The 88-year-old South Indian Education Society is one of the oldest educational societies in Mumbai and a major center of higher learning in India's financial capital with emphasis on professional institutions. Although the society does not have a footprint in strategic studies, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar chose that forum last weekend to make certain remarks regarding the government's foreign policy orientation. These remarks have since been highlighted on the MEA website, hinting at their resonance in world capitals.
The EAM's remarks can be succinctly captured on the following lines: although India has established itself as an independent power on the global stage, it continues to encounter "constraints and limitations" in the exercise of its autonomy; a discourse at the national level is needed to overcome them. Basically, this concerns India's identity and vision. And at the very core of it lies the government's determination not to "allow ourselves to be defined by others."
Clearly, greater assertion of our sense of independence inevitably involves taking a stance different from the dominant thinking of the day on occasions and is predicated on the ability to analyze problems and find solutions for ourselves. The crux of the matter is, Jaishankar underscored, "Independence should also never be confused for neutrality. We will do what is right in our national interest and for global good, without being intimidated to conform. In the final analysis, Bharat can never permit others to have a veto on our choices."
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SA20: Skipper Markram aims a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape
FRESH from playing a key role in helping South Africa qualify for the third edition of the World Test Championship, Aiden Markram has set his sights on a threepeat with Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20.
BFI Adopts New Weight Classes
The Boxing Federation of India (BFI) is conducting the men's national championships here in 10 weight categories, in line with the classification introduced by the breakaway World Boxing.
AFI's big push: De-centralisation of camps
New-look athletics body's one-of-a-kind policy set to encourage inclusivity & have wider pool of players to pick from
Janssen-sational: TN Dragons pip Team Gonasika
JIP JANSSEN slammed a hat-trick to steer Tamil Nadu Dragons to a tight 6-5 win over Team Gonasika in a high-scoring Hockey India League (HIL) clash here on Wednesday.
Selective application undermines credibility of sports governance
PT Usha and sports ministry are at loggerheads over the Indian Golf Union recognition.
Malaysia Open: Prannoy, Sat-Chi Enter Round of 16
HS Prannoy's match, his first since the Paris Olympics, was halted by rain on Tuesday.
Newcastle FC put one foot in League Cup final
NEWCASTLE took a giant stride towards the League Cup final as goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon earned a 2-0 semifinal, first leg lead at Arsenal on Tuesday.
SBI Lowers FY25 Economic Growth to 6.3%
The State Bank of India has revised its forecast for India's GDP growth for financial year 2024-25 (FY25) to 6.3%, down from the National Statistical Office's (NSO) projection of 6.4%.
Sebi finds broker with 1,103 fake client codes
MARKET regulator Sebi has found that a little known stock broker, Stockholding Services, which is the broking arm of Stock Holding Corporation of India, made thousands of fake client codes in violation of the mandatory KYC norms.
Govt Revises Nov Gold Import Figs
Downward revision by $5 billion may result in lower trade deficit for the reported month
