Raipur

S Jaishankar on Saturday said India has weathered a series of global disruptions with resilience, crediting strong leadership and structural reforms for the country’s steady rise.

Speaking at the convocation ceremony of Indian Institute of Management Raipur, the external affairs minister noted that India had successfully navigated both domestic and international challenges, even as global conditions remained volatile.

Referring indirectly to tensions in West Asia following the United States and Israel strikes on Iran, he said such developments had disrupted global energy supplies and tested economies worldwide. Despite this, India has maintained stability and continued its growth trajectory, he added.

Jaishankar highlighted that India is now among the world’s top five economies and attributed this progress to a combination of inclusive growth, representative governance, and decisive policymaking.

He also underscored the country’s rapid adoption of digital technologies, noting that India has integrated digital tools into everyday life more effectively than many advanced economies.

Emphasising the need for self-reliance, he said strengthening domestic capabilities is critical in an era marked by uncertainty. The minister pointed out that globalisation is giving way to a renewed focus on resilience and strategic autonomy, reflected in India’s push for “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

“Building strong national capacities is essential not only to reduce risks but also to enhance leverage,” he said, adding that in areas where self-sufficiency is difficult, countries must rely on trusted partnerships and diversified supply chains.

He observed that the global order is undergoing structural shifts, with changes in power dynamics, technological advancements, and increasing competition shaping international relations. This, he said, has led nations and businesses alike to adopt strategies focused on risk mitigation and diversification.

Jaishankar also stressed the role of enterprise and innovation in nation-building, pointing to improvements in ease of doing business and expanded opportunities for startups and small businesses. Investments in education and skill development, he said, have further strengthened India’s human capital.

Identifying major global challenges, he cited the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, and climate change as defining factors of the current decade, each having far-reaching impacts on societies and economies.

Addressing the graduating students, he said they are entering a world of rapid transformation but are also uniquely positioned to contribute to India’s vision of becoming a developed nation. He described them as beneficiaries of a decade marked by technological access and economic progress.

At the same time, he cautioned that the evolving global landscape would demand adaptability and resilience.

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Highlighting India’s foreign policy priorities, Jaishankar said it increasingly focuses on expanding market access, securing critical resources and technologies, and supporting Indian citizens abroad. He added that promoting “Brand India” globally remains key to strengthening the country’s reputation as a reliable partner.