India's 'Atmanirbharta' premised on its understanding of current geoeconomics: S Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

Echoing the reality of current geoeconomics, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday reiterated India's continuous emphasis on Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) and observed that the idea is premised on India's recent experiences that taught New Delhi not to be excessively dependent on a single supply chain or a single country source.

Speaking at The Economic Times World Leaders Forum 2025, Jaishankar taking into consideration the global economic calculus, reasoned that over dependence on a single source/ country for supply, production and marketing may belie the true hallmark of an economic powerhouse.

"Now that doesn't mean you switch off from somewhere. It means you diversify, it means you hedge, and most importantly, which is the continuous messaging from the government, it means you do more at home. We know that more at home is hard work, it is complicated, it requires a different kind of effort. That is why the emphasis is on Atmanirbharta..." reflected Jaishankar.

During recent interactions, the External Affairs Minister has eloquently expressed that Indian businesses should take a "balanced" approach in dealing with China as excessive dependence on its supply chain could be detrimental to India's national interest.

However, the EAM reference to China was specifically made against the backdrop of the military standoff on the LAC, which began in April-May 2020, brought bilateral relations to their lowest point in six decades. After protracted negotiations through diplomatic and military channels, the two sides reached an understanding on disengagement at Demchok and Depsang in October last year.

EAM Jaishankar's appeal must be seen in line with PM Modi recent emphasis on self-reliance to unlock the true potential of India in the realm of space science. PM on Saturday asked space scientists to prepare for a deep space exploration mission to unravel the secrets that brighten the future of humanity. In a video address on the National Space Day, Mr. Modi announced that India was preparing to set up a pool of astronauts for future missions and urged the youth to be part of this group