At the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar positioned India as a significant player in the global arena, describing it as a “power in the middle” with a population of 1.4 billion and an economy valued around $4 trillion. Addressing the evolving global order, Jaishankar emphasized the increasing cooperation among countries with shared interests to strengthen their influence in international decision-making.
Speaking alongside Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Jaishankar highlighted the crucial role of middle powers amid geopolitical uncertainties and shifting economic landscapes. He pointed out that nations are increasingly crafting independent policies and forming partnerships to tackle shared challenges. Initiatives like the Quad and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) exemplify strategic and economic collaborations, he noted.
Jaishankar also discussed a shift in global governance, suggesting that more countries are seeking to play a significant role in shaping international affairs. His remarks echoed the growing desire among emerging economies to enhance cooperation while maintaining strategic autonomy. This aligns with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s call for middle powers to collaborate in protecting multilateralism and adapting to changes in the international system.
Anita Anand echoed these sentiments, urging middle powers to take a proactive leadership role in influencing the global order. She stressed the importance of protecting international rules, bolstering economic resilience, and addressing emerging security challenges through joint efforts. Anand highlighted Canada’s strategy through trade agreements, security partnerships, and participation in multilateral platforms like the G7, suggesting that coordinated actions could enhance national strategic autonomy and support shared interests.
The discussion underscored the growing importance of middle power cooperation as nations navigate geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and changing global alliances. Both ministers emphasized the need for countries to engage closely and identify areas of aligned interests to foster a more resilient and cooperative international environment.