External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has said emerging and middle powers have a substantial agenda for cooperation as the global geopolitical and economic landscape continues to change.
Speaking at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in New Delhi, Jaishankar identified international peace and security, supply-chain resilience and connectivity as important areas for cooperation. He said emerging and middle powers from the Global South and Global North share an interest in becoming more relevant in international affairs.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Jaishankar called for greater cooperation among emerging and middle powers.
International security, resilient supply chains and connectivity were highlighted as key areas.
He stressed diversification, de-risking and agenda-based cooperation.
Quad, BRICS and major connectivity initiatives were cited as examples.
India-EU cooperation in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, AI and space was highlighted.
Jaishankar also referred to international partnerships involving Indian defence start-ups.
Jaishankar said the changing global landscape is marked by the repositioning of the United States, the rise of China and growing interdependence. He said emerging and middle powers are responding through diversification, de-risking and agenda-based cooperation.
He said this evolving environment is contributing to greater multipolarity, multi-alignment and the growth of smaller groupings. He added that emerging and middle powers can strengthen cooperation among themselves while also maintaining relationships with major powers such as the United States and China.
Jaishankar cited the Quad as an example of cooperation involving emerging and middle powers. In the area of connectivity, he referred to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Northern Sea Route. He also cited BRICS as an example of countries working together to strengthen their collective voice.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Emerging and middle powers are seeking greater cooperation and flexibility as the international landscape changes. Supply-chain resilience, connectivity, technology and security are among the areas where such cooperation could expand.
In a separate conversation with Munich Security Conference President Wolfgang Ischinger and German Federal Foreign Office State Secretary Bernard Kotsch, Jaishankar said India has significant potential for sustained economic growth, supported by its demographic profile.
He said India is intensifying its engagement with the European Union and identified advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and space capabilities as areas where India-EU cooperation can expand.
Jaishankar also highlighted the growing international partnerships of Indian defence start-ups and the growth of India's defence exports.
