PM Modi's 2013 Foreign Policy Vision Becomes a Reality

In a podcast conversation with US influencer and AI researcher Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflected on his political and diplomatic journey, offering insights into India's foreign policy principles. Recalling his early days as a prime ministerial candidate in 2013, he discussed the skepticism he encountered about his grasp of global geopolitics. Critics doubted his ability to handle foreign affairs, dismissing him as just a state leader.

“My critics often tried to corner me on one point. It became a topic of widespread discussion—Modi is nothing more than a state leader. What does he know of foreign policy? Does he even understand global geopolitics?” PM Modi recalled.

Podcaster Lex Fridman interviewed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month(X (PIB)

PM Modi's Reply to His Critics

Addressing these concerns, PM Modi highlighted a vision that has since shaped the foundation of his foreign policy approach. He reiterated India’s diplomatic stance, asserting that the nation will neither demean others nor accept being demeaned itself. He declared, "India will neither allow itself to be looked down upon, nor will it ever look up to anyone. India will now see eye-to-eye with her counterparts." This principle, grounded in mutual respect and equality, remains central to India's global engagements, he emphasized.

India's Strategic Foreign Policy Vision

He stated that this belief, established in 2013, continues to be central to India’s foreign policy. “For me, the country always comes first. However, to belittle someone or speaking ill of others is neither part of my cultural values nor my traditions. Moreover, our culture upholds and advocates for the welfare of mankind,” he added.

The Enduring Legacy of Gandhi

Prime Minister Modi graciously responded to Lex Fridman’s comparison of him to Mahatma Gandhi, highlighting the enduring significance of Gandhi’s legacy. Prime Minister Modi stated, "Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t just a 20th-century leader. His relevance transcends centuries. Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy will last for centuries to come, and he remains relevant to date." He emphasized that his strength is derived from India’s 1.4 billion people and acknowledged his own responsibility, stating, “I am nowhere near as great as my country, and my strength lies not in my name, but in the backing of 1.4 billion Indians and thousands of years of timeless culture and heritage.”

Collective Responsibility and Global Cooperation

PM Modi emphasized India's enduring philosophy of global peace and brotherhood, highlighting the initiatives he has introduced on the international stage.

“For example, I spoke about the environment in one of my speeches. I proposed the concept of One Sun, One World, One Grid. During the COVID pandemic, I delivered a speech at the G20 summit. I put forth the vision of One Health, where humans and nature would live in harmony,” he said.

India hosted the G20 Summit with the theme, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Modi noted, “We have inherited this timeless wisdom and it’s our duty to share it with the world.”

Worldwide Interdependence

Recognizing the deep interconnections of today's world, PM Modi emphasized, “No country can thrive in isolation. Today we all depend upon one another. No one can make it far by themselves.”

Reimagining a Modernized Global Order

PM Modi also emphasized the difficulties arising from obsolete global institutions.

“We must also understand that the world has become one small village today. No country can thrive in isolation. Today we all depend upon one another,” he explained.

He highlighted the shortcomings of organizations such as the United Nations. “Organizations like the United Nations came into being after the First World War, but they failed to evolve with the times, and this inability to adapt has sparked a global debate on their relevance,” he said.

(This Article was originally published by Mint)