India’s foreign policy has undergone a significant transformation in the last decade under PM Modi’s leadership, says External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. Speaking at an event, he outlined how India now views the world with confidence rather than hesitation, reflecting a fundamental shift in the nation’s external approach.
India engages with the world confidently
Talking about the changes, he said, "Many things have changed. One, when we look at the world, we look with a degree of confidence. It is new because in the past we sometimes look at the world with a degree of nervousness...I think the attitude towards the world itself is the first fundamental change."
He called this the first fundamental change in Indian foreign policy. “We believe that the opportunities are more than the challenges. The world today can be engaged, utilized and leveraged to make the progress of India grow faster. Third, the world actually can also benefit. When I say opportunities, one very obvious opportunity is a global workplace.”
Opportunities beyond borders
Jaishankar noted the growing role of Indian talent on the global stage. “The contribution of India now goes beyond our borders. Whether as a global workforce or in shaping global discussions, India is more engaged than ever.”
He added that India’s rise in economic rankings demands new responsibilities: “We are now the fifth-largest economy, soon to be the third. We cannot behave as we did when we were the tenth. With growth comes the responsibility to step up in solving global problems.”
India–Pakistan relations: Terrorism has consequences
Answering a question on India–Pakistan ties, Jaishankar remarked, “India has changed. I wish I could say Pakistan has changed. Unfortunately, they continue to develop bad habits.”
He pointed to the 26/11 Mumbai attacks as a turning point. “Indians realised such behaviour from a neighbour could no longer be tolerated. That feeling was strong, and even if not fully grasped by the government then, it is now firmly conveyed—if terrorism happens, there will be consequences.”
