External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar launched his book, Why Bharat Matters, at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai, UAE on Thursday . During the event, Dr. Jaishankar provided insight into the themes and key messages of his book, reflecting on the complex interplay of global and domestic factors shaping India’s position in the world.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the evolving global landscape, characterized by technological advancements, the impact of artificial intelligence, shifts brought by green technologies, and changes in lifestyle due to electric mobility. He emphasized that these transformations are compounded by extreme climate events, which present significant challenges on their own. According to Dr. Jaishankar, these factors are redefining relationships, altering power dynamics, and reshaping global balances.Amidst this shifting global scenario, Dr. Jaishankar painted a picture of a transforming India. He discussed how India is changing both in comparison to other nations and through its own autonomous evolution. He pointed to the cumulative impact of democratization, greater access to opportunities, economic growth, and a rising aspirational middle class. The diversity and representativeness seen in Indian politics, civil services, and even the cricket team were cited as examples of this transformation. Dr. Jaishankar stated that India today is more diverse and authentic in its representation than ever before.
Explaining the title of his book, Dr. Jaishankar shared that while his first book was titled ‘The India Way’, he chose the term ‘Bharat’ for his second book to capture the authentic voice and spirit of a changing Indian society. He noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi embodies this representation, living as a symbol of India’s diverse and vibrant political landscape.A core message of ‘Why Bharat Matters’ is the importance of self-reliance in assessing global challenges and opportunities. Dr. Jaishankar cautioned against accepting conventional global narratives that may come with inherent biases or agendas. He posed thought-provoking questions about globalization and whether it should be adopted uniformly across different societies. He further questioned the concept of a “global culture” and whether practices prevalent in one society should be considered universally applicable. Dr. Jaishankar observed that dominant cultures often push their ideologies as universal norms, which may not be suitable for all. He underscored the need for countries to critically evaluate these ideas to forge their own paths.
Addressing the younger generation, Dr. Jaishankar encouraged them to take an active interest in foreign policy, emphasizing that global events will inevitably influence their lives. He conveyed that foreign policy is not a distant subject but an integral part of their reality. As someone who has spent a lifetime in diplomacy, he urged young Indians to pay closer attention to foreign affairs and understand their relevance.
By Vinod Kumar (Dubai)