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Press Release

No Question That the World Looks at Us as an Exceptionally Strong Area of Growth: Dr S Jaishankar

Dec 09, 2023

Important for Indian Businesses to build Indian supply chains and support Indian vendors. 

 

New Delhi. December 09, 2023: Addressing the valedictory session of FICCI’s 96th Annual General Meeting and Annual Convention, Dr S Jaishankar, Union Minister of External Affairs, underscored India's remarkable journey towards 'Viksit Bharat', amidst a backdrop of global economic and political challenges.  

Dr Jaishankar articulated India's robust growth trajectory, noting the nation's emergence as a strong area of growth in the global arena. This recognition, as per the Minister, reflects the substantial economic and infrastructural advancements achieved over the past decade. He emphasized that India's resilience, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a testament to the nation's strength and adaptability, leading to a swift return to robust economic growth. 

Focusing on India's journey towards 'Viksit Bharat', the Minister outlined the government's efforts over the past decade to enhance the ease of doing business, improve the quality of life (ease of living), develop infrastructure, and establish a robust digital public infrastructure. These initiatives, he noted, have been pivotal in propelling India forward on its path to becoming a developed nation. 

In addition, Dr Jaishankar emphasised the greater global insecurity, citing various international challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical shifts in Afghanistan, the Ukraine conflict, and the escalating tensions between the United States and China. He noted that these events have contributed to a heightened sense of uncertainty, necessitating a re-evaluation of international trade and political strategies. 

The External Affairs Minister also highlighted the crucial role of industry as a responsible entity in India's growth narrative. “You are also builders of national strength,” he asserted, encouraging businesses to contribute to the nation's development and support Indian supply chains. “I think it's important, especially for big business in India to help build Indian supply chains to support Indian vendors,” he added. Emphasising the importance of businesses in driving inclusive development, he urged industry leaders to play a proactive role in fostering growth, particularly in lesser-developed regions of India, especially the aspirational districts. 

Dr. Jaishankar spoke at length about India's proactive role in international crises, referencing operations in Ukraine, Israel, and Sudan. He stressed the nation's readiness to deploy resources for the safety of its citizens worldwide. "We will not only look after our people at home, we will also look after our people abroad. And if our people get into trouble abroad, we are perfectly prepared to deploy all our assets to actually go and bring them back," he affirmed. 

The Minister also delved into the ongoing debate around the term 'Bharat', emphasizing its multifaceted significance. "Bharat is a belief and an attitude; it has economic, political, cultural, social, and personal dimensions," he explained. His interpretation of Bharat advocates for self-definition and self-reliance, resisting external influences. Dr. Jaishankar pointed to the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and remarked, “If you are Bharat, you have to be AtmaNirbhar, and if you are Atmanirbhar, you will be Bharat.” This vision of a developed, self-reliant India, according to him, is essential for engaging with the world confidently. 

Speaking on occasion, Mr Subhrakant Panda, President, FICCI, noted “Today, India’s sphere of influence has enlarged because of its rapid economic growth and clear-headed diplomacy. Its relevance has increased and it has become a bridge between the developed and the developing world.” 

Dr Anish Shah, President-elect, FICCI, said, “India has just taken its rightful place as a leader on the world stage. It stood tall on principles and has put forth the human-centric approach to global leadership.” 

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