Washington DC: In a defining moment that signifies India's stance on religious and minority rights, the nation's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, firmly countered concerns surrounding potential prejudice against minorities. Speaking emphatically in Washington DC this past Friday, he projected confidence in the equitable distribution of rights and resources in the country.

"Today, since you brought up the issue of minorities in India, what truly gauges the balance of a society or the quality of governance?" Jaishankar posited to the audience. "It boils down to whether we segregate amenities, benefits, access, and rights based on any distinguishing factors."

He went on to acknowledge that, like many nations, India too might have had its phases of disparity based on various factors. But the contemporary scene, he emphasized, showcases an India undergoing radical change. "Currently, our nation is witnessing the most profound shift," he said, "with the introduction of a comprehensive social welfare system in a society that averages an income of less than USD 3,000 per capita."

Highlighting the enormity of the endeavor, he underscored, "Nobody has done that in the world before." Jaishankar then elaborated on the multitude of areas witnessing progress. From housing to health, food security to financial stability, and education to medical access, the list showcased India's commitment to holistic growth.

Further, discussing India's evolving presence on international platforms, he emphasized the nation's growing assertiveness. It seems clear that as India continues to make strides domestically, it is equally ready to make its mark on the global stage.

India, with its rich tapestry of diverse cultures, religions, and communities, has always been a complex mosaic of identities. Statements like Jaishankar's not only reflect the nation's position on minority rights but also shed light on its larger vision for an inclusive future.

Washington DC: In an era where the world is getting increasingly digital, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, makes a compelling argument for how technology has levelled the playing field in terms of governance and societal interactions.

"I defy you to show me discrimination," Jaishankar passionately remarked, emphasizing the non-discriminative nature of digital systems. "With increasing digitization, we've seen governance evolve to be more impartial. As it becomes faceless, it's inherently more equitable," he added.

The conversation wasn't without its fair share of candor. Jaishankar acknowledged that in our globalized society, grievances will always exist. "Much of the discontentment has political roots," he expressed, shedding light on India's own political landscape shaped by vote banks and political privileges. During his dialogue at the Hudson Institute in the US, he explained, "There's always been a faction that perceives itself as enjoying certain privileges, and that's a reality."

Yet, amid these challenges, Jaishankar was proud to highlight India's success in adopting best practices, especially in the realm of digital payments. "In today's India, your wallet may be redundant, but your phone isn't." Drawing attention to the ubiquitousness of digital payments in India, he painted a vivid picture where even street vendors sport QR codes for cashless transactions. "In the previous year, we recorded a staggering 90 billion cashless payments, dwarfing the numbers from nations like the US and China," he boasted.

Beyond the digital realm, Jaishankar didn't miss the opportunity to highlight how India's promotion of Yoga has positively impacted global health over the last decade. He also emphasized the nation's growing economic influence, underlined by increasing trade ties with regions like the Middle East.

The external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, continued to emphasize India's expanding global reach, especially highlighting its increasing economic stature in the Middle East. Expressing his views, he stated, "We have to understand today that as India becomes a larger consumer, a bigger economy, our salience in the Middle East countries calculations, especially the Gulf economies, is that much higher. We are the largest trade partner of the UAE and we would be among probably the top three of the Saudis.”

Reiterating the strength and depth of India's diplomatic ties, Jaishankar drew attention to his recent interactions on the global stage. Just a few days ago, at the 78th United Nations General Assembly session in New York City, he met his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting was more than a customary exchange, as both leaders took the opportunity to express their appreciation for the swift progression in bilateral cooperation between India and the UAE. They also recognized the value of their ongoing dialogue, which spans a wide range of regional and global concerns.

S Jaishankar took to social media, presumably Twitter, to underscore the importance of the recent diplomatic interactions with the UAE. Sharing his sentiments, he posted, “Always a pleasure to meet FM @ABZayed of UAE, this time in New York. Appreciate the rapid progress in our bilateral cooperation. Value our regular exchange of perspectives on regional and global issues.”

Highlighting the concrete steps taken towards solidifying relations between the nations, both India and the UAE, in partnership with countries like Saudi Arabia, the US, and the European Union, have jointly unveiled an innovative infrastructure initiative: the ‘India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor’. This visionary project, introduced at the G20 summit held in New Delhi, aims to redefine the trade pathways that connect the Gulf, Europe, and South Asia. The strategy involves establishing robust rail and sea links, creating a seamless trade conduit between these vital global regions.

UN lacks credibility and, to large degree, effectiveness: Jaishankar

The External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, did not hold back in voicing his concerns regarding the current stature of the United Nations. Addressing an audience at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, Jaishankar stated emphatically, "The world body lacks credibility and, to a large degree, effectiveness."

While he refrained from direct reference, Jaishankar's disappointment was palpable regarding the glaring omission of the world's fifth-largest economy from the United Nations Security Council. This was a subtle nod to India's notable absence from a key global decision-making body.

Further shedding light on India's global stance, Jaishankar said, "It’s very clear today that we are serious about climate action." Highlighting the country's commitment towards ensuring that sustainable development goals are adequately resourced, he pointed out the indispensable role of international financial institutions. He added, "For us too, it is the international financial institutions, the World Bank and the Fund which will be at the core of that effort."

S Jaishankar, emphasizing on the pressing need for modernization in global bodies, articulated a strong case for recalibrating institutions to resonate with contemporary realities. Expressing his concerns, he pointedly remarked, “We do believe today that a United Nations where the most populous country is not in the Security Council, when the fifth largest economy is not there, when a continent of 50 plus countries is not there, that United Nations obviously lacks credibility and to a large degree effectiveness as well."

Such sentiments were not reserved solely for the Hudson Institute audience. Previously, at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City, Jaishankar had made an impassioned plea. He urged the United Nations to undergo pressing reforms, suggesting that the current disposition of the body cannot remain “indefinite” and “unchallenged”.

Echoing his words from the UNGA address, Jaishankar elucidated further on the core principles of India's foreign policy. He mentioned, "In our deliberations, we often advocate the promotion of a rules-based order. But for all the talk, it is still a few nations, which shape the agenda and seek to define the norms. This can’t go on indefinitely nor will it go unchallenged." His words underscored the urgency for a more equitable global platform, where the "rule-makers" don't overpower the "rule-takers". Through such reflections, he conveyed a hope for a more democratic and inclusive world order.

In an impassioned plea for the evolution of global institutions, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, underscored the need for a refreshed and reinvigorated United Nations. Voicing his concerns, Jaishankar was candid in his observations. "We do believe today that a United Nations where the most populous country is not in the Security Council, when the fifth largest economy is not there, when a continent of 50 plus countries is not there, that United Nations obviously lacks credibility and to a large degree effectiveness as well." Such remarks encapsulate India's growing unease with an outdated international framework.

Instead of an adversarial stance, Jaishankar clarified India's approach to global forums. Rather than dismantling established structures, the goal, he reiterated, is rejuvenation. "So when we approach the world, it’s not with the sort of pull down the pillars kind of approach. It is very much what can we do to make it better, fitter, efficient, purposeful," he further emphasized.

This call for an overhaul is not new. Earlier, during his address at the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, Jaishankar had stressed on the same sentiment. The need for the United Nations to embrace swift, decisive reforms to remain pertinent in today's changing geopolitical landscape was emphasized. The inertia, he cautioned, cannot and should not persist indefinitely.

Delving deep into the intricacies of the evolving global landscape, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, shared insightful perspectives during his talk at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC. “The world as we live it today is largely a Western construct," he remarked, hinting at the longstanding influence of the West in shaping the present-day world order.

He elaborated on the dynamic transformations the world has undergone in the past eight decades, with the G20 summit standing out as a salient indicator. "Nothing illustrates it more than the G20 itself. So, the list of the G20 will tell you the easiest way of actually getting a sense of the changes in the world.”

Distinguishing India's unique position in the global scenario, Jaishankar was emphatic. “So, I make this very important distinction. Where India is concerned, India is non-Western. India is not anti-Western,” he stated. His words deftly highlight the nuanced approach India adopts — one of constructive collaboration without necessarily aligning with any one dominant worldview.

Reflecting on the globalization model that has shaped the last quarter-century, Jaishankar opined that it is reaching a pivotal moment. He sees the current global setup as being "badly in need of some form of reglobalisation," hinting at the exigency for a more inclusive and equitable world order.

During a keenly observed session at the Hudson Institute in Washington, DC, India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, shared his profound observations on the state and future of globalization. “If you put it together, I would suggest to you that the world is badly in need of some form of reglobalisation, that globalization itself is undeniable. It has struck very deep roots,” he began, emphasizing the depth to which globalization has impacted the world's fabric.

Recognizing the undeniable benefits of globalization, Jaishankar also stressed the importance of re-evaluating the model that has prevailed over the past 25 years. “It has tremendous benefits. Nobody doubts that. But, the particular model of globalization which has evolved over the last 25 years obviously has a lot of risks inherent in it.” He shared that addressing these risks and envisioning a more secure world remains a vital challenge to the prevailing Pacific order.

As the session progressed, an underlying theme of his address was the importance of adaptability and the need to reshape globalization models to make them more resilient and inclusive.

The talk at the Hudson Institute was one of Jaishankar's engagements during his US visit. Post his sessions in New York, he arrived in Washington, DC on September 28, marking the final phase of his diplomatic tour.