'Bharat First': S Jaishankar on India's 'big change' post-2014

External affairs minister S Jaishankar

External affairs minister S Jaishankar has said that India earlier used to subordinate its own goals for the benefit of others but has now adopted a strong sense of "Bharat First".

In an Op-Ed published in The Indian Express, Jaishankar outlined India's transformation into a "Vishwa Bandhu Bharat", where the country pursues a multi-vector diplomacy to maximise its partners and minimise its problems.

"Swayed by imported prescriptions, we sometimes subordinated our own goals to the benefit of others. The big change now is a strong sense of “Bharat First”, where we have both the confidence to think through the pathway and using our national interest as the primary metric of judgement," Jaishankar wrote.

In a veiled dig at past Congress governments, Jaishankar said that India's focus was diffused in the first four decades of Independence, which was a critical period when it could have formulated a foreign policy to best leverage the world with a view to promote national development.

He said that India now no longer hesitates or comes under pressure when it comes to taking a stand on global issues and has moved ahead with a sharp focus since 2014.

"At the same time, there is a constant assertion of our relevance. This is Vishwa Bandhu Bharat," he said.

He added that for India to emerge as a global power, it must first develop deep national strengths.

"Much of that will emanate from expanding manufacturing as that serves as the foundation for technology. To overcome the neglect of the past, it is essential that we plan to leapfrog, especially in regard to critical and emerging technologies. This is best achieved through strong international collaboration built on trust and comfort," he said.

He stressed on the importance of effective diplomacy to achieve this, especially at a time when the world is increasingly "polarised and suspicious".

"The international economy is right now in the midst of rebuilding its supply chains and ensuring more reliable manufacturing. This is most starkly evident in competitive domains like semiconductors, electric mobility and green technologies. It is only a Vishwa Bandhu that can ensure that India is fully embedded in these networks," he said.

In the article, Jaishankar also highlighted the key pathways for India's progress towards "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) over the next 25 years.

According to the minister, sustained progress and reform are contingent upon political stability, which fosters an environment conducive to long-term policy planning and execution.

Amid the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, Jaishankar said that the political choices of the Indian electorate are expected to play a significant role in shaping the nation's trajectory.

In light of the post-Covid world's emphasis on strategic autonomy and national security, Jaishankar also pointed to the significance of initiatives like "Make in India" in bolstering domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on external sources.

He underscored the potential for India to emerge as a global hub for research, design, and innovation through intensified international engagement.

He further said that in today's era - marked by conflict and climate change - the significance of connectivity has never been more pronounced.

"We have witnessed the consequences of tension in the Red Sea or the blocking of the Suez Canal. De-risking is only possible when enough countries come together for their shared enterprise to become serious," he said.

He said that many of the recent endeavours are focused on India.

"The IMEC corridor connects us to Europe and the Atlantic through the Arabian Peninsula. The INSTC one traverses Iran and Russia with the same objective. To our East, the Trilateral Highway can take us all the way to the Pacific," Jaishankar wrote.

He added that a similar logic extends to ensuring security, highlighting the importance of groups like Quad or BRICS, I2U2, SCO or East Asia Summit.

"These initiatives involve a range of partners, often at odds with each other. It requires a Vishwa Bandhu to carry them all. That is why this is such an important element of Modi Ki Guarantee," he said.