8 March, 2025; During an engaging interaction with the Indian community and business leaders at Old Trafford in Manchester, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s evolving approach to globalization, underlining the country’s confidence in navigating the global landscape.
Jaishankar stated, “We today understand the importance of globalizing. We are not always happy at the terms of globalization. We would like to make it fairer. But at the end of the day, for us, the world is more full of opportunities than challenges.” His remarks reflect India’s proactive stance in leveraging global opportunities while advocating for a more equitable system of international trade and cooperation.
India’s Confident Global Outlook
The minister’s speech underscored India’s self-assured approach to international relations. He pointed out that while other nations may have their reservations about globalization, India remains steadfast in its commitment to engaging with the world. “When India looks at the world, it looks at the world confidently. That may not always be the case for everybody else, but that’s their problem.” This assertion highlights the country’s growing economic and diplomatic stature.
Jaishankar’s words reflect the Modi government’s vision of an India that is not just a participant but a leader in shaping the global order. From trade and investment to cultural and academic exchanges, India is positioning itself as a key player in the interconnected world.
Focus on Mobility, Trade, and Investment
Jaishankar outlined India’s priority areas in its global engagements, stressing the need to:
- Promote mobility: Encouraging the movement of professionals, workers, and students across borders to enhance knowledge exchange and economic growth.
- Enhance trade and investment: Strengthening trade ties and attracting investments to boost economic development and job creation.
- Encourage tourism: Positioning India as a prime destination for global travelers, capitalizing on its rich cultural and historical heritage.
These areas align with India’s broader policy of fostering stronger international partnerships, especially with key economies like the UK.
Strengthening India-UK Relations
The event in Manchester also reaffirmed the strong ties between India and the UK, with both nations keen on deepening trade, investment, and people-to-people linkages. The UK is home to a significant Indian diaspora, and Jaishankar’s outreach highlights the role of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral ties.
With India emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies and a key player on the world stage, Jaishankar’s remarks signal a clear message: India is ready to embrace globalization on its own terms while ensuring it remains a force for fairness and growth.
As India continues to build its global footprint, the confidence expressed by Jaishankar serves as an affirmation of the country’s strategic vision and ambition for a more integrated, dynamic, and influential future on the world stage.
