Title: Why Bharat Matters: A Profound Insight into India’s Global Significance
Author: Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian Foreign Minister, Non-fiction, International Relations,
Pages: 226,MRP: Rs. 695/-
Introduction
In his thought-provoking book, “Why Bharat Matters,” Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Indian Foreign Minister, offers a compelling exploration of India’s global significance in the 21st century. Drawing from his vast experience as a diplomat and his deep understanding of international relations, Dr. Jaishankar presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s role and its potential to shape the world order.
The World Is Not Just Tough But Also Highly Unpredictable
The book commences by confronting the stark reality that the world is not just tough but also highly unpredictable. From the upheavals caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to volatile conflicts, climate change, and technological disruptions, negotiating this complex terrain demands resilience and adaptability. Jaishankar adeptly unfolds the intricate global scenario, spotlighting the ascendance of China, the evolving stance of the United States, and the pervasive influence of globalization.
Within this intricate tableau, India emerges not as a passive spectator but as a dynamic participant. Jaishankar paints a vivid portrayal of a “New India,” one that derives strength from its ancient heritage and democratic values while boldly embracing a future illuminated by technological optimism. This “Bharat,” as he underscores, aspires not solely to elevate itself but also to contribute to the well-being of the Global South and the broader global good.
Dr. Jaishankar begins by tracing the historical evolution of India’s civilizational ethos, emphasizing its rich cultural heritage and its enduring values of pluralism, inclusivity, and tolerance. This foundation serves as a backdrop for understanding India’s contemporary role in global affairs.
India’s strategic partnerships and diplomatic initiatives
One of the book’s strengths lies in its exploration of India’s strategic partnerships and diplomatic initiatives.
Dr. Jaishankar provides a detailed account of India’s engagement with major powers, such as the United States, China, Russia, and its immediate neighbors. He explains how India’s foreign policy under the current leadership has moved beyond traditional alliances and fostered deeper connections based on mutual interests and shared values.
Furthermore, the book delves into India’s growing economic prowess and its potential as an engine of global growth.
Dr. Jaishankar highlights the country’s demographic dividend, technological advancements, and entrepreneurial spirit as key factors that position India as a significant player in the global economy. He also addresses the challenges and opportunities that arise from India’s rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable development.
What sets the book apart is Dr. Jaishankar’s ability to blend personal anecdotes with geopolitical analysis. He shares insights from his diplomatic career, providing readers with a unique behind-the-scenes perspective on pivotal moments in India’s foreign policy. This approach humanizes the narrative and adds depth to the author’s arguments, making the book accessible to both policymakers and general readers alike.
He shares his insights on the foreign policy of the Modi government, the role of culture and values in shaping India’s outlook, and the lessons that can be drawn from India’s epics and heritage.
The book is a collection of 11 essays, each covering a different aspect of India’s engagement with the world.
Chapter 1-‘Presenting a World View’
The first essay, ‘Presenting a World View’, sets the tone by analysing the five phenomena that have dominated international relations in the last quarter of a century: globalization, rebalancing, multipolarity, impact of technology, and the games that nations play.
He argues that India needs to read global trends well, anticipate their implications, and respond nimbly and effectively. He also stresses the importance of having a vision, an architecture, and objectives for India’s foreign policy, based on its convictions and culture.
Chapter2- ‘Foreign Policy and You’
The second essay, ‘Foreign Policy and You’, explains how foreign policy works for the benefit of the common people, by meeting their everyday needs, ensuring their security, facilitating their aspirations, and projecting their image.
He gives examples of how the Modi government’s foreign policy has made a difference in the lives of Indians, such as the Vaccine Maitri initiative, the first responder operations, the evacuation missions, and the G20 presidency. He also urges the readers to appreciate the complexities and dilemmas of decision-making in a turbulent world, and to draw inspiration from India’s sagas and values.
Chapter3- ‘The State of the World’
The third essay, ‘The State of the World’, provides a detailed assessment of the current global situation, marked by volatility, upheaval, and unpredictability. He identifies the key drivers and actors of the global order, and how they are affecting India’s interests and prospects. He discusses the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, the West Asia turmoil, the China factor, the US posture, the European dynamics, the African potential, and the Indo-Pacific reality.
He also highlights the opportunities for India to leverage its strengths, partnerships, and initiatives, and to shape the global agenda.
Chapter 4-‘Back to the Future’
The fourth essay, ‘Back to the Future’, traces the historical evolution of India’s foreign policy, from the ancient times to the present day. He shows how India’s civilizational ethos, geographical location, and political experience have influenced its worldview and behaviour. He also examines the key phases and milestones of India’s modern diplomacy, such as the freedom struggle, the non-alignment, the Cold War, the economic reforms, the nuclear tests, the Look East policy, the Neighbourhood First policy, and the Act East policy.
He argues that India’s foreign policy has always been adaptive and pragmatic, but also rooted in its values and identity.
Chapter 5-‘A Transformational Decade’
The fifth essay, ‘A Transformational Decade’, focuses on the foreign policy of the Modi government, and how it has brought about a paradigm shift in India’s global engagement. He lists the various achievements and innovations of the Modi diplomacy, such as the Neighbourhood First policy, the SAGAR vision, the Quad grouping, the I2U2 and IMEC initiatives, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the International Solar Alliance, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, the Voice of the Global South Summit, and the Ram Rajya model.
He also explains the rationale and the outcomes of some of the bold and decisive steps taken by the Modi government, such as the surgical strikes, the Balakot air strike, the Article 370 move, the RCEP decision, and the border deployment.
Chapter 6-‘Making Friends, Influencing People’
The sixth essay, ‘Making Friends, Influencing People’, delves into the details of India’s key relationships and partnerships with various countries and regions. He discusses the strategic, economic, cultural, and people-to-people dimensions of India’s ties with the US, Russia, China, Japan, Europe, Africa, West Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and Latin America. He also elaborates on the challenges and opportunities that India faces in each of these relationships, and how it has managed to balance its interests and values.
He emphasizes the importance of building trust, credibility, and chemistry with the leaders and the publics of the partner countries.
Chapter7- ‘Quad: A Grouping Foretold’
The seventh essay, ‘Quad: A Grouping Foretold’, traces the origin, evolution, and significance of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad, comprising India, the US, Japan, and Australia. He argues that the Quad is a natural and inevitable outcome of the changing geopolitics of the Indo-Pacific region, and that it is not a military alliance, but a platform for cooperation on a range of issues, such as maritime security, connectivity, infrastructure, trade, technology, health, climate, and disaster relief.
He also dispels some of the myths and misconceptions about the Quad, and asserts that it is not directed against any country, but rather in favour of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.
Chapter 8-‘Dealing with China’
The eighth essay, ‘Dealing with China’, deals with one of the most complex and consequential aspects of India’s foreign policy, namely, its relationship with China. He provides a candid and comprehensive account of the various facets of the India-China ties, such as the boundary dispute, the trade imbalance, the connectivity projects, the regional and global issues, and the people-to-people exchanges.
He also analyses the causes and consequences of the recent developments on the border, and how they have impacted the overall relationship. He stresses the need for a realistic and balanced approach towards China, based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity, and mutual interests.
Fact of the matter is that China is not interested in resolving the boundary issue and diplomatic effort to improve relations with China is not going to work .It is only Indian hard power and comprehensive national power that will improve relations with China.
Chapter9-‘Re-Imagining Security’
The ninth essay, ‘Re-Imagining Security’, explores the changing nature and scope of security in the contemporary world, and how India is adapting to it. He argues that security is no longer limited to the traditional domains of land, sea, and air, but has expanded to new domains, such as space, cyberspace, and the electromagnetic spectrum. He also contends that security is not only about defending against threats, but also about creating opportunities and enhancing capabilities.
He gives examples of how India is pursuing a comprehensive and cooperative security strategy, by developing its own defence industry, participating in multilateral forums, and forging partnerships with like-minded countries.
Chapter 10-‘The Roads Not Taken’
The tenth essay, ‘The Roads Not Taken’, reflects on some of the counterfactual scenarios and alternative paths that India could have taken in its foreign policy, and how they would have affected its destiny. He examines some of the hypothetical questions, such as what if India had joined the Non-Proliferation Treaty, what if India had accepted the UN Security Council seat, what if India had joined the US-led coalition in Iraq, what if India had signed the CTBT, what if India had joined the RCEP, and what if India had not responded to the Uri and Pulwama attacks.
He argues that these questions are not merely academic, but useful in understanding the logic and the consequences of India’s choices.
Chapter 11-‘Why Bharat Matters’
The eleventh and the final essay, ‘Why Bharat Matters’, sums up the main arguments and messages of the book, and makes a case for why India, or Bharat, matters to the world and to itself. He asserts that India matters to the world because of its size, its potential, its values, its culture, and its contributions. He also asserts that India matters to itself because of its aspirations, its challenges, its opportunities, and its responsibilities.
He concludes by saying that India can only rise when it is truly Bharat, and that it must define its own interests, articulate its own positions, find its own solutions, and advance its own model.
Book Review Part 2
Title: Why Bharat Matters: A Profound Insight into India’s Global Significance
Author: Dr. S. Jaishankar, Indian Foreign Minister, Non-fiction, International Relations,
Pages: 226,MRP: Rs. 695/-
Introduction
In his thought-provoking book, “Why Bharat Matters,” Dr. S. Jaishankar, the Indian Foreign Minister, offers a compelling exploration of India’s global significance in the 21st century. Drawing from his vast experience as a diplomat and his deep understanding of international relations, Dr. Jaishankar presents a comprehensive analysis of India’s role and its potential to shape the world order.
“Why Bharat Matters” covers many other aspects that make it a noteworthy book:
Geopolitical Analysis: Dr. Jaishankar provides a comprehensive examination of India’s geopolitical position. He analyzes India’s relationships with key global powers, including the United States, China, and Russia, and explores the implications of these dynamics for India’s foreign policy choices.
Regional Dynamics: The book delves into India’s relationships with its immediate neighbors, such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Dr. Jaishankar explores the complexities and opportunities within these regional dynamics, emphasizing the importance of fostering stability and cooperation.
Multilateralism and Global Governance: Dr. Jaishankar discusses India’s active engagement in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, G20, and BRICS. He highlights India’s role in shaping global governance and advocates for a more inclusive and representative international order.
Security Challenges: The book addresses the security challenges faced by India, including terrorism, cyber threats, and maritime security. Dr. Jaishankar provides insights into India’s approach to countering these challenges and emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts on a global scale.
Cultural Diplomacy: Dr. Jaishankar explores the soft power potential of India’s rich cultural heritage. He highlights the role of cultural diplomacy in promoting India’s image abroad and deepening people-to-people connections.
Economic Diplomacy: The book examines India’s economic diplomacy efforts, including trade agreements, investment initiatives, and the promotion of entrepreneurship. Dr. Jaishankar underscores India’s economic potential and its aspirations to become a global economic powerhouse.
Climate Change and Sustainable Development: Dr. Jaishankar acknowledges the importance of addressing climate change and achieving sustainable development. He discusses India’s commitment to renewable energy, climate diplomacy, and its efforts to balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Historical Context: Dr. Jaishankar provides a historical context to India’s global significance by highlighting its ancient civilizational heritage. He explores the contributions of India’s ancient philosophers, scientists, and scholars, emphasizing the long-standing cultural and intellectual influence that India has had on the world.
Diplomatic Challenges: The book delves into the challenges that India faces in its diplomatic endeavors. Dr. Jaishankar discusses issues such as balancing competing interests, managing complex relationships, and navigating global power shifts. He offers insights into the diplomatic strategies employed by India to overcome these challenges.
Soft Power and Public Diplomacy: Dr. Jaishankar emphasizes the importance of India’s soft power in enhancing its global influence. He discusses India’s cultural exports, such as yoga, Bollywood, and cuisine, and how they contribute to shaping positive perceptions of India and fostering stronger international relations.
Diaspora Engagement: The book acknowledges the significance of India’s diaspora and its role in India’s global outreach. Dr. Jaishankar explores how the Indian diaspora, which is spread across the globe, acts as a bridge between India and their adopted countries, contributing to economic, cultural, and political ties.
Strategic Autonomy: Dr. Jaishankar emphasizes the concept of strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy. He explains how India seeks to maintain its independence and decision-making capacity while engaging with multiple global powers and pursuing its national interests.
India’s Neighborhood First Policy: The book highlights India’s “Neighborhood First” policy, which underscores the importance of fostering strong relationships with its neighboring countries. Dr. Jaishankar discusses the rationale behind this policy and the efforts India has made to enhance regional cooperation and connectivity.
Crisis Management and Humanitarian Diplomacy: Dr. Jaishankar provides insights into India’s approach to crisis management and humanitarian diplomacy. He discusses India’s role in providing aid and assistance during natural disasters and humanitarian crises, showcasing India’s commitment to global cooperation and its willingness to contribute to international peace and stability.
Technology and Innovation: The book explores India’s growing role in technology and innovation. Dr. Jaishankar discusses India’s advancements in areas such as information technology, space exploration, and renewable energy, and how these contribute to India’s global standing as a knowledge hub.
Indo-Pacific and Security Architecture: Dr. Jaishankar discusses India’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and its approach to shaping the security architecture in the area. He explores India’s partnerships with like-minded countries, such as the Quad (India, United States, Japan, and Australia), and emphasizes the importance of a rules-based order and freedom of navigation in the region.
Counterterrorism and Global Security: The book delves into India’s efforts in countering terrorism and its role in global security. Dr. Jaishankar highlights the various challenges posed by terrorism and emphasizes the need for international cooperation to combat this menace. He also discusses India’s contributions to peacekeeping operations under the United Nations.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power: Dr. Jaishankar further explores the concept of cultural diplomacy and soft power in India’s foreign policy. He elaborates on India’s cultural heritage, including its art, music, literature, and spiritual traditions, and how they contribute to enhancing India’s global influence and building bridges with other nations.
Economic Diplomacy and Global Trade: The book delves into India’s economic diplomacy efforts and its role in global trade. Dr. Jaishankar discusses India’s participation in regional and global trade agreements, such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the country’s efforts to enhance economic cooperation with various regions and countries.
Sustainable Development: Dr. Jaishankar addresses India’s commitment to climate diplomacy and sustainable development. He highlights India’s efforts to address climate change, including the International Solar Alliance and its focus on renewable energy. He also emphasizes the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability.
Digital Diplomacy and Technology: The book explores India’s engagement in digital diplomacy and the role of technology in shaping international relations. Dr. Jaishankar discusses India’s initiatives in digital connectivity, e-governance, and leveraging technology for development, highlighting how these efforts contribute to India’s global relevance.
Public-Private Partnerships: Dr. Jaishankar emphasizes the significance of public-private partnerships in India’s foreign policy. He discusses the role of businesses and entrepreneurs in promoting economic ties and fostering innovation.
Strategic Outlook and Future Challenges: Dr. Jaishankar reflects on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including evolving power dynamics, technological advancements, and global governance reforms. He provides insights into India’s approach to navigating these complexities and shaping its future trajectory.
Vision for the Future– Dr. Jaishankar offers his perspectives on emerging geopolitical trends and their potential impact on India’s role in the future. He discusses issues such as the rise of Asia, the evolving nature of power dynamics, and the need for greater collaboration in addressing global challenges.
He outlines the key principles that should guide India’s foreign policy, highlighting the importance of strategic autonomy, inclusive growth, and a rules-based international order.
“Why Bharat Matters” is a comprehensive and insightful exploration of India’s global significance and its evolving role in the world. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s expertise and nuanced analysis make the book a compelling read for those interested in understanding the complexities of India’s foreign policy and its aspirations to shape the geopolitical landscape.
Concluding Remarks
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s latest work, “Why Bharat Matters,” transcends the boundaries of a conventional foreign policy memoir. Instead, it resonates as a compelling call to all Indians, urging them to fathom the nation’s pivotal role amidst a swiftly transforming world. Navigating the tumultuous waters of contemporary geopolitics, Jaishankar artfully emphasizes India’s distinctive position as a burgeoning power confronting intricate challenges while embracing its profound civilizational identity.
In terms of writing style, Dr. Jaishankar’s prose is lucid and engaging. He effortlessly navigates complex subjects, making them accessible to readers with varying levels of familiarity with international relations. The book strikes a fine balance between academic analysis and a conversational tone, ensuring that readers remain engrossed throughout.
Essential Read For Anyone Seeking A Deeper Understanding Of India’s Role In The Global Arena
“Why Bharat Matters” is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India’s role in the global arena. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s expertise and eloquence shine through, providing readers with valuable insights into India’s foreign policy priorities, its aspirations, and the challenges it faces. This book not only serves as a significant contribution to the field of international relations but also inspires readers to recognize the relevance of India’s rise on the world stage.
The accessibility of the book is a notable strength. Jaishankar demystifies intricate foreign policy concepts, rendering them pertinent to the daily lives of Indian citizens. He illustrates how global events, ranging from trade agreements to security threats, directly impact the lives of Indians, influencing everything from job creation to national security. This isn’t an arid academic treatise; it’s a rallying cry for active engagement with the world around us.
Jaishankar doesn’t evade critical self-reflection, acknowledging the internal and external challenges that India confronts. The recurring theme of the need for stability amid global unpredictability is underscored, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning and agility in navigating the turbulent times ahead.
Why Bharat Matters”
Beyond geopolitics, “Why Bharat Matters” stands as a celebration of India’s rich civilizational heritage. Jaishankar eloquently interweaves India’s history, culture, and values into the narrative, illustrating how these timeless elements shape its foreign policy approach. This isn’t just about India’s ascent on the world stage; it’s about reclaiming its rightful place as a civilizational state with a distinctive contribution to offer the world.
The key takeaways from the book encapsulate the essence of global unpredictability demanding active engagement, India’s rise being intertwined with the well-being of the Global South, the tangible impact of foreign policy on daily life, the influence of India’s civilizational heritage on its foreign policy, and the imperative of strategic planning and agility for navigating the future.
“Why Bharat Matters” is indispensable for anyone intrigued by India’s global standing, regardless of their nationality. It serves as a timely and insightful analysis of India’s multifaceted challenges and opportunities, reaffirming the nation’s potential to shape a brighter future for itself and the world. Jaishankar’s work transcends intellectual discourse; it’s a call to action, an invitation to join India on its journey towards growth and global leadership while remaining true to its unique identity.
While primarily focused on India’s global role, the book provides valuable insights into international relations and the evolving power dynamics worldwide. Dr. Jaishankar’s personal anecdotes and experiences as Foreign Minister infuse the book with a human touch, making it both informative and engaging. Published at a crucial juncture as India embarks on its “Amrit Kaal,” a 25-year period leading to the centenary of its independence, the book serves as a roadmap for navigating the forthcoming challenges and opportunities.
“Why Bharat Matters” is an intellectually stimulating and enlightening book that sheds light on India’s global significance. Dr. S. Jaishankar’s erudition and firsthand experiences make it a compelling read for anyone interested in international affairs, diplomacy, or India’s evolving role in shaping the world order.
The book “Why Bharat Matters” recommended to anyone eager to comprehend India’s global positioning and its potential to shape a better future. It is a thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned.
