‘Everything is being weaponised’: S Jaishankar warns of structural global shifts while hailing India’s resilience amid West Asia war
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Context
Speaking at the IIM Raipur convocation, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India's resilience against recent global shocks, such as the conflict in West Asia. He asserted that India has successfully navigated both domestic and external challenges, cementing its position as one of the top five global economies. The minister emphasized a major structural shift in the global order, urging a focus on building national capabilities to ensure self-reliance and de-risk from international volatility.
UPSC Perspectives
Geopolitical
EAM Jaishankar’s speech outlines a significant shift in India's foreign policy from its traditional non-alignment to a more assertive and interest-driven approach of multi-alignment. He points to a turbulent, structural change in the global order where everything, including technology, energy, and connectivity, is being 'weaponised'. This necessitates a strategy of de-risking, which involves reducing dependency on any single country or supply chain. India's approach, as articulated, is twofold: building robust internal capacities under the banner of and forging trusted partnerships and diverse sourcing with like-minded nations. This strategy is a direct response to global volatilities like the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, which have exposed the vulnerabilities of over-dependence. For the UPSC exam, this reflects the evolution of India's strategic autonomy, moving beyond mere policy independence to building leverage in a competitive world.
Economic
The EAM's address connects India's foreign policy directly to its economic aspirations, particularly the goal of becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. He underscores the importance of building national capabilities as the most effective form of de-risking. This is the core principle of the , launched in 2020, which focuses on five pillars: Economy, Infrastructure, Systems, Vibrant Demography, and Demand. The policy aims to strengthen domestic manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and integrate India into global supply chains on more favorable terms. Mr. Jaishankar's mention of expanding market access for Indian producers points towards the active negotiation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) as a tool of economic statecraft. For a UPSC aspirant, it is crucial to understand how self-reliance is not isolationism but a strategy to enhance India's global competitiveness and achieve its economic aspirations.
Governance & Security
The speech highlights the intersection of governance, technology, and national security. The statement that "inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership have created a new foundation" frames domestic policy as a launchpad for national strength. The enthusiastic adoption and application of digital technologies, a cornerstone of good governance initiatives like Digital India, is presented as a key differentiator, even when compared to developed societies. The concept of 'weaponisation' of everything extends to the internal security domain, particularly in areas like cyber security and securing critical infrastructure. The push for self-reliance in defence and technology, part of the initiative, aims to reduce strategic vulnerabilities. The idea of building 'robust national capabilities' is central to both internal security and external defence, ensuring that India can operate without being subject to external coercion or leverage.