'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas': Jaishankar on India about navigating global conflicts with ease

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Saturday stated that India is such a country that can have relations with both Russia and Ukraine, and Israel and Iran in the midst of tectonic geopolitical shifts. He added that the Modi government's agenda of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas" holds good for India's foreign policy too.

BRICS and the QUAD

"In the polarised world, India is one of very few countries which interact with both Russia and Ukraine-Israel and Iran. The Democratic West and Global South. The BRICS and the QUAD. We have taken initiative or become part of over 40% of clusters committed to specific agendas. From renewables and bio-fuels to disaster resilience and connectivity," Jaishankar told during a session.

"Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas" in foreign policy

Jaishankar highlighted that the Modi government's "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikaas" (collective efforts, inclusive growth) programme is the same with foreign policy in India. He pointed out that India has approached other global clusters pro-actively to engage with, committing to specific agendas such as renewables, bio-fuels, resilience in the face of disaster, and connectivity.

India's neutrality in global conflicts

The External Affairs Minister once again assured India's devotion to peace, referring to the country's even-handed role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. India has followed a neutral stance in contrast to the Western nations, ever declaring in favor of peace. 

Balancing relations in the Middle East

Jaishankar also expressed his views about India's delicate balance in maintaining relations with Israel and Iran despite the fact that they have been at war for years. He acknowledged Israel's key role as a defense equipment supplier, whereas Iran is the key supplier of crude oil to India.