External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlights India’s growing global footprint through expanding trade, development and HADR partnerships, while stressing strategic autonomy, diaspora welfare, skilled mobility, India-Africa cooperation and diplomacy in an evolving global landscape.
India’s growing global footprint is increasingly characterised by expanding trade, development cooperation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) partnerships, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while interacting with young diplomats participating in the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026.
Jaishankar highlighted the changing dimensions of India’s engagement with the international community during his interaction with diplomats at the forum. He discussed India’s expanding role in global affairs and the growing responsibilities associated with its emergence as an important economic, diplomatic and development partner.
Sharing details of the interaction on X, Jaishankar said he was delighted to engage with the young diplomats participating in the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026. He noted that India’s expanding global footprint is being shaped by growing trade relations, development partnerships and HADR cooperation with countries across different regions.
The External Affairs Minister also drew attention to the rise of a global workforce and the increasing mobility of skilled professionals. As more Indian professionals work and contribute across international markets, he underlined the growing responsibility of ensuring the welfare and interests of the Indian diaspora.
Jaishankar specifically referred to the welfare of seafarers as part of the broader responsibilities connected with India’s expanding global workforce. He also stressed the importance of strategic autonomy for countries seeking to navigate the complexities of the contemporary international environment.
According to Jaishankar, strategic autonomy remains important as nations deal with an increasingly complex global landscape marked by changing geopolitical and economic realities. He emphasised the need for countries to maintain the ability to take independent decisions while engaging constructively with partners around the world.
During the interaction, Jaishankar also spoke about the evolving India-Africa partnership. He said the emerging nature of the partnership is increasingly characterised by the transfer of technology, capabilities and experience. India’s engagement with African countries has continued to develop across several areas, with cooperation extending beyond traditional diplomatic and economic exchanges.
The minister also highlighted India’s contribution to international peace efforts through peacekeeping initiatives. Alongside peacekeeping, he stressed the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in addressing global challenges and resolving differences.
Another key issue discussed during the interaction was the changing nature of foreign policy in the social media era. Jaishankar pointed to the challenges faced by governments and diplomats as international affairs are increasingly influenced by rapid communication and digital platforms.
The interaction took place in the broader context of the Raisina Forum for Future of Diplomacy 2026, which brought together diplomats, policymakers, business leaders and strategic thinkers from India and several countries.
On October 1, the forum was held in Leh, bringing together participants from India and 39 countries. Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena addressed the gathering and highlighted the strategic importance of the Union Territory.
Saxena said the forum provided an opportunity to discuss geopolitics, geoeconomics, security and sustainable development against the backdrop of Ladakh’s distinctive ecology, challenging climate and vibrant cultural heritage.
He described Ladakh as a vital frontier where global diplomacy, security and sustainable development converge. He also highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering local communities while protecting the region’s fragile ecological environment.
According to Saxena, efforts in Ladakh are focused on improving connectivity, strengthening tourism infrastructure and supporting the local economy, while simultaneously protecting ecological and water resources. He said these efforts are intended to build an inclusive and resilient region.
Saxena also expressed a desire to host the World Economic Forum in Ladakh in the future. He said such an event could provide an opportunity to showcase Ladakh’s approach to sustainable growth to an international audience.
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The discussions at the Raisina Forum come at a time when India is seeking to deepen its partnerships across regions through economic cooperation, development assistance, humanitarian support, technology sharing and diplomatic engagement. Jaishankar’s interaction with young diplomats highlighted the expanding responsibilities accompanying India’s growing international presence and the importance of preparing the next generation of diplomats to address emerging global challenges.
