During his recent visit to Mumbai, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed India’s evolving role in global economics, foreign policy, and the job market, shedding light on the country’s strategies in these crucial sectors. Speaking to an audience of prominent business leaders, intellectuals, and professionals, Jaishankar emphasized India’s commitment to a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism, tying this to India’s economic resilience and workforce demands.
“Mumbai has become a symbol not just of resilience but of our global commitment to counter-terrorism,” he said. “India’s response to terrorism cannot be selective. Just as we aim to strengthen our economy, we will strengthen our defense against such threats,” Jaishankar added, linking India’s security goals with economic aspirations.
One of the focal points of Jaishankar’s speech was India’s presidency of the G20, which he noted was a platform for raising voices from developing regions and creating opportunities in the global job market. “Our presidency started with the Voice of the Global South Summit, allowing us to directly engage 125 nations. By placing these concerns on the G20 agenda, we paved the way for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member. This is not just symbolic; it’s about aligning economic growth with job creation across regions that need it most,” Jaishankar highlighted.
The external affairs minister also touched on the Indian job market and its potential to become a talent pool for the global economy, particularly in technology and digital services. “India is emerging as a major provider of skilled professionals, a resource that global economies cannot ignore,” he stated. The nation’s efforts in this regard are evident in its push to train a digitally savvy workforce, increasingly prepared to meet the demands of both national and international job markets. He remarked, “A strong economy relies on a strong workforce, and our youth are prepared to lead in sectors from digital technology to infrastructure.”
India’s foreign policy also resonated in Jaishankar’s talk, especially in its role in fostering cooperative economic relationships. He reiterated that India’s stance on foreign partnerships, unlike the traditional non-alignment era, has transformed into what he referred to as “Vishwa Mitra, or ‘a friend to the world.’” This policy, Jaishankar noted, is visible in India’s commitment to fostering economic alliances with countries across the political spectrum. “Today, we are partnering with a broader range of countries, harmonizing interests where possible. This is the foundation of India’s new economy-focused foreign policy,” he added.
Jaishankar also addressed the impact of global economic trends on India, noting that while inflation and geopolitical instability pose challenges, they are opportunities for the country to become self-sufficient. “The power of markets should not be used to channel resources away from those who need them most,” he asserted, referencing recent decisions to bolster India’s energy and food security through self-reliance.
Also read: Karnataka MLA Satish Sail Gets 42-Year Sentence in Iron Ore Scam
In closing, he stated, “India’s economic ambitions are intertwined with our goal of creating a fairer, more cooperative global market. We see ourselves not just as participants in global growth but as leaders in redefining how growth impacts lives.”
