WASHINGTON, D.C., July 1 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday articulated India’s evolving global role, identifying three defining aspects of its growing international relevance: its civilizational identity, human capital, and democratic diversity.
Speaking during a fireside chat with Newsweek, Jaishankar reflected on the shifting dynamics of global power and India’s unique positioning within it. He emphasized that India’s foreign policy is evolving in response to broader transformations in the global order.
Jaishankar began by highlighting India’s civilizational continuity, calling it a rare and distinguishing feature in today’s world. “India does have to offer a lot because, one, we would be a rarity today in the world—a civilizational state, a society which can trace its history for thousands of years and which still today is a nation-state. Very few like that anymore,” he stated.
He also underscored India’s demographic advantage, pointing to its vast, skilled talent pool. “We would definitely have a lot to offer as not just the most populated country in the world but the largest pool of talent in an era where talent and human resources are going to count for more,” he said.
Thirdly, Jaishankar emphasized the strength of India’s democratic ethos and cultural diversity. He noted that India’s pluralistic society and experience in managing diversity make it uniquely capable of bridging divides on the global stage. “We would also have something special to contribute to the world as a democracy but as a very diverse society which has valued its diversity and nurtured its diversity—and finally because we are able to play the role of a bridge,” he added.
When asked about the evolution of India’s foreign policy, the minister pointed to significant changes in both India and the world at large. “India has changed; the world has changed, and worldviews reflect those changes both in ourselves. There’s a self-perception as well as how you see the world,” he said.
He noted that shifts in the global economic order reflect this broader transition. “If I were to sort of drill it down into two broad points, one would be that, today, if you take the top five economies, they are very different from what they used to be… Any metric of influence is quite different, so you’ve had a rebalancing in the world accelerated by globalisation, and we are heading towards what most people would regard as an era of multipolarity,” he explained.
This emerging multipolar world, according to Jaishankar, is marked by “many centers of power and influence that are autonomous of each other and pursue their particular interest.”
His remarks position India as a key player navigating a complex and changing geopolitical environment—engaging with both traditional partners and rising powers while maintaining strategic autonomy. (ANI)
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