Raipur, April 4 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday said that India has successfully navigated recent global shocks that tested its resilience, an apparent reference to the ongoing military conflict in West Asia.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony of IIM Raipur, Jaishankar emphasized that India has effectively managed both domestic and external challenges.
He observed that the impact of conflicts on even distant societies has been profound, which is a testament to the extent of globalization.
"No one can dispute that multiple global shocks have recently tested our resilience, and that India has emerged from them successfully," Jaishankar added.
The crisis in West Asia, which began in February after the US and Israel attacked Iran, has impacted global fuel supply and triggered a shortage of hydrocarbons.
Jaishankar stressed that building robust national capabilities is essential, which he noted is the most effective way to mitigate risks and gain leverage.
He further said that the global order is changing with visible shifts in the relative power and influence of countries, adding that the current turbulence in the world is largely structural.
"New developments in technology, energy, military capability, connectivity, and resources have encouraged risk-taking in an increasingly competitive environment. Everything today is being leveraged, if not weaponized," the external affairs minister said.
He said that the world is facing the challenge of securing itself in an increasingly volatile and unpredictable environment.
"This has necessitated a greater inclination to hedge, to mitigate risks, and to diversify, whether it's a business decision or a foreign policy objective," Jaishankar added.
He identified the COVID pandemic, conflicts, and climate change as the three major challenges of the decade.
He said that more inclusive growth, representative politics, and decisive leadership have created a new foundation.
