Jaishankar Calls for New Foreign Policy Approach for Viksit Bharat Amid Global Changes

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised the need for a foreign policy tailored for a developed India, considering the evolving global scenario. Speaking at the launch of India's World magazine, he stated that discussions on a post-Nehruvian framework should not be seen as political criticism. He highlighted India's growing significance on the international stage and predicted a significant increase in Indians working abroad.

The minister suggested that India's foreign policy should be ambitious yet pragmatic. He advocated for long-term planning while remaining adaptable to changing circumstances. Jaishankar engaged in a conversation with foreign policy expert C Raja Mohan during the event, discussing India's strategic vision for the future.

Changing Global Dynamics

Jaishankar pointed out that India is planning for future generations and expanding its influence globally. He stressed the importance of understanding global dynamics more effectively and playing an active role on the world stage, despite inherent risks and challenges. This approach, he believes, will shape a multi-generational foreign policy.

The minister noted that India has shifted towards a foreign policy focused on national development. The previous defensive stance is now considered outdated. He identified four major factors prompting a reassessment of India's foreign policy approach.

Revisiting Historical Models

Jaishankar referred to the Nehru development model, which influenced India's foreign policy for many years. He mentioned efforts to reform this model domestically and internationally. In his virtual address at the launch of Dr Arvind Panagariya's book, he reiterated this perspective.

He explained that the global landscape has evolved from being bipolar to unipolar and is now undergoing further changes. Over the past two decades, globalisation has intensified, leading to increased interdependence among countries.

Technological Impact and Policy Adaptation

Jaishankar highlighted how technology has transformed daily life and international relations. With changes in domestic models, global landscapes, state behaviours, and foreign policy tools, he argued that India's foreign policy must also evolve.

The minister clarified that advocating for change in foreign policy is not a political attack. He acknowledged that reforms began under Narasimha Rao's leadership before Narendra Modi's tenure.

Aiming for Viksit Bharat

Discussing India's aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, Jaishankar stressed the need for ambition and forward-thinking. He emphasised positioning India strategically with minimal baggage and introduced the concept of Vishwa Bandhu amidst global volatility.

The vision set by Modi's government aims for India's rise despite challenging circumstances. Jaishankar outlined strategies involving offence, defence, hedging, prudence, rebalancing, re-globalisation, accelerating multipolarity, and leveraging technology.

Diplomacy and Open Discourse

The minister addressed various diplomatic tracks and urged for open discourse in public spaces. He advocated moving beyond theological or polemical debates and aligning foreign policy thinking with domestic developments through an integrated outlook.

Jaishankar noted that fixed-point collaboration is no longer viable in today's world order. India is increasingly seen as a key player globally, even if sometimes modestly so. To maximise its potential, India needs a multi-vector foreign policy approach.

The idea of India as a first responder to crises was also discussed by Jaishankar. He predicted that such instances would become more frequent over time.