“We may well be on the cusp of a new era. One where the United States departs from an established tradition of foreign policy and focuses on its own interests,” EAM Jaishankar said
Two-day before attending at the inauguration of American President-elect Donald Trump-led administration, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday said the impending swearing in of the new US administration  would be “an event that is expected to have profound consequences for the global order.”

“Rather than perceive it as a cause in itself, we should perhaps analyze it as a symptom of a churning that has now reached a critical point. That process has many dimensions, many issues, including a rebalancing of economic and political power over multiple decades,” EAM Dr S Jaishankar said in his speech at the Nani Palkhivala Memorial Lecture in New Delhi.

The EAM also maintained that international politics is on the cusp of a new era with the US departing from “an established tradition of foreign policy and focuses on its own interests, rather than in shaping the world itself.”

He said “The world today is witnessing the coexistence of integration and separateness.”

 Amid this, he emphasized India’s unique position as a nation poised to offer solutions in an era of growing multipolarity.

Reflecting on India’s domestic progress, Dr. Jaishankar asserted that the country’s political stability and economic reforms had become a source of global reassurance. India’s position as the world’s fifth-largest economy and its impending rise to the third spot underscore its growing influence.

 “A government in a democracy securing three consecutive terms in today’s times is a testament to doing many things right,” he said, noting that this stability has enabled ambitious reforms and inclusive development, which resonate positively on the world stage.

He cited India’s rapid advancements in manufacturing, infrastructure, and digital transformation as indicators of its readiness to assume greater global responsibilities. The country’s burgeoning digital ecosystem, exemplified by billions of monthly cashless transactions and robust semiconductor capabilities, has strengthened its reputation as a critical player in global supply chains.

Dr. Jaishankar underscored the importance of balancing strategic autonomy with selective partnerships in a world increasingly defined by great power rivalries. He highlighted India’s approach of expanding friendships without compromising its core interests, a philosophy rooted in pragmatism rather than rhetoric.

“India may be non-West, but it is not anti-West,” he noted, advocating for deeper collaborations with like-minded nations based on shared values of pluralism, democracy, and rule of law. At the same time, he emphasized the need to engage with nations across Asia, Africa, and Latin America, reflecting India’s commitment to acting as a “Vishwa Bandhu” or global partner.

The minister elaborated on India’s evolving diplomatic strategy, which leverages its geographic and historical advantages. He highlighted India's leadership in regional and multilateral initiatives such as the Quad, BRICS, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). 

These platforms, he noted, symbolize India’s ability to foster cooperation across diverse geopolitical alignments.

 Particular emphasis was placed on India’s role as a voice for the Global South. Through initiatives like the ‘Voice of the Global South’ summits and development projects spanning 78 nations, India has solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for developing countries. Its G20 Presidency and COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy have further bolstered its credentials.
Dr. Jaishankar candidly addressed the complexities of India’s relationship with China, emphasizing the need for mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests.

 He acknowledged the challenges posed by the boundary dispute and geopolitical tensions but stressed the necessity of preparing for China’s growing capabilities while advancing India’s comprehensive national power.

The lecture also delved into the interplay between India’s cultural heritage and economic ambitions. Dr. Jaishankar celebrated the resurgence of Indian traditions, exemplified by the greater adoption of the name "Bharat," as a reflection of India’s civilizational confidence. He linked this cultural revival to the nation’s economic and technological aspirations, noting that programs like ‘Make in India’ aim to reverse past de-industrialization and foster technological self-reliance.

Dr. Jaishankar concluded by articulating a vision for India as a stabilizing force in an uncertain world. He emphasized the need to de-risk the international economy by reducing over-concentration in manufacturing and emerging technologies.

 India’s advancements in clean energy, space exploration, and digital governance, he argued, position it as a critical partner in addressing global challenges.

In an era of geopolitical turbulence, Dr. Jaishankar’s speech outlined a roadmap for India’s ascent as a global power—one that prioritizes inclusivity, sustainability, and cooperation.

 He paid tribute to Nani Palkhivala’s legacy by reaffirming India’s commitment to upholding values of democracy, pluralism, and economic reform on the world stage.

“India’s growing prominence is not just a story of capacity but also of responsibility,” he said “A stronger India will contribute more, undertake greater responsibilities, and ensure a more balanced global order," the EAM maintained.