Last updated on February 24th, 2025 at 06:52 am
New Delhi, December 2024:
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar articulated a vision for India’s foreign policy that emphasizes multigenerational planning and strategic foresight. Speaking at the launch of India’s World magazine in the capital, he highlighted key concepts for fostering nuanced foreign policy debates and practices that align with India’s evolving global role.
Key Highlights from Jaishankar’s Speech
1. Evolution of Foreign Policy Thinking
Jaishankar emphasized the need for openness in foreign policy debates, similar to India’s economic policy transformations in recent decades. He stated,
“Foreign policy thinking of this country has to keep pace with what is happening domestically and globally, becoming more open and adaptive.”
2. The Four Core Elements
Drawing from C. Rajamohan’s insights, Jaishankar underlined four guiding principles of Indian foreign policy:
Engagement with the West: The role of engagement with the Western powers.
Strategic Autonomy: Maintaining decision-making independence.
Multipolarity Expansion: A multipolar order in the world.
Engagement with the Non-Western World: Engaging the Global South, which includes Africa, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific.
3. Ideas for a Multigenerational Foreign Policy
Concentric Circles:
Jaishankar explained India’s foreign policy priorities as concentric circles that radiate outward:
Neighbourhood First Policy: Engaging the immediate neighbours.
SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region): Prioritization of maritime security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean
Act East and Indo-Pacific Strategy: Deepening ties with East Asian nations
Link West and IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor): Leverage partnership with gulf nations, Europe, and Eurasia
Multi-Vector Diplomacy
India must develop strategic partnerships among middle and upper-middle powers on balanced interests to safeguard the national priorities.
Grand Strategy :
Jaishankar emphasized that long-term planning is important to make India a power in the world. Policymakers should think in terms of generations, not just years, and work towards an expanded geopolitical footprint.
4. Expanding Global Engagement
Jaishankar highlighted India’s proactive diplomacy by pointing to initiatives like:
Strengthening ties with Latin America and CARICOM.
Increasing outreach to Pacific Island nations.
Participating in new connectivity projects like IMEC.
He described those efforts as part of a strategy in India to make plans for the future- plans to stay around on the globe.
A vision for India’s role in the world
In a final sentence of his address, Jaishankar emphasized India’s need to “envisage the world in a more doable and directed way” as it plans for associated risks and challenges. He observed:
“This is an India planning at least a generation ahead, building a multigenerational foreign policy that positions us as a leading power.”
Jaishankar’s roadmap shows a forward-looking approach with historical wisdom combined with contemporary priorities shaping India’s global narrative.
This analysis demonstrates the efforts India has made to be a proactive, adaptable, and influential player on the world stage.