External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that India has become an indispensable player in global affairs, with major international decisions now requiring New Delhi's consultation.
Speaking at an event in Nagpur, Jaishankar underscored the transformative shift in the world's perception of India over the years.
"No major issue in the world is decided without some consultation with India. We have changed, and the world’s view of us has changed," remarked Jaishankar during his address, highlighting the pivotal role India now plays in shaping international discourse.
The minister addressed questions regarding India's participation in various diplomatic alliances, such as the QUAD (comprising Australia, India, Japan, and the United States) and BRICS (including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of managing India's interests independently by engaging with diverse global partners.
Discussing the diplomatic relations between India and China, Jaishankar asserted that normalisation would be challenging until the border issue is resolved. "Unless you find a solution to the border dispute and till forces remain face-to-face there, you can't expect the rest of the relations will carry on in a normal manner. It is impossible," he stated.
Acknowledging ongoing efforts to normalize relations, Jaishankar acknowledged that diplomatic stand-offs sometimes take time to resolve, highlighting the complexity of international relations.
This follows Jaishankar's earlier remarks during the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Kerala on January 6, where he emphasized the global community's increasing focus on India. "The rest of the world is actually today talking about us. They are asking today how it is that you are able to do," he noted, attributing India's changing global perception to a visionary approach.
"As foreign minister, I go around the world. What has changed in India is the vision," Jaishankar added, indicating that India's evolving vision has played a pivotal role in garnering attention and influence on the international stage.
