India’s Role in an Uncertain World: A Perspective from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

  • May 25, 2024, 12:43 a.m.

In a recent address at the Nikkei Asia 2024 Future of Asia Forum, India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, shed light on India’s role in the Asian sub-continent and the global order at large. His insights provide a comprehensive understanding of the geopolitical, geo-economic, and geo-technological developments shaping our world today.

India’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’

Jaishankar highlighted the effectiveness of New Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood First Policy’ in fostering regional development. This policy has been instrumental in building infrastructure, extending credits, and making provisions for essential supplies in the region. It underscores India’s commitment to strengthening ties with its neighbours and promoting regional cooperation.

Global Uncertainty and the Stress on Global Order

The world is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by geopolitical, geo-economic, and geo-technological developments. Over the last four decades, economic and political rebalancing, accelerated by globalization, has been driving us towards multipolarity. Today, the global order is visibly under stress, with Asia and the Indo-Pacific very much part of this transformation.

The Era of Risk-Taking

Jaishankar noted that the world is not just witnessing change; there is also a marked increase in risk-taking. This is evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, violence in the Middle East, and the disregard for international law and agreements in Asia and the Indo-Pacific. These developments have significant economic implications, which are perhaps even more concerning.

The Supply Chain Challenge and the Technology Challenge

The External Affairs Minister also pointed out the challenges posed by over-concentrations stemming from globalization and the use of economic coercion by states. These factors have put a premium on resilience and redundancy in the supply chain.

Equally important is the technology challenge that has created a new level of inter-penetration and inter-dependence. The era of AI, EVs, green and clean technologies have brought both hope and anxiety in equal measure. As both market shares and data harnessing are leveraged, national security has become crucial to many economic transactions.

In conclusion, Jaishankar’s address provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for India and the world. It underscores the need for strategic thinking, resilience, and cooperation in navigating these uncertain times.

Author : Rajdhani Delhi Representative

Rajdhani delhi representative

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