NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday emphasised India’s independent foreign policy and the importance of its cultural heritage and said that India will prioritise its national interest and global good in its decisions.
Jaishankar said, “Independence should never be confused with neutrality. We will do whatever is right in our national interest and for global good without being intimidated to conform. Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on its choices.”
The Union minister, who received the 27th SIES Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati National Eminence Award,
highlighted the need for India to embrace its traditions while progressing. He believes India’s growing global presence has significant implications and the world can learn from India’s heritage. He stressed the importance of balancing tradition and technology in a globalised world.
Jaishankar believes India’s civilization status requires leveraging its cultural strengths to gain global influence. He encouraged younger generations to understand their heritage’s value. He noted India’s progress in addressing poverty and discrimination, and its role as an independent power committed to global good, particularly for developing nations.
He also acknowledged existing challenges and differing viewpoints within the country. He said, “For too long we were schooled to visualise progress and modernity as a rejection of our heritage and traditions.” He noted a shift towards rediscovering India’s identity as democracy deepens.