EAM Jaishankar Highlights India’s Global Rise at JNU Aravalli Summit 2025

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered an insightful address at the Aravalli Summit held at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on October 6, 2025, marking the 70th anniversary of the School of International Studies (SIS). Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Jaishankar described India’s rise as an exceptional journey unfolding in a turbulent global era, and emphasised how the country’s growing influence reflects both domestic strength and strategic clarity. The two-day international conference, themed “India and the World Order: Preparing for 2047,” was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Chintan Research Foundation.

I am writing about this because Dr. Jaishankar’s remarks not only reflect India’s foreign policy direction but also offer a deeper perspective on how education and policy research institutions like JNU are engaging with India’s role in a changing world. The timing of this summit—when the world faces shifting power balances, climate challenges, and technology disruptions—makes it an important moment to understand how India is positioning itself globally. It’s also encouraging to see universities being recognised as spaces that shape foreign policy dialogue and prepare the next generation for India’s leadership role by 2047.

Aravalli Summit: A platform for global dialogue

The Aravalli Summit, hosted by JNU’s School of International Studies, brought together academics, diplomats, and policy experts from India and abroad to discuss India’s strategic goals in the coming decades. The event marks seven decades of the SIS, one of India’s oldest and most respected centres for international relations research.

The theme “India and the World Order: Preparing for 2047” focuses on India’s evolving position in global governance, economic diplomacy, and security frameworks as it approaches the centenary of independence. The summit is not just about celebrating past achievements but also about charting a vision for the future—how India can shape a fairer, multipolar world order.

Jaishankar on India’s exceptional journey

In his address, EAM Jaishankar described India’s growth story as “exceptional not just in scale but in spirit.” He noted that while the global landscape remains uncertain—with conflicts, economic disruptions, and new power rivalries—India’s steady rise demonstrates resilience and strategic balance.

Dr. Jaishankar explained that India’s global engagement today is built on three pillars:

Domestic transformation, including strong infrastructure, digital inclusion, and skill development.
Strategic autonomy in foreign policy, ensuring India’s decisions serve national interest rather than alignment with global blocs.
Commitment to global good, as seen in India’s leadership in climate action, humanitarian aid, and South-South cooperation.

He remarked, “India’s rise is not an accident of circumstance but a reflection of will, vision, and consistent effort. We are living through an era of disruption, yet India is emerging as a force of stability and innovation.”

Preparing for 2047: India’s global vision

The discussions at the summit centred on India’s roadmap for 2047, the year marking 100 years of independence. Policymakers and scholars deliberated on key themes such as:

Strategic autonomy and multipolarity in global affairs.
Economic diplomacy and India’s integration into global supply chains.
Technological leadership through AI, cybersecurity, and space research.
Regional cooperation in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.
Education and innovation as drivers of India’s soft power.

Speakers at the event emphasised that India’s growing influence in forums like G20, BRICS, and Quad shows how the nation has transitioned from being a “rule-taker” to a “rule-shaper” in the international order.

Collaboration between academia and policy

One of the highlights of the summit was the collaboration between JNU’s academic community and the Ministry of External Affairs. Dr. Jaishankar underlined the importance of institutions like JNU in shaping India’s strategic thinking.

He said, “India’s foreign policy today is not crafted in isolation. It draws upon academic expertise, technological innovation, and public participation. Institutions like the School of International Studies are central to nurturing analytical talent and promoting India’s thought leadership.”

The event also showcased how academic research and policy formulation can complement each other—especially in fields like geopolitics, trade, and security studies. Faculty members and research scholars presented papers on India’s global partnerships, digital diplomacy, and the future of global governance.

Global experts and discussions

The Aravalli Summit attracted participation from leading Indian and international scholars, including representatives from think tanks, embassies, and research institutions. Sessions were held on topics like:

India’s Role in a Fragmented World
Technology and Power in the 21st Century
The Indo-Pacific and Maritime Security
Climate Diplomacy and Sustainable Development

Several panelists pointed out that India’s diplomatic approach, combining “strategic realism with moral responsibility,” has helped it maintain credibility with diverse global partners. Experts agreed that by 2047, India could be one of the top three global powers if it continues to invest in education, innovation, and institutional reform.

Celebrating 70 years of the School of International Studies

The School of International Studies (SIS) at JNU, established in 1955, has played a central role in India’s study of diplomacy, international law, and global politics. Over the years, it has produced some of India’s leading diplomats, academics, and policymakers—including Dr. S. Jaishankar himself, who is an alumnus of JNU.

The 70th-anniversary celebration served as a reminder of SIS’s contribution to India’s intellectual and diplomatic heritage. The event included special lectures, alumni interactions, and exhibitions highlighting seven decades of academic excellence.

India’s diplomatic maturity in a changing world

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Jaishankar reflected on how India’s foreign policy has matured to meet the demands of an unpredictable world. He said that India’s ability to engage simultaneously with multiple power centres—whether the US, Russia, Europe, or Asia—demonstrates its strategic confidence and independent worldview.

He added that India’s leadership in global initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri, International Solar Alliance, and Digital Public Infrastructure reflects its intent to contribute to global welfare while advancing national interests.

“India’s rise is not just about economic metrics or geopolitical influence—it’s about setting an example of balanced growth, cultural confidence, and responsible global leadership,” he concluded.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.