Jaishankar on India's Resilience to Shocks

S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister, delivered a speech at the Indian Institute of Management Raipur, emphasizing India's strong resilience in navigating recent global shocks. He highlighted the country's successful management of domestic and external challenges, including the ongoing military conflict in West Asia. This conflict, which began in February after the United States and Israel attacked Iran, has significantly impacted global fuel supply and led to hydrocarbon shortages. Jaishankar stressed the importance of building robust national capabilities for de-risking and developing leverage, advocating for self-reliance and diversified partnerships. He also discussed the changing global order, characterized by shifts in power, technological advancements, and increased competition, which necessitates hedging, de-risking, and diversification in both business and foreign policy. He identified the COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change as key challenges of the decade, while also noting India's progress in inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership.