Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Bharat Matters

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's position on Bharat Matters, articulated primarily through his book, is that India's growing global significance necessitates a foreign policy rooted in its civilisational identity, moving beyond a passive or purely Western-centric outlook. He frames this as a transition from non-alignment to multi-alignment, emphasizing strategic autonomy and using India's historical depth to navigate contemporary challenges. This approach is evidenced by his linking of modern policy decisions—like G20 actions or the emphasis on self-reliance—to historical and cultural narratives, positioning India as a confident global player and a voice for the developing world.

This vision implies that recognizing India as Bharat alters its self-perception and external engagement, aiming to reshape the world order rather than merely react to it. The book contrasts this with conventional academic theories by presenting a pragmatic, experience-based analysis drawn from his diplomatic career. While the approach champions India's assertive role, it is noted that this perspective closely aligns with the current government's vision and critics suggest it sometimes overlooks internal sociological dynamics in favor of nationalistic rhetoric and economic achievements.