External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar has asserted that embracing an Atmanirbharta mindset is vital for navigating the current global turbulence and building a developed India, or Viksit Bharat. Speaking on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that India's rich cultural heritage and the resilience of its people are key strengths in this endeavor. He underscored that self-reliance is not just an economic strategy but also a crucial element in bolstering self-confidence and resilience in an increasingly unpredictable world.
Dr. Jaishankar highlighted India's unique position as a civilizational state, one that has withstood the test of time while nurturing its culture, traditions, and heritage. He noted that the country has consistently overcome adversities and addressed numerous challenges on its path towards progress and prosperity. This inherent strength and self-belief of the Indian people form the bedrock of Atmanirbharta, enabling the nation to stand firm in the face of global instability.
The Minister stressed that while India remains open to global collaborations and benefits from such openness, self-reliance is paramount in times of unpredictability. Atmanirbharta, in this context, serves as both a mindset to effectively deal with global turbulence and a foundation for strengthening self-confidence and resilience, paving the way for Viksit Bharat. This approach aligns with India's foreign policy of influencing international agendas and shaping global narratives, drawing from its history and culture.
Dr. Jaishankar has previously described Atmanirbhar Bharat as a means to create a better-enabled India – one that is better fed, healthier, more self-reliant, and more self-confident. He clarified that Atmanirbhar Bharat is not a protectionist approach but rather an initiative to "make with, and make for, the world," emphasizing engagement with the global community rather than building walls. The core of Atmanirbhar Bharat lies in its people-centric policies, recognizing the importance of human resources and aiming to improve their quality.
India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic served as a practical demonstration of the importance of Atmanirbharta. The nation's ability to produce vaccines, administer over 2 billion shots, and develop the CoWIN platform showcased its capacity for self-reliance. This experience highlighted that in times of crisis, a lack of self-reliance can become a national security vulnerability.
In a world characterized by conflicts, power shifts, and increasing competition, Dr. Jaishankar has emphasized the need for India to have stable and mature leadership. He has also pointed out the declining influence of the United States and ongoing tensions in various regions, including Ukraine, Gaza, and the South China Sea, as factors contributing to global turbulence. Amidst these challenges, India aims to stabilize the uncertain world through rules, regimes, and laws, ensuring that it has a voice in shaping them.
Dr. Jaishankar has articulated that India's pursuit of national interests is not in contradiction with global good. As India aspires to be a leading power, its goal is not self-aggrandizement but to take on greater responsibility and make more contributions to the world. This vision is reflected in India's approach to global challenges, guided by the conviction that the world is one earth, one family, with one future.
The External Affairs Minister's emphasis on Atmanirbharta highlights India's strategic approach to navigating global complexities while simultaneously pursuing its development goals. By building core strengths, focusing on technology and human resources, and fostering self-confidence, India aims to not only withstand global turbulence but also emerge as a leading power with a significant global footprint.
