Diplomacy at the Time of Disruption and The Greatest Diplomats in Indian History: Bhagwan Sri Krishna, Shree Hanuman
In a keynote delivered at the Business Today MindRush event, S. Jaishankar, India’s Minister
of External Affairs, highlighted the complexities and challenges in navigating India’s foreign policy amidst global uncertainties. He emphasized that understanding and adapting to current geopolitical dynamics are crucial for national prosperity and business growth. Jaishankar discussed the impact of recent global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict, on supply chains and food security, accentuating the need for diversified manufacturing and resilient supply chains in India.
He said: we can actually credibly present brand India before the world a strategic approach also helps to widen options in the current polarized era India is among the few nations that can simultaneously engage Russia and Ukraine Israel and Iran the Democratic West and the global south and BRICS and QUAD we have initiated or joined more than 40 different groupings devoted to specific agendas from renewables and bofuels to disaster resilience and connectivity even in a sensitive domain like defense or security Indian diplomacy actually ensures that both our armed forces and our businesses have the widest possible selection of partners when it comes to international cooperation we have also shown the ability to forge different combinations for different domains be it trade technology energy or security the endeavor in the final analysis is to keep as many doors open as possible i have always maintained that sabka saath sabka vikas applies equally to foreign policy trade agreements have always occupied a salient position when it comes to our global economic engagement this is even more so now a reality that India must recognize currently we are engaged in three particularly important negotiations the FTAs with European Union and the United Kingdom and the BTA with the United States just this week we launched negotiations with New Zealand as well there are also a few others which were already in the pipeline in the current uncertain and volatile world it is essential that we appreciate the value of such endeavors we have to carefully assess the costs and benefits as well as weigh the price of action versus inaction there could also be collateral benefits of such understandings especially when it comes to sensitive technologies india will take obviously an India first approach in this regard with Vikshit Bharat as our goal thinking will also be guided by the prospect of tapping unrealized potential in these relationships most of our earlier FTAs with are with Asian economies many of a competitive character introducing an overall balance by engaging the Gulf and Western economies has not just an economic logic but a strategic one as well another issue that has strong connotations strong strategic connotations is connectivity. India has been a victim of colonialism of the partition and of our own past economic policies we are now in the midst of rectification this involves a range of connectivity initiatives with multiple partners.
He said when asked about who are amongst the greatest diplomats in Indian history?
He noded to as yes to the one audience who answered Bhagwaan Sree Krishna, Shree
Hanuman and Angad
He outlined a strategic framework for India’s economic engagement, emphasizing the importance of building political relationships, enhancing global partnerships, and adapting to technological changes. With India striving to be a key player on the global stage, he spoke about the necessity of reordering foreign policy strategies to align with national interests while promoting inclusive economic growth. Jaishankar also reinforced the idea of a comprehensive national strategy that includes trade agreements and connectivity initiatives to amplify India’s economic capabilities. The event concluded with insights into the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic approach in a rapidly changing world.
Highlights
🤝 Geopolitical Context:
Jaishankar stressed the significance of reading geopolitical dynamics to navigate both opportunities and challenges within India’s economic landscape.
🌐 Resilient Supply Chains:
He discussed the necessity for diversified and reliable supply chains, particularly in the sectors of food, health, and energy.
💼 Strategic Economic Engagement:
The Minister focused on the need for a consolidated strategy to strengthen India’s economic presence globally through trade agreements and partnerships.
🌱 Atmanirbhar Bharat:
India’s self-reliance initiative was positioned as a critical strategy for enhancing manufacturing and creating sustainable growth.
🔗 Connectivity Initiatives:
Connectivity projects have the potential to transform India’s business environment, ensuring efficient access to and from the country.
🌍 Digital Diplomacy:
Jaishankar emphasized the rising importance of the digital landscape, advocating for human resource development aligned with contemporary market demands.
🌾 Agricultural and Energy Autonomy:
The push towards energy diversity and food security is framed as vital for India’s economic advancement amidst global disruptions.
Key Insights
🔍 Interconnected Global Economy:
The recent global environment, characterized by challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, highlights the fragility of international supply chains. Jaishankar suggests that companies must diversify their sourcing strategies to mitigate risks related to singular reliance on specific regions or producers.
📊 A Shift Toward D-Risking:
There’s a burgeoning trend towards d-risking among nations; this refers to reducing reliance on particular countries or supply chains. India’s approach should focus on fostering more innovative and technology-driven manufacturing alongside strengthening trade ties, particularly in sectors critical for health and food security.
📈 Atmanirbhar Bharat as a National Strategy:
Jaishankar equates Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) with India’s broader strategic goals, stressing that national policies need to be reflective of global shifts, thereby ensuring that India remains competitive on the world stage.
📍 Political Relations as Economic Lever:
A strong emphasis on building reliable political relationships underpins India’s strategy for economic diplomacy. Establishing trusted partnerships can facilitate smoother trade relations and foster mutual growth opportunities.
🧠 Mismatches in Labor Markets:
Jaishankar identifies a significant mismatch between labor demands and skills within many economies. India needs to invest in human resources to bridge this gap effectively while catering to global marketplaces’ needs.
🚢 Infrastructure and Logistics Development:
The importance of logistics and infrastructure development is illustrated through India’s Gaty Shakti initiative, which has facilitated smoother trade flows and efficient mechanics required for an increasingly competitive global environment.
🌏 Balancing Global Relationships:
India’s strategic diplomacy presents an opportunity to engage with a wide array of nations without compromising on its principles, demonstrating the country’s unique position in fostering collaboration amid polarized global sentiments.
Through these insights, S. Jaishankar articulates a forward-thinking vision for India’s foreign policy that aligns with economic aspirations while navigating a rapidly changing global landscape. The emphasis on strategic partnerships, technological advancement, and national resilience forms the basis for a robust economic framework that aims to position India as a formidable player in international affairs.
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