External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Monday that India must become the primary crisis response partner for South Asian nations as he addressed the inaugural Aravalli Summit 2025 at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Jaishankar emphasized that national capabilities and territorial defense require infrastructure rather than declarations, and he noted that goodwill toward neighbors cannot assume reciprocity. The minister explained that India's Neighbourhood First policy aims to provide stable cooperation frameworks despite political volatility across the region.
Jaishankar outlined India's expanding diplomatic engagement through initiatives such as Act East, Link West, and Focus Africa to counter strategic disadvantages from partition. He highlighted connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and trilateral highways as essential for expanding options. The minister stated that India's growing economy increases its responsibilities as a first responder with development projects in 78 nations. Multi-alignment serves India well as it prepares to become a leading global power over two generations.
Jaishankar outlined India's expanding diplomatic engagement through initiatives such as Act East, Link West, and Focus Africa to counter strategic disadvantages from partition. He highlighted connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and trilateral highways as essential for expanding options. The minister stated that India's growing economy increases its responsibilities as a first responder with development projects in 78 nations. Multi-alignment serves India well as it prepares to become a leading global power over two generations.
