Jaishankar Urges Students to Grow at Home, Engage Abroad
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed students at an event at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, where he spoke about India’s approach to development and foreign engagement. He emphasised that India’s rise on the global stage must be anchored in strong domestic growth, institutional capacity, and self-confidence. According to him, nations that are secure and successful internally are better positioned to engage effectively with the world.
Domestic Strength as the Foundation
Jaishankar said India’s ability to influence global affairs depends on how well it performs at home in areas such as the economy, technology, education, and governance. He underlined that international respect cannot be demanded but is earned through sustained domestic progress. He encouraged students to see national development as the first step toward meaningful global participation.
Engaging the World With Confidence
The minister highlighted that global engagement is essential in an interconnected world, especially for research collaboration, innovation, trade, and addressing shared challenges. He stressed that international exposure should not distance individuals from national priorities but should instead help strengthen India’s capabilities. Clear communication, he said, is critical in diplomacy to avoid misunderstandings and build trust between nations.
Role of Youth and Institutions
Jaishankar noted that India’s youth and academic institutions will shape the country’s future global role. He said universities must act as bridges between domestic talent and international knowledge networks, enabling India to engage the world from a position of confidence and strength.
