G20 presidency served as ‘catalyst’ to invigorate India’s foreign policy, Jaishankar tells Rajya Sabha

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said India’s G20 Presidency gives more force to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an “Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat”.

While giving a suo moto statement in the Rajya Sabha on India’s foreign policy, Jaishankar said as quoted by ANI, “In 2022, at the beginning of the Amrit Kaal, India assumed the landmark G-20 Presidency."

"We will host the Summit in September. Our Presidency has served as a catalyst to invigorate our foreign policy and give more force to realize the Prime Minister’s vision of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat that regains its rightful place in the world," he said.

India assumed G20 Presidency on Dec 1, last year.

EAM Jaishankar said, “During our Presidency, we have been able to focus attention on the most pressing challenges faced by humanity, especially developing countries."

He said, "This includes Mission LiFE for empowering climate-friendly lifestyles and the popularization of millets to address the challenge of food security. We have also advocated an inclusive human-centric approach to climate action and development, as well as the use of technology to transform the lives of people.”

“Since April 6, we have hosted the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Varanasi, the Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting in Hyderabad, the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, the Education Ministers’ Meeting in Pune, and the Finance Ministers’ and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting in Gandhinagar, Labour & Employment Ministers’ Meeting in Indore, Energy Ministers’ Meeting in Goa, Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministers’ Meeting in Chennai, and the Ministerial Meeting on Women Empowerment in Gandhinagar. As envisaged, we are realizing our intent to make India’s Presidency a truly national endeavour and showcase India to the world,” he added.

He said India's people-centric foreign policy is guided by the demands and aspirations of the society.

“Today, the world recognizes that when India speaks, it speaks not only for itself but for many others. And that India speaks as the voice of peace, security, and prosperity for all. Our Pravasishave a renewed confidence- both in the prospects of our future, and the receptivity of our government to their needs. While serving as a force for global good and stability, we have also vigorously defended our national interests,” he added.