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Many countries have still to recover from the socio-economic damage of Covid. A conflict now in its third year in Ukraine has had serious impact on Fighting in West Asia energy, food and fertiliser security triggered by the October 2023 terror attack on Israel could escalate into something wider. Drone and missile attacks in Red Sea are disrupting global shipping, even as piracy in Gulf of Aden becomes more threatening
S Jaishankar
The world today is turbulent and unpredictable. Many countries have still to recover from the socio-economic damage of Covid. A conflict now in its third year in Ukraine has had serious impact on energy, food and fertiliser security. Fighting in West Asia triggered by the October 2023 terror attack on Israel could escalate into something wider. Drone and missile attacks in Red Sea are disrupting global shipping, even as piracy in Gulf of Aden becomes more threatening.
In Asia, territorial claims and disregard for law and agreements have created new tensions. The longstanding challenge of ‘Elections, the world and us’ terrorism remains, waxing and waning, but still, always there.
For India, these larger uncertainties are compounded by the pressure on LAC with China, the threat of cross-border terrorism and the instability on its Myanmar border. Each of these challenges has been met with an appropriate response. But the overall scenario only highlights the need for a strong, clear-headed and capable leadership in the days ahead.
We are today perceived as an attractive investment destination because of improved infra, better business environment and availability of talent. But underpinning all this is our political stability and policy predictability
Economic challenges, daunting
Covid era demonstrated the dangers of over-concentration, be it in manufacturing or technology. Critical and emerging technologies make this situation even more serious. The task consequently is to de-risk both at national and global levels. This can only be done by accelerating ‘Make in India’ in different areas and joining resilient and reliable supply chains.
In the digital domain, India has to build on its record as a trusted and transparent player. This means growing our semiconductor capabilities and adopting the right data policies. We have to prepare as well for an era of AI, electric mobility, drones, space and green tech. At the same time, the nation’s health, food and energy security must be strengthened.
This requires a forward-looking leadership that appreciates technology’s transformational potential, plus is committed to strong growth. What obviously must be avoided at any cost is are turn to the failed policies of pre-reform era.
Reforms, to be continued
While the global outlook may be volatile, it nevertheless holds particular possibilities for India. We are today perceived as an attractive investment destination because of improved infra, better business environment and availability of talent. But underpinning all this is our political stability and policy predictability. Reforms and delivery on the ground of the last decade are the sources of our credibility abroad.
In many ways, globalisation has also created an international workplace that India can utilise to its benefit. Expanding our skills base, concluding mobility agreements and securing Indian citizens abroad are key elements in that regard. There is considerable interest in our start-ups, which have mushroomed in the last decade due to policy encouragement. The world’s assessment of India’s credentials will naturally be shaped by the continuation of a grounded leadership with a solid track record.
Foreign interest ok, interference not
It is natural that the world should take keen interest in our ongoing elections. After all, this is the largest democratic exercise in human history, taking place in a country of growing consequence to the rest of the world. Moreover, the rigour of our election practices and the quality of our election machinery hold out an example for others. But it is important that the line between interest and interference is clearly understood and respected.
There will be those who have vested interest in certain parties for ideological reasons. But while commenting on certain issues, they could also reflect on the
This is the first general election of the Amrit Kaal and our youth must recognise its significance. The last decade has provided a foundation for us to aspire seriously for Viksit Bharat
implications for themselves. It is a fact of life that like so many other activities, politics has also got globalised. But we are not well served if those critical of the order of the day invite external forces to influence electoral outcomes at home.
Viksit Bharat, aspiration and foundation
This is the first general election of the Amrit Kaal and our youth must recognise its significance. The last decade has provided a foundation for us to aspire seriously for Viksit Bharat. The renewed pace of our growth is buttressed by its inclusive nature and the leapfrogging potential of technology.
Unlike the past, reform and modernisation are not narrowly defined but encompass a wide range of domains. Particular attention is being paid to nurturing human resources, fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing ease of living. Opportunities are expanding in both the formal and informal economy, even as new focus areas and value additions emerge.
The world notes that our digitally-enabled delivery has created asocial welfare system on a scale that could not have been imagined earlier. Whether it is Covaxin or CoWin, 5G stack or UPI, Chandrayaan or Gaganyaan missions, we are increasingly matching global standards. Our civilisational heritage is also earning respect, after we ourselves regained the confidence to present it boldly.
Your political choice, in the world
As India moves towards making decisions about its future, both near and long-term, it is essential that we all fully appreciate what is at stake. India is not only the most populous nation but the fifth largest economy, likely to be the third very soon.
The world offers both challenges and opportunities and it takes affirm, confident and experienced leadership of PM Modi to comprehensively address them. As we express our political choice, we are also shaping the direction of the global order. The world is waiting and watching, expecting that the verdict would be one made clearly and decisively.
(The writer is Minister of External
ffairs, Government of India)