India will not allow external forces to dictate its decisions, and will always act in its national interest and for the global good, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday. He emphasized that India would not be “intimidated to conform” and that the country’s sovereignty and independence would remain paramount.
Speaking via video at an event in Mumbai, Jaishankar stressed that “Independence should never be confused with neutrality.” He affirmed that India would continue to prioritize its national interests and global responsibilities, without bowing to external pressures. “Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices,” he added.
The Minister also reflected on India’s approach to progress, stating that the country had been taught for too long that modernization required rejecting its rich heritage and traditions. Jaishankar underscored the need for a harmonious balance between technology and tradition, especially in the context of globalization.
India, according to Jaishankar, must progress without losing its core identity, or Bharatiyata (Indianness). “Only then can we truly emerge as a leading power in a multipolar world,” he said.
The External Affairs Minister was speaking at the 27th SIES Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence Award ceremony in Mumbai. These awards honor individuals for their contributions to public leadership, community leadership, human endeavor, science and technology, and social leadership, with a special emphasis on spiritualism. The awards are named after the late Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi, the 68th seer of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Jaishankar highlighted India’s unique position as a “civilisation state,” asserting that a nation with such a legacy can only exercise true influence by leveraging its cultural strengths on the global stage. He urged the younger generation to appreciate and understand the significance of India’s heritage, stressing the importance of societal awareness.
The Minister also praised India’s remarkable strides over the past decade, stating that the nation had proven its capabilities, confidence, and commitment to development. He noted that India had demonstrated its ability to address longstanding issues such as poverty, discrimination, and lack of opportunities.
Looking forward, Jaishankar declared that India was at a pivotal moment in history. The nation had shown that it could tackle these challenges while establishing itself as a globally independent power. Despite ongoing challenges and negative viewpoints, he expressed optimism that India’s rediscovery of its identity, strengthened by deepened democracy, would lead to a more authentic and empowered voice on the world stage.
Jaishankar concluded by reaffirming India’s commitment to not just its own development, but to contributing positively to the global community, particularly to the well-being of the Global South.
