Speaking at the launch of Prof. Mohan Kumar's book, "India’s Moment: Changing Power Equations around the World," External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for introspection on India's foreign policy after 75 years of independence. Jaishankar urged a critical examination of alternate paths not taken in foreign policy decisions, emphasizing the importance of continuous reflection and correction. The book outlines an integrated framework for decision-making in foreign policy, considering factors like the Gandhi litmus test, policy space, domestic politics, geopolitical imperatives, multilateralism, and material gain. Jaishankar proposed adding comprehensive national power and prioritizing "made in India" considerations as India approaches a $3 trillion economy. He highlighted India's unique developmental pathway, offering social safety nets efficiently through digital infrastructure, and envisioned India becoming a $10 trillion economy with inclusive growth, transitioning from a balancing to a leading power globally. The event took place at O.P. Jindal Global University, celebrating its growth as a leading institution in higher education.
Key Points:
1. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for introspection on India's foreign policy after 75 years of independence.
2. Speaking at the launch of the book "India’s Moment: Changing Power Equations around the World,” Jaishankar highlighted the importance of revisiting past decisions, refreshing, and correcting foreign policy strategies.
3. The book, authored by former Indian diplomat Prof. Mohan Kumar, introduces an integrated framework for understanding foreign policy decisions, including factors like the Gandhi litmus test, policy space, domestic politics, geopolitical imperatives, multilateralism, and material gain.
4. Jaishankar suggested considering comprehensive national power and offensive interests in decision-making, especially as India approaches a $3 trillion economy.
5. He emphasized the uniqueness of India's developmental pathway, combining low income with the efficiency of its digital infrastructure to create a social safety net.
6. Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, highlighted the growth of JGU as an Institute of Eminence within 15 years and its focus on interdisciplinary education.
7. Prof. Mohan Kumar discussed the integrated framework of his book, which includes the Gandhi Litmus Test, realpolitik, and domestic politics as key elements in understanding India's international actions.
8. The author stressed the importance of reducing poverty and achieving inclusive growth for India to transition from a balancing power to a leading power.
9. Jaishankar emphasized India's potential role in global thought leadership and dealing with current global public policy issues.
10. Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, Registrar of O.P. Jindal Global University, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for Jaishankar's insights and the potential role of India in global affairs.
(With Agency Inputs)
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