External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India’s foreign policy is a blend of addressing historical challenges and advancing modern priorities. Speaking about unresolved issues, he said, “We have yet to secure our borders and are still combating terrorism on a serious scale.”

These challenges, he added, are remnants of the past that persist today.

Pointing out at a significant shift in recent years toward economic diplomacy, the External Affairs Minister said, “In the last decade, there has been a greater focus on technology, capital, best practices, collaborations, and investments in our foreign engagements,” he said, pointing out the increasing emphasis on national development during high-level visits by Indian leaders.  

He also acknowledged learning from the experiences of Southeast and East Asian countries, which have long prioritized integrating economic growth into their foreign policy frameworks.