India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, emphasized the country’s readiness to collaborate with like-minded partners on specific agendas, citing the Quad as a prime example. He made these remarks while addressing the FPCI Global Town Hall 2024, where he discussed the evolving landscape of international relations.
Jaishankar highlighted the ongoing rebalancing of the world order driven by globalization. He asserted that this process has matured to the point of a potential multi-polarity emerging in the near future, a significant shift from the world order established after World War II.
He also acknowledged the intensified competition between the US and China across various sectors, further complicating the global calculus. Adding to the complexity, Jaishankar pointed out that technological advancements like AI, electric mobility, space exploration, and drones are increasingly shaping the balance of power, making the international landscape even more challenging.
In response to this complex global environment, Jaishankar outlined India’s five-pronged approach:
1.
Strengthening National Capacities:
India aims to bolster its national capabilities to contribute more effectively to the world. This includes building up vaccine production capacity, strengthening maritime security, and providing food grains to nations in need, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.2.
De-risking the Global Economy:
India seeks to de-risk the global economy from vulnerabilities like pandemics, climate events, and conflicts. This includes building more resilient, reliable, and redundant supply chains by collaborating with global partners more efficiently and creating a more business-friendly environment.3.
Trusted Partnerships in the Digital Domain:
India aims to foster trusted partnerships and work with trusted vendors in the digital domain. This will ensure that data sensitivities within India are equally respected when data crosses borders.4.
Sharing Expertise and Experience:
India, as a member of the Global South, recognizes the importance of sharing its knowledge and experiences with other nations. This includes sharing insights on its successful digital public infrastructure initiatives.5.
Collaboration with Like-Minded Partners:
Jaishankar stressed the importance of working with like-minded partners on specific agendas. He cited the Quad, a diplomatic partnership between Australia, India, Japan, and the United States, as a successful example of this approach.Jaishankar’s address underscores India’s proactive approach to navigating the complexities of the evolving global landscape. His emphasis on collaboration, building national capacity, and promoting a more resilient global economy highlights India’s commitment to playing a constructive role in shaping the future of international relations.
