Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has observed that the distinction between foreign and domestic policies has become less clear under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership. Diplomatic issues are now a topic of discussion among the public during general elections. The minister noted that he has received numerous questions on foreign policy while campaigning in various states. This indicates a growing awareness among citizens of the importance of foreign affairs. Two key factors contributing to this shift are a sense of national pride in India’s global standing under Prime Minister Modi and a recognition that external threats, such as pandemics and terrorism, have the potential to impact domestic well-being. Jaishankar cited India’s recent purchase of Russian oil as an example of how foreign policy decisions can have tangible effects on the lives of ordinary citizens, as they influence the price of petrol at the pump. He also drew attention to the BJP’s election manifesto, which dedicated more space to foreign policy than ever before. Jaishankar emphasized that during his election campaign, he consistently encountered a set of queries from the public about foreign policy. In a separate statement, Jaishankar criticized Western media outlets for their negative coverage of Indian elections. He suggested that these outlets felt they had enjoyed undue influence over world affairs for the past 200 years and were struggling to adjust to a changing global landscape. Jaishankar asserted that Western media outlets favor a particular class of people to rule India and are disturbed when the Indian electorate does not share their preferences.
India’s Foreign Affairs Take Center Stage in Domestic Politics, Says EAM Jaishankar
