A New India on the Global Stage
This is an India determined to play on the big stage, even changing the stage itself where necessary to advance its interests.
I picked up Why Bharat Matters with keen interest, drawn by Dr S. Jaishankar’s reputation for candid diplomacy—such as his remark that Europe needs to rethink its global perspective. I anticipated a book that would reject conventional neutrality in favour of a bold, unapologetic articulation of India’s worldview. What I found was a compelling vision of a nation at ease with its civilisational identity, ready to redefine its role on the global stage.
About the author
Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, brings decades of frontline diplomatic experience to this work—from serving as Foreign Secretary to postings as Ambassador to the U.S. and China. His inside perspective makes this book a compelling analysis of the strategic thinking shaping India’s foreign policy today
Core theme
India has today moved out of the defensive non-aligned posture, engaging multiple nations on a range of issues with equal confidence
The central argument is clear: India is transitioning from a historically defensive, non-aligned stance to a confident, pragmatic foreign policy rooted in civilisational identity (“Bharat”) and national interest. Jaishankar positions India as a “leading power” and “vishwa mitra” (friend to the world), capable of shaping global agendas through strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and domestic-driven influence.
Key Topics Discussed
Strategic Realism and Diplomacy
Dr Jaishankar advocates for a diplomacy grounded in realism and national interest, moving beyond past ideological constraints. The approach involves proactive, multi-vector engagement, building issue-based coalitions (e.g., Quad, I2U2), effective strategic communication, and learning from historical precedents.
India-China Relations
The 2020 border clashes marked a turning point, exposing the fragility of past agreements. Jaishankar stresses three imperatives for managing ties:
- Mutual respect and sensitivity
- Border tranquility as the foundation
- Building India’s capabilities (military, infrastructure, economic resilience)
The West, Quad, and Indo-Pacific
The book highlights convergence with the U.S. on democratic values and shared interests, framing the Quad as a flexible, solutions-orientated group focused on regional stability, technology, and global commons. India’s “Act East” policy and Indo-Pacific vision reflect this expanded strategic footprint.
Voice of the Global South
India positions itself as a bridge between the developing and developed worlds, championing:
- Climate justice and equitable resource access
- Vaccine Maitri and development partnerships
- Institutional reforms (e.g., AU’s G20 membership, Voice of Global South Summit)
Cultural Diplomacy and Diaspora
Dr Jaishankar underscores soft power tools—yoga, Ayurveda, and India’s civilisational legacy—while leveraging the diaspora as a strategic asset. Post-2014, systematic engagement with overseas Indians has intensified.
Link Between Domestic Progress and External Influence
Foreign policy matters not just in distress situations. It could literally determine your security, your job, the quality of your life and, as we discovered recently, even your health.
The “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) vision ties economic growth, technological prowess, and infrastructure development to global influence. The message is clear: internal progress enables external assertiveness.
Key Insights and Arguments Presented
- Epic Analogies: Dr Jaishankar frequently uses analogies from the Ramayana and Mahabharata to illustrate diplomatic principles and strategic challenges.
- Critique of the Past Policies: The book critically examines certain past foreign policy choices, particularly regarding China and multilateral approaches in the Nehruvian era, contrasting them with current realism. It cites historical figures like Patel, Mookerjee, and Ambedkar who advocated for different approaches.
- Modern Security Challenges: It discusses the concept of contemporary competition involving the “weaponisation” of routine domains like trade, finance, connectivity, and data (“war by other means”).
- Economic Statecraft: National strategy presents economic diplomacy as a key component, including trade negotiations (FTAs, RCEP refusal), investment attraction, technology partnerships, and supply chain resilience.
- Multilateral Reform: While critiquing outdated institutions (e.g., UN), Dr Jaishankar champions minilateralism (smaller, agile coalitions).
Anecdote Mentioned
Samarkand Statement: The book references Prime Minister Modi’s statement to President Putin in Samarkand (September 2022) that “this is not an era of war” as an example of India articulating its views on major global issues.
Why This Book Matters Now
With each passing day, it is becoming clearer that India matters because it is Bharat.
This book is a timely read for several reasons:
- Post-COVID Geopolitics: It decodes the pandemic’s effect on global supply chains, health diplomacy, and interdependence.
- Multipolar Order: As power becomes more diffuse, India’s ability to manoeuvre strategically is increasingly relevant.
- Digital Sovereignty: Data, cyber diplomacy, and public infrastructure are now foreign policy issues—and the book addresses them directly.
- Voice of the South: India’s growing role as a representative of the Global South is perhaps more important than ever amid widening global inequalities.
Final Thoughts
Why Bharat Matters transcends traditional foreign policy discourse. It’s a manifesto for India’s 21st-century ambition—connecting history to strategy, domestic growth to global leverage, and values to power. For readers seeking to understand how India thinks, Dr Jaishankar’s blend of scholarship, anecdote, and provocation makes this essential reading. read.
