Keeping up with Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar’s relentless diplomatic schedule is no easy task. Since late December, he has crisscrossed the globe, making multiple visits to Washington D.C., Spain, the UAE, Paris, Munich, Oman, and Johannesburg for high-profile meetings and summits. His Asian counterparts, including China’s Wang Yi, trail far behind in their outreach efforts.
A Diplomat-Turned-Strategist
Jaishankar’s rise from career diplomat to foreign minister gives India a distinct advantage on the world stage. His experience as an ambassador to key global capitals—Washington, Beijing, and Singapore—has equipped him with a deep understanding of international power dynamics. At a time of escalating U.S.-China tensions, India’s foreign policy requires both agility and clarity, and Jaishankar has positioned himself as a master navigator of these shifting tides.
India’s Multi-Aligned Strategy
Unlike most global powers, India has maintained a unique diplomatic balancing act. It actively participates in the Quad (with the U.S., Japan, and Australia), the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS (with Russia and China), and sustains robust relations with Washington. Jaishankar has framed India’s stance not as anti-West but as “non-West,” advocating for strategic autonomy rather than alignment.
However, India’s global strategy faces critical tests ahead. With Donald Trump’s return to the White House, U.S.-India trade tensions could resurface, particularly in the form of new tariffs. Meanwhile, India’s delicate relationship with China remains an ongoing challenge.
Diplomacy vs. Domestic Realities
Despite Jaishankar’s impressive diplomacy, India’s economic slowdown over the past year has weakened its standing as the G20’s fastest-growing economy. For India to truly capitalize on its diplomatic momentum, deeper economic reforms, improved governance, and a level playing field for businesses are essential.
Until then, Jaishankar remains India’s star diplomat—an exceptional solo performer in an orchestra that still needs fine-tuning.
