroad with even greater effectiveness and pride.”
Earlier, on March 7, the Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed India’s efforts to establish major corridors connecting the east and west. Once completed, these corridors will span from the Atlantic to the Pacific via Asia. Speaking at the Raisina Roundtable organized by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF) in Tokyo, Jaishankar elaborated on India’s current initiatives.
“India is presently developing significant corridors towards its eastern and western regions. These encompass the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative across the Arabian peninsula, the international north-south transport corridor, and towards the east, the trilateral highway in Southeast Asia and the Chennai-Vladivostok route, which holds polar implications. Upon completion, these corridors will interlink the Atlantic to the Pacific through Asia,” he elucidated.