'Bharat First', 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam': Core of India's Foreign Policy, Says Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, on Tuesday, outlined the core principles that will guide India's foreign policy in his second term. Emphasizing "Bharat First" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family), he articulated a vision of India as a "Vishwa Bandhu" (friend of the world), especially pertinent in today's fragmented global landscape marked by conflicts and tensions. Jaishankar, at 69, continues his role alongside senior BJP leaders such as Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Nirmala Sitharaman, who have also retained their ministerial positions from the previous government.

Jaishankar's reappointment comes with a commitment to elevate India's global standing and foster trust internationally. His leadership aims to enhance India's prestige and influence, ensuring the nation's interests are advanced on the world stage. The External Affairs Minister also welcomed new ministers of state to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Pabitra Margherita from Assam and Kirti Vardhan Singh from Uttar Pradesh's Gonda constituency, highlighting the ministry's exceptional performance in the previous term.

The MEA under Jaishankar has faced numerous challenges head-on, notably managing the G20 presidency effectively. He underscored the importance of India's "Neighborhood First" policy by referencing the attendance of leaders from Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Seychelles, and Mauritius at the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi and his council. This gesture reinforced India's commitment to prioritizing its relationships with neighboring countries.

While Jaishankar did not directly address queries about India's aspirations for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council, he highlighted the growing global recognition of India's role and influence. He pointed out that India has been a steadfast ally to countries in the Global South, especially evident during its G20 presidency when it championed the inclusion of the African Union.

Jaishankar's tenure as external affairs minister since 2019 has been marked by significant achievements. He has adeptly navigated India through complex international issues, from addressing critiques of India's oil procurement strategies amidst the Ukraine conflict to formulating a robust stance against an assertive China. His efforts have not only elevated India's diplomatic stature but also integrated foreign policy discussions into domestic discourse.

With an extensive diplomatic career that includes serving as India's foreign secretary and ambassador to key nations such as the United States, China, and the Czech Republic, Jaishankar brings a wealth of experience to his role. His contributions have been pivotal in shaping India's foreign policy direction during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure.

In conclusion, S. Jaishankar's reappointment as External Affairs Minister signals a continued strategic approach to India's foreign policy, with an emphasis on strengthening global partnerships and asserting India's role on the international stage. His leadership is set to navigate India through the complexities of global diplomacy while advancing national interests and fostering international goodwill.