Jaishankar Urges Stronger Global Partnerships for India
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit, emphasized India's rising stature in the international scenario and the need for greater international partnerships in this scenario of a volatile world economy. He also spoke about the growth of the Indian economy, emerging technology challenges, and what the country is doing to strengthen its manufacturing and infrastructure capacities, making India an anchoring force and contributor to global growth.
Jaishankar also said that domestic development is crucial to strengthen India's credibility and attract international collaborations. Talking about the Indian economy, he said, "India, which has risen to the fifth position globally and is advancing further, needs more significant partnerships. Our stakes in the world are higher, our responsibilities greater and the expectations of us more substantial". The case for international relationships is further strengthened by the state of the global economy. At a time of such volatility and uncertainty, India can act as a stabilizing factor. We can contribute to global growth engines and advance technology.
Jaishankar addressed the variety of global challenges spanning multiple domains. He said, "On one hand, there are challenges in diversified manufacturing and improved logistics". In one, we are moving to an era of AI and EV, space and drones, green hydrogen and ammonia, clean and green technologies. The human factor is the common link of either orthodox demands or of the critical and emerging technologies. The knowledge economy pays more for innovation and creativity and therefore more talent and skills are called for. This need is particularly critical because much of the world looks into a demographic crisis. The point is that the economic landscape we face is undergoing profound transformation. Responding appropriately cannot be a national endeavour alone".
He added these challenges have necessitated 'strategic transformation', whereby managing global difficulties requires the building of stronger partnerships. Jaishankar further remarked advancing partnerships internationally requires strengthening capabilities domestically.
"The more capabilities we have, the more capacities we have, the more innovative our talent, the wider our skills, the more attractive we become as a partner", he noted. A critical challenge, he said, is to scale up India's manufacturing to gain credibility abroad.
"The government has significantly facilitated this process by addressing long-standing challenges in infrastructure and logistics. Today, the speed at which railways, roads, ports and airports are being built is appreciated even beyond our borders. Indeed, the combination of Gati Shakti, making it easier to do business, and enhancing ease of living has had a synergetic impact on our business climate", EAM said.
He added, "In its third term, the early notable decisions of the Modi Government include the establishment of 12 new industrial nodes, an increased focus on infrastructure projects and a push for skill and talent promotion to drive this growth. Our expectation is that Indian businesses will step forward more vigorously in this journey towards Viksit Bharat". Let's realize that if we make India an engine for manufacturing, then we're going to be dependable partners in developing resilient supply chains. What's more, we really are only when there's a well-settled industrial culture that we can generate technology. These two twin outcomes can very significantly de-risk a fragile and anxious global economy".
On India's cultural importance, he said, "India is steadily expanding its economic, political, diaspora, and cultural footprint in the world. We know that the world's image of India is shaped by actual experiences whether of individuals, corporations or organizations. Partnerships abroad will only be as effective as those forged at home".
