India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ key to safeguarding national interest: Jaishankar at Aravalli Summit 2025
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off the first Aravalli Summit 2025 on Monday at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), celebrating the 70th anniversary of the School of International Studies. The two‑day conference ran from October 6‑7 in New Delhi and was organized by the Ministry of External Affairs together with the Chintan Research Foundation. Its theme, “India and the World Order: Preparing for 2047,” highlights how India’s role on the world stage will grow as the country hits 100 years of independence next year.
Jaishankar urged India to pursue strategic autonomy in a world that keeps shifting. “We do try to accommodate neighbours,” he said. “But we can only do so to the extent that national interests allow.” He added that adopting a flexible, independent stance protects India’s future and keeps its options open.
The summit addressed regional dynamics and India’s complex relationships. Jaishankar reminded listeners that India has a patchwork of neighbours—some friendly, others not. He coined the term “hyphenation” to describe how India’s interests can get tangled in the agendas of other nations. “The best cure is to outstrip our partners in power and capability,” he said, encouraging India to build its own strength.
When asked about Pakistan, Jaishankar acknowledged that India cannot ignore a difficult neighbour, but he noted that the past mindset of equating India with Pakistan is fading. “In the 1970s, it felt common to compare the two,” he recalled. “That’s no longer the case.”
The summit also highlighted the competitive nature of international politics. Jaishankar warned that other countries will try to balance India or use it to their advantage. He advised a clear focus on national interests and the ability to make decisions independently.
The conference attracted scholars, diplomats, and policymakers from around the world. By framing India’s future through the lens of strategic autonomy and independent decision‑making, Jaishankar set a tone for the rest of the summit: a country that shapes its own destiny while navigating a complex global landscape.
Source: aninews
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