New Delhi, October 4 (Daily Kiran) : India’s Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed the Munich Leaders Meeting on Sunday, emphasizing the significant agenda for collaboration among emerging and middle powers in today’s world. He outlined a roadmap for cooperation that spans various sectors, including international security, trade, resilient supply chains, healthcare, talent mobility, connectivity, climate action, and defense.
During his speech, Jaishankar posed a critical question: “What could the agenda for emerging and middle powers be?” He shared his thoughts on the importance of international peace and security, noting that during times of conflict and tension, smaller nations can pool resources and support each other’s diplomacy.
He highlighted the growing dialogue between India and the European Union, indicating that both sides recognize the necessity of deepening economic ties in a rapidly changing global landscape. “Investment and trade are crucial areas,” he stated, referencing nearly 25 years of negotiations that have recently intensified, driven by a mutual understanding of the need for enhanced economic engagement.
Jaishankar pointed out that the current global reality is characterized by a mismatch between demand and demographics. He argued that the best way to address this imbalance is through the flow of talent and skills. He noted that advanced manufacturing requires a certain level of mobility to remain sustainable and emphasized the potential for cooperation among emerging and middle powers to enhance supply chain resilience.
“Supply chain resilience is vital,” Jaishankar remarked, acknowledging that different countries possess varying strengths. He illustrated this by explaining that one does not need to be the largest nation to dominate the semiconductor industry or produce critical machinery. He also stressed the need for diverse production in pharmaceuticals and APIs for health security.
Furthermore, he mentioned that emerging and middle powers can collaborate on connectivity and climate action, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change, which affects a significant portion of the world.
Jaishankar also discussed the evolving dynamics in the defense sector, where traditional notions of who manufactures and who purchases are changing. The emergence of smart defense capabilities and new producers, not limited to historically dominant countries or companies, reflects this shift.
He concluded by asserting that the agenda for cooperation among emerging and middle powers is vast and evolving. “The world is changing, and so is the agenda,” he said, expressing hope that this meeting would serve as a strong starting point for meaningful discussions.
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