On Sunday, external Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the need for a foreign policy tailored to the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), noting that changes in foreign policy are necessary to adapt to the evolving global landscape.

At the launch of India’s World magazine, Jaishankar discussed the shifting dynamics in domestic and international contexts, highlighting the importance of reassessing foreign policy in light of these transformations. He urged that discussions on a post-Nehruvian foreign policy should not be viewed as political criticism but as a necessity in the current times.

“When we talk about changing foreign policy, particularly in the context of a post-Nehruvian framework, it should not be considered a political attack,” Jaishankar stated. He was addressing an audience that included foreign policy expert C Raja Mohan, who chairs the editorial board of India’s World.

Jaishankar identified four key factors driving the need for a new approach to foreign policy:

1. The Changing Global Landscape: Reflecting on the past, he noted that the “Nehru development model” created a corresponding “Nehru foreign policy,” shaped by a bipolar world order during the mid-20th century. A unipolar world followed this, and the global order is undergoing significant changes again.
2. Globalization and Interdependence: Jaishankar observed that globalization has increased interdependence between nations over the last two decades, changing how states interact.
3. Technological Advancements: He pointed out the profound impact of technological developments on foreign policy, state capabilities, and daily life, emphasizing that these technological shifts must be incorporated into the strategic thinking of foreign policy.
4. Domestic Reforms and Shifting National Aspirations: Jaishankar noted that as domestic models evolve, so must the country’s approach to foreign policy. “If the domestic model has changed, if the global landscape has shifted, and if the tools of foreign policy have evolved, how can our foreign policy remain the same?” he asked.

Reaffirming his point, he remarked that “a Nehru development model produced a Nehru foreign policy,” Now, it is time to adapt to contemporary realities. He mentioned that the reform of India’s foreign policy did not require Prime Minister Narendra Modi to initiate it; former Prime Minister Narasimha Rao had already begun this process.

Jaishankar also stressed the importance of being “grounded, realistic, and practical” in foreign policy discourse, particularly in track 1 (official diplomacy) and track 2 (unofficial dialogues). He emphasized that fostering a more nuanced and forward-thinking foreign policy approach will improve India’s global standing.

In closing, Jaishankar connected India’s aspirations for national development with the need for a foreign policy that reflects the vision of a “Viksit Bharat.” He said, “If our goal is to become a Viksit Bharat, we must have a foreign policy for Viksit Bharat. A decade ago, we suggested the need for India to start thinking about becoming a leading power — how to be more ambitious and plan for the future.”