‘Why Bharat Matters’, a book by External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar, is expected to be released in English in the early 2024. The EAM took to X on December 22 to make the aforementioned announcement. He further wrote on X: “2023 has been exceptionally eventful for Bharatiya diplomacy. Appreciating its challenges and outcomes means understanding the transformation underway, in the world as much as in Bharat itself. Have set out some thoughts in that regard from the perspective of the Ramayana while contributing to the conversation on foreign policy.”
Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar recently laid great emphasis on the division of power in the global structure and the significance of negotiating and shaping narratives to create both fair and just systems. In reference to the division of power in the global structure, the EAM remarked that those who are in the position of power will often create a system that would “appear fair, even if they are not” via negotiations and narrative.
He further talked about the division of power in the UN Security Council and said, “Those who have acquired economic dominance, will, through the process of negotiation and shaping of narrative, often create a system that would appear fair, even if they are not.”
He also mentioned that there are conversations in place regarding free trade, there are cases of “cherry picking” aiming to freeze leads acquired by the countries. He emphasised that the free trade is not viable to all sectors, such as food, clothing, drugs and intellectual property. Earlier, the EAM regarded Bharat’s G20 presidency as its diplomatic achievement of the year as Bharat was able to get the most powerful countries of the world under one roof. Additionally, it showcased a new commitment in promoting sustainable development and green growth while simultaneously making sure that international institutions like the World Bank and IMF would lend more prolifically.
He further extended the imagery of G20 being the World Cup of diplomacy, where the biggest and strongest players come in union. G20 was a testament to the most influential, powerful and consequential countries of the world gathered round the table.
