Jaishankar outlines India’s resilience and strategic rise amid evolving global landscape

The 15th Annual Convocation of IIM Raipur recently served as a platform for External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar to outline the strategic trajectory of a nation growing in both stature and confidence. Addressing the graduating cohort, the minister provided a comprehensive overview of the geopolitical and economic landscape, framing India’s recent achievements not merely as milestones but as the foundation for a transformative era.

His address highlighted a nation that has moved beyond survival to a state of proactive engagement with a world currently defined by volatility.

Resilience amidst global disruptions

A central theme of the minister’s discourse was the remarkable durability of the Indian economy and social fabric when faced with significant international upheaval. He noted that while the world has been battered by consecutive crises, India has maintained a steady course.

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Dr Jaishankar observed, “No one can dispute that the multiple global shocks that have recently tested our resilience, and that India has come through that solidly. We have managed both domestic and external challenges fairly successfully.” This successful navigation of complex issues has distinguished the nation on the global stage, proving that its institutional frameworks are robust enough to withstand external pressures that have destabilised many other regions.

Building confidence for the future

The minister pointed toward a tangible sense of hope within the country, contrasting it with the broader international mood which often leans toward stagnation or uncertainty. This optimism is rooted in a decade of consistent growth and strategic reforms. Reflecting on this progress, he stated, “There is an optimism in our society that is lacking in many other parts of the world. Now you could ask, why is that? The last 10 years have been much better, giving rise to the confidence that the next 10 and those beyond will also be. We are, after all, now among the top five economies.” This rise into the top tier of global economies is viewed as a catalyst for a self reinforcing cycle of confidence that will likely propel the nation through the coming decades.

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Navigating a world of structural turbulence

Turning his attention to the international arena, Dr Jaishankar described a world undergoing profound structural changes where traditional power dynamics are being recalibrated. He explained that “The turbulence in the world currently is also structural in many ways. The global order is changing before our very eyes with visible shifts in the relative power and influence of countries. The politics of some societies find it difficult to come to terms with these changes.”

He further elaborated that advancements in areas such as energy, military technology, and connectivity have led to a more aggressive and competitive international environment. In this context, he warned that “Everything today is being leveraged, if not actually weaponised. The world is then confronted with the prospect of securing itself in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment.”

A foreign policy focused on national interest

The conclusion of the address focused on the evolution of Indian diplomacy into a tool for tangible economic and social benefit. Modern foreign policy is no longer just about abstract relations but is deeply tied to the prosperity of the Indian producer and the safety of the Indian citizen. Dr Jaishankar emphasised that the current strategy is focused on expanding market access and securing vital resources and technologies.

Furthermore, he noted a commitment to the welfare of the diaspora, stating that the ministry “looks after Indians, Indians who may be travelling or Indians who may be living abroad. And especially it looks after them at moments of difficulty. It promotes Brand India.” Through these efforts, the nation seeks to secure its interests while enhancing its reputation as a reliable and influential global actor.