Welcome Remarks: Release of Amb Rajiv Sikri’s book ‘Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India's Foreign Policy’ on Friday, 30 Aug 2024

Honourable External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar

Ambassador Kanwal Sibal, Ambassador Rajiv Sikri, Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all on the occasion of today’s event for the release Amb Rajiv Sikri’s latest book Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India's Foreign Policy. Many congratulations to the author on his latest book.

Some years ago, in 2009, Amb Sikri had written a book titled Rethinking India’s Foreign Policy. Since then a lot has changed in the world. His latest book is welcome as it will stimulate and informed discussion on the current challenges before India.

We are grateful to External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar for finding time from his busy schedule to be here today. Dr Jaishankar needs no introduction. As India’s top diplomat, he is a global personality. He enjoys great following in India particularly, among the youth. He has made enormous contribution to the cause of explaining foreign policy to national and global audiences. His books The India Way and Why Bharat Matters are essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand India’s foreign policy framework and strategies in the last ten years.

I would also like to thank Ambassador Kanwal Sibal for participating in a conversation with the author on his latest book. A former Foreign Secretary, Amb Sibal is India’s veteran diplomat and a leading commentator on foreign policy issues.

Friends

This is a timely book on a highly relevant subject. The world is no longer what it used to be. Disorder is deepening. Turmoil is increasing. Rebalancing is underway. Violence, conflicts, tension levels are at all-time high. At such a time of churn and change, there is need to constantly identity challenges and opportunities and review our options. Reshaping the Foreign Policy in the light of the global and regional changes will be a constant endeavour.

As India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Jaishankar has the responsibility to steer India’s foreign policy in trying times. Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have made tireless efforts to position India at the high tables of international politics. Some memorable moments of India’s foreign policy stand out; ‘This should not be on era of wars’; ‘Differences should not be allowed to become disputes’; India putting Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam as the overarching theme of G-20 presidency last year; India rallying the Voice of Global South at different fora; India’s championing of Security and Growth for All as the framework for maritime cooperation; India’s advocacy of Aatmanirbharta and Local for Global as a strategy to build Indian strengths. There are many more.

Yet, the real world is brutal. India is facing acute instability and fragility in its immediate neighbourhood. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal are in varying degrees of turmoil. This is having an impact on India. Navigating the contradictions of great power contestation is going to be challenging. Dealing with China is the greatest of our challenges. Global economic environment is uncertain. Multilateralism has become ineffective in dealing with the larger question of peace, security and cooperation. An effective strategy is needed to deal with the consequences of climate change.

We had two-day long discussion on these issues at the VIF recently. Senior members of the Indian strategic community participated in it. The conclusion was clear: our policies will need to be upgraded to meet the challenges to India’s security and development.

The book takes up many of these issues. We eagerly look forward to EAM’s keynote address, author’s remarks and the conversation between Amb Sibal and the author.

I request the EAM to release the book.