Navigating Global Dynamics: India’s Strategy of Technology, Multi-Polarity, and Self-Reliance with EAM Jaishankar

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Jaishankar Charts New Course for India on Global Stage: Self-Reliance and a Distributed Workforce

February 29, 2024

New York – In a landmark address delivered at a panel discussion hosted by the Observer Research Foundation on ‘At The Heart of Development- Aid, Trade & Technology,’ india’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, articulated a forward-looking strategy for navigating a rapidly shifting global landscape. The Minister underscored the interconnectedness of technology, multi-polarity, self-reliance, and south-South cooperation as essential components of India’s response to current international challenges.

Building National Capabilities for a Multi-Polar World

Jaishankar Emphasized the critical importance of bolstering national capacities as a cornerstone of India’s foreign policy. He stated the necessity for larger nations to prioritize self-reliance, positioning it as a key focus for India’s continued development. “You have to build multi-polarity by building national capacities. When you build national capacities and have national experiences, some of it is transposable to people who relate,” he explained. This approach acknowledges that internally-developed solutions can offer valuable models for other nations facing similar circumstances.

He cited India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a prime example. The Indian model of DPI, he noted, is proving to be far more readily adaptable and relevant for many societies compared to those developed in Europe or the United States.

Addressing the Future of the Global Workforce

The Minister turned his attention to the evolving dynamics of the global workforce, acknowledging the demographic realities driving demand. He noted that while discussions around housing and location are politically sensitive, the need for a distributed global workforce is undeniable. According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum (https://www.weforum.org/), skills gaps are widening globally, increasing the pressure for cross-border talent mobility.

“This world will require a global workforce. There is no looking away that when you look at the demand and demographics, demands cannot be met due to national demographics, you cannot run away from this reality,” Jaishankar asserted. He highlighted the urgency of developing a modern, efficient, and widely accepted model for a distributed global workplace.

Re-Engineering Global Trade Arrangements

Jaishankar also spoke to the changing nature of global trade, noting that advancements in both physical and digital infrastructure are facilitating smoother trade interfaces than ever before. Despite existing obstacles,trade is finding new pathways and is becoming more accessible. He predicted the emergence of new and diverse trade arrangements between countries, driven by evolving circumstances and partnerships.

“As a part of this re-engineered world, we will see new, more, different trade arrangements between countries, which will make decisions that were not made in other circumstances,” he stated. He believes countries will increasingly seek new partners and regional collaborations, transforming the landscape of technology, trade, connectivity, and the workplace within a short timeframe.

The External Affairs Minister’s remarks came during a visit to the United States, where he previously addressed the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, underlining India’s readiness to assume greater global responsibilities.

Key Focus Area	Jaishankar’s Position	Implications for India
National Capacity Building	Essential for multi-polarity and self-reliance	strengthens India’s global influence and economic independence
Global Workforce	Necessity for a distributed and adaptable model	Opportunities for Indian talent and economic growth
Trade arrangements	Evolution towards new, diverse partnerships	Expanded market access and economic cooperation

Understanding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to the shared, open-source technologies and systems that enable the delivery of essential public services. India’s DPI, notably the Aadhaar system, UPI, and the CoWIN platform, have garnered international attention for their scalability, efficiency, and inclusivity. These systems have proven crucial for financial inclusion and the delivery of healthcare services. The success of India’s DPI offers a model for other nations seeking to modernize their public service delivery.

Did You know? India’s UPI processed over 8 billion transactions in January 2024,wiht a value of approximately $175 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is India’s primary focus in the evolving global landscape? India’s main focus is on building national capacities and becoming more self-reliant.
• How does India’s DPI model differ from western models? india’s DPI is designed for broader accessibility and inclusivity, often prioritizing simplicity and adaptability over advanced features.
• What are the implications of a distributed global workforce? A distributed workforce can address skills gaps and demographic challenges, but requires new approaches to regulation and infrastructure.
• What is the importance of South-South cooperation? South-South cooperation focuses on collaboration between developing nations, fostering mutual support and shared learning.
• How will trade arrangements change in the future? Trade arrangements are expected to become more flexible and diverse, reflecting evolving geopolitical and economic realities.
• What role will technology play in the future of trade? Technology will be instrumental in streamlining trade processes and reducing barriers to entry.
• Why is building national capacities important for multi-polarity? Building national capacities empowers countries to act as independent actors and contributes to a more balanced global order.

What are yoru thoughts on India’s potential to lead in the development of digital infrastructure? How do you see the global workforce evolving in the coming years?

Share your insights and join the conversation!

How does India’s emphasis on self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat) contribute to its strategic autonomy in the context of great power competition?

The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape & India’s Response

India, strategically located in South-Central Asia – geographically positioned in both the Northern and Eastern hemispheres – finds itself at a crucial juncture in global affairs. External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has been a key architect of New Delhi’s increasingly assertive foreign policy,centered around a three-pronged strategy: leveraging technology,advocating for multi-polarity,and fostering self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). this approach isn’t merely reactive; it’s a proactive attempt to shape the international order to better reflect India’s rising influence and national interests. The current global environment, marked by US-China rivalry, regional conflicts, and economic uncertainties, demands a nuanced and independent approach – one india is actively pursuing.

Technology as a Cornerstone of Indian Foreign Policy

India recognizes technology as a critical enabler across all facets of its foreign policy. This isn’t limited to digital diplomacy, but extends to:

* Defense Technology: A push for indigenous defense production, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. This includes advancements in drone technology, missile systems, and cybersecurity. The focus on ‘Make in India’ within the defense sector is a direct response to geopolitical vulnerabilities.

* Space Program: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is not just a national pride but a key tool for regional cooperation and strategic advantage. Satellite technology is being utilized for disaster management, resource mapping, and interaction across South Asia.

* Digital Infrastructure & Connectivity: India is actively promoting digital connectivity initiatives, including the India Stack, as a model for other developing nations. This includes UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and Aadhaar, showcasing India’s digital prowess.

* Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Emerging Technologies: Investing in AI research and growth, recognizing its potential impact on economic growth, national security, and global competitiveness. India is participating in international discussions on AI governance.

This technological focus is directly linked to enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and reducing dependence on potentially unreliable partners. Jaishankar has consistently emphasized the need for india to be a “technology leader,” not just a consumer.

Championing Multi-Polarity: A Counterbalance to Unilateralism

EAM Jaishankar has consistently advocated for a multi-polar world order,rejecting the dominance of any single power. This stems from a ancient understanding of India’s non-aligned movement and a pragmatic assessment of current global trends. Key elements of this strategy include:

* Strengthening Bilateral Relationships: Diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies. This includes deepening ties with countries in the Indo-Pacific region (Japan, Australia, ASEAN nations), Africa, and Latin America.

* Revitalizing the Quad: The Quadrilateral security Dialog (Quad) – comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia – is a central pillar of India’s multi-polar vision. It’s framed not as an alliance against anyone, but as a platform for cooperation on shared challenges like maritime security, counter-terrorism, and economic resilience.

* BRICS & SCO Engagement: maintaining active engagement with BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South africa) and the shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), despite their complexities. These platforms provide avenues for dialogue and cooperation with major powers.

* Promoting Regional Connectivity: Investing in infrastructure projects that enhance regional connectivity, such as the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), reducing reliance on single chokepoints.

India’s approach to multi-polarity isn’t about creating a new bloc, but about fostering a more balanced and inclusive international system where diverse voices are heard.

Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-Reliant India): Reducing Vulnerabilities

The Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan (Self-Reliant India campaign), launched in 2020, is a cornerstone of India’s strategy. It’s not about isolationism, but about building domestic capabilities and reducing dependence on external sources for critical goods and technologies. Key aspects include:

* Boosting Domestic Manufacturing: Incentivizing local production through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes across various sectors, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, and textiles.

* Supply Chain Resilience: Diversifying supply chains and reducing reliance on single countries for essential components and raw materials. This is especially crucial in sectors like semiconductors and critical minerals.

* Investing in Human Capital: Focusing on skill development and education to create a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and economic growth.

* energy Security: Diversifying energy sources, including a major push for renewable energy, to reduce dependence on fossil fuel imports.

Case Study: Semiconductor Manufacturing – India’s recent efforts to attract semiconductor manufacturers, like the partnership with Micron Technology, demonstrate its commitment to self-reliance in a strategically vital sector. This reduces vulnerability to geopolitical disruptions and strengthens india’s technological base.

The Jaishankar Doctrine: Pragmatism and Strategic Autonomy

EAM Jaishankar’s approach can be characterized by a pragmatic realism and a strong emphasis on strategic autonomy. He has consistently articulated the need for India to:

* Prioritize National Interests: Making decisions based on what is best for