What India will do this year will make a big difference in world politics: S Jaishankar

Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has organized a ‘G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit’ under India’s G20 Presidency on Feb 23-24 at their campus in Pune. Jaishankar was invited as the speaker for the summit.

Speaking at the occasion, Jaishankar said, the image of India today is that of a country that is willing to go to any extent to protect its national security.

"Today, our country has the reputation of being one that will do everything it takes to protect its national security. India is a very patient and forgiving nation; it does not go around picking disputes with other nations, but it is a nation that will not be driven out. This is a nation that won't permit its fundamental boundaries to be crossed," he said.

Speaking about G-20, Jaishankar said, "In today’s very divided, polarized and not so- effective multi-lateral world G20 is the most important International platform. It is a big deal to be sharing its responsibility.

"It is not just a collection of 20 nations, but it is a very special responsibility at a very difficult moment in international relations. And what India could do, will do in this one year, making a big difference in world politics."

"We want to enter the G20 emphasizing that even though a sizable portion of the world is not represented at the table, their interests are genuine, and someone needs to speak out for them. The remainder of the G20 see India as the voice of the global south as well as the voice of independence and self-assurance," Jaishankar added.

Speaking about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar said that the world is in a very difficult state.

"World is also seeing the consequences of this conflict in the last year. We have seen energy and food crises more than double and for some countries, it has become difficult to access food, fertilizer, and fuels," said he.