Ichha Sharma
On February 23 and 24, 2023, at the Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Campus in Lavale, Pune, a “G20 Festival of Thinkers Summit” has been arranged by Symbiosis International (Deemed University) under the auspices of India’s G20 Presidency. The summit’s keynote speaker was Dr. S. Jaishankar, the government of India’s minister for external affairs. The event was presided over by Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, the founder and president of Symbiosis and the chancellor of Symbiosis International (Deemed University).
S. Jaishankar, the minister of external affairs, mentioned that India is seen as a nation that will do whatever it takes to preserve its national security. No challenge is as acute as that of national security, he claimed, adding that India is a nation that would not be forced out or allow its fundamental principles to be crossed. He laid down the ten pillars of India’s G20 presidency.
“We want to emphasize going into the G20 that despite a big percentage of the world not being represented at the table, their interests are real, and someone needs to speak out for them.” Dr. Jaishankar continued by saying that the other G20 members perceive India as the voice of the global south and the voice of independence and self-assurance. He also emphasized the internal contingents India will focus on, especially agricultural expansion and national security.
We have been put to the test on our western frontier during the past few years. Everyone will agree that things are a little different now. In 2016 and 2019, only a little happened, and our northern borders have tested us and continue to do so, he said.
He stated that the challenges that came with the situation in Ukraine were also when our sense of autonomy and confidence was put to the test. “Since it is a polarised world, different countries will try to prejudice you. They will urge you. Sometimes they use pretty strong words. Now how do you stand up for your interests and sometimes the interests of others who may not have the same ability and strengths that you do? We are seeing that today,”