India’s foreign minister used the world stage Saturday to spell out what he called the “guiding principles of Bharat,” presenting a vision of self-reliance, self-protection and self-confidence for the country’s role in global affairs.
Speaking at the U.N. General Assembly, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said India approaches contemporary challenges with “three key concepts” rooted in its civilizational identity and rising economic weight.
“One, Atmanirbharta or self-reliance. That means developing our own capabilities, building our own strengths and nurturing our own talent,” he said, pointing to advances in manufacturing, space programs, pharmaceutical production and digital applications. “Make, innovate and design in India also benefit the world.”
The second principle, Atmaraksha, or securing oneself, reflects New Delhi’s insistence on robust defense and counterterrorism. “We remain determined to protect our people and secure their interests, at home and abroad,” Jaishankar said. That includes “zero-tolerance for terrorism, robust defence of our borders, forging partnerships beyond and assisting our community abroad.”
The third pillar is Atmavishwas, or self-confidence. Jaishankar described India as “the most populous nation, a civilizational state, a rapidly growing major economy” that is “confident about who we are, and what we will be.” He added, “Bharat will always maintain its freedom of choice. And will always be a voice of the Global South.”
Jaishankar argued that in turbulent times, nations must hold firm to their values while contributing to peace and prosperity. “Islands of prosperity cannot flourish in an ocean of turbulence,” he said. “A world order requires common purpose, as it does empathy for others.”