Kumar Bahukhandi
New Delhi: New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday September 8 highlighted India’s readiness to collaborate with like-minded partners on focused agendas, citing the Quad as a key example. Jaishankar made these remarks while addressing the FPCI Global Town Hall 2024. Jaishankar also shared a post on x and wrote, “Addressing the @fpcindo Global Town Hall 2024 session on anticipating major geopolitical turbulence ahead and finding ways to calm the storm.
” During his address, Jaishankar reflected on the changing nature of international relations, saying globalisation has led to a rebalancing in the world order over the last few decades. He said, “Let us consider some of the major directions and developments in international relations. Over the last few decades, we have witnessed the growth of globalisation which has led to a rebalancing in the world order. It has matured to a point where there is talk of a genuine multi-polarity emerging in the near future. This is a far cry from anything the world has experienced since 1945,” said a press release by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Jaishankar also pointed to the intense competition emerging between the US and China in several areas. “Moreover, we are seeing even more intense competition between the US and China in several areas. If we also take into account that technology advancements such as AI, electric mobility, space or drones can shape the balance of power even more strongly, the global calculus looks even more difficult,” the foreign minister said. Highlighting India’s approach in such circumstances, Jaishankar cited the example of the country’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, where India developed its national capabilities, which also helped the world.
He said, “This is, in essence, the world we deal with. What can a country like India do in response to such a situation? First, it can build its national capabilities so that there are more options and contributions that benefit the world. We have seen this recently during the Covid pandemic in terms of vaccine production capacity. Or in the Arabian Sea to strengthen maritime security. As in, of course, the supply of food grains to people in great need.”
Jaishankar also stressed the importance of collaborating with global partners and creating a more business-friendly environment. “Second, to protect the global economy from pandemics, climate events and conflicts, help build more resilient, reliable and redundant supply chains. This means working more efficiently with global partners and creating an environment where it is easier to do business. Several recent infrastructure initiatives in India will make a difference in this regard,” Jaishankar said.
He further added, “Third, in the digital domain, build trusted partnerships and trusted vendors. This will ensure that the sensitivities we have in our country about our data will be equally respected when crossing borders. Fourth, those in the global south who have relevant achievements and experience should share them with others. India’s digital public infrastructure is an example of this.” Referring to the Quad, Jaishankar emphasised that India is willing to cooperate with like-minded countries on specific agendas. “And fifth, while we must constantly create new mechanisms and press for reformed multilateralism, be willing to work with like-minded partners on specific agendas. The Quad is an example of this,” he added. The Quad is a diplomatic partnership between four countries- Australia, India, Japan and the United States. (ANI)
