Updated, Feb. 26. 2024. 9.10 PM.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stated that on the western front, the long-standing challenge of cross-border terrorism now elicits more befitting responses. He pointed out that Uri and Balakot sent their own message. Addressing the inaugural Pandit Hriday Nath Kunzru memorial lectures 2024 on theme Bharat and the World at JNU on Monday (26th February 2024), Dr Jaishankar said that India responds to cross-border terrorism strengthened by new tools of influence and disruptions with determination and fortitude.
He said Bharat has pushed back in the area of national security with determination and fortitude. The External Affairs Minister said that when India was challenged on the LAC with China in the midst of COVID, the rapid and effective counter deployments were the appropriate answer. He added that defence of the nation has been made much more effective to rectify the long neglect of the border infrastructure.
The Minister said, Bharat has multiple symbolisms in different domains including economic, development, political and cultural. He added that politically, Bharat is a statement of independence, and it is a declaration that India engages the world, not necessarily on terms set by others. He added that Bharat also means being a civilised state rather than just national polity. He said it suggests larger responsibility and contribution.
He further said, there has been discernible, even if uneven, progress in economic and political re-balancing of the global order. He emphasised that the G20 has taken over the G7 and many new groupings and mechanisms have come into being. He also highlighted that the list of the top economies of the world has undergone change and India itself has moved up six positions in the last decade.