New Delhi, India: India’s emergence as a major global power will be determined primarily by its own capabilities rather than by the policy choices or missteps of other nations, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s rise would depend on its internal strength and strategic vision. “The rise of India will be determined by India,” he said. “It will be determined by our strength, not by the mistakes of others.”
His remarks came in the context of growing discussions on global economic competition and strategic partnerships following comments by Christopher Landau, who recently indicated that United States would avoid repeating the economic approach it adopted with China two decades ago.
Landau suggested that Washington intends to safeguard its economic interests while engaging with India. “We’re not going to make the same mistakes with India that we made with China 20 years ago,” he said, adding that U.S. policy must remain fair to American citizens and accountable to domestic priorities.
India’s Strategic Role in the Indian Ocean
During his address, Jaishankar also highlighted India’s pivotal position in the Indian Ocean, noting that building a shared regional identity across the Indian Ocean community would require sustained investment, cooperation, and long-term commitment.
“If we are to build an Indian Ocean sentiment or identity, it must be backed by resources, practical projects, and consistent engagement,” he said.
The minister also pointed to India’s unique geographical advantage in the region. “The Indian Ocean is the only ocean named after a country, and we are positioned right at its centre,” he remarked.
Jaishankar further stressed that India’s economic expansion could generate broader benefits for neighbouring countries in the region. Nations that strengthen cooperation with India, he said, stand to gain from the country’s growth trajectory.
U.S. Policy and Energy Diplomacy
Meanwhile, U.S. policy toward India has also drawn attention in recent days following comments by Scott Bessent, who announced a temporary 30-day waiver from U.S. sanctions allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil.
According to Bessent, the decision was taken as part of the broader energy strategy of Donald Trump, aimed at maintaining stability in global oil markets while promoting American energy dominance.
Bessent stated that India had previously cooperated with Washington’s requests to halt purchases of sanctioned Russian oil and had considered substituting those imports with U.S. supplies. However, the temporary waiver was granted to address short-term disruptions in global energy availability.
Political Reactions in India
The development has sparked political debate within India. The opposition Indian National Congress has criticised the government, accusing it of allowing the United States to influence India’s foreign and economic policy decisions.
Government officials, however, maintain that India’s diplomatic and economic strategies continue to prioritise national interests and strategic autonomy.
As geopolitical competition intensifies and global alliances evolve, India’s leadership has repeatedly emphasised that the country’s rise on the international stage will ultimately be shaped by its own economic strength, strategic partnerships, and long-term policy choices.
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