Banaras Hindu University will play key role in formation of India as significant power: Jaishankar

Varanasi (UP), Dec 10: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that India's aspiration to become a "significant power" is not possible without its becoming a knowledge powerhouse and Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will play a vital role in this.

Addressing the students of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, the external affairs minister said that the country's foreign policy is now taking a multi-faceted form connecting with more global concerns. He said that during the global spread of Coronavirus, India not only protected its population but also took up global leadership by exporting its vaccine worldwide.

"We have now started shaping global discussions and in the coming days, our foreign policy will also have the ability to solve global questions around the world. "In the 21st century, the new world can be ruled only by the power of data, technology, and ideas," he said, adding soon a meeting of development ministers of G-20 countries will be organised in Varanasi.

Jaishankar said that Kashi has been a city of civilization, knowledge, and discussion and BHU reflects the best aspirations of post-independence India.

"When the world looks at the rise of India, for them the contribution and successes of the diaspora are part of the story of the rise of India. So we too have a responsibility, if so many Indians live abroad it's our duty to look after it," ANI reported quoting him.

The External Affairs Minister earlier in the day visited an exhibition organised by Kashi Tamil Sangamam at BHU amphitheatre. During his visit, he also inaugurated a basketball match between Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.