India is establishing itself as a pivotal “middle power” in the global arena, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum alongside Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Jaishankar emphasized India’s significant population of 1.4 billion and its economy, valued at approximately $4 trillion, as key factors in its growing global influence.
Jaishankar highlighted the importance of countries with shared interests collaborating to shape the evolving global order and enhance their influence in international decision-making. He noted that the current geopolitical climate and shifts in global economic relationships are prompting countries to reassess their national interests, adopt independent policies, and forge strategic partnerships to tackle common challenges.
As examples of such cooperation, Jaishankar pointed to initiatives like the Quad and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which focus on strategic and economic priorities. He also addressed the increasing desire among nations to play a more substantial role in global governance, suggesting that emerging economies are keen on strengthening cooperation while maintaining their strategic autonomy.
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed these sentiments, urging middle powers to assume a more active leadership role in shaping international norms. She advocated for collaborative efforts to protect international rules, enhance economic resilience, and address emerging security dilemmas. Anand cited Canada’s approach, which includes trade agreements, security partnerships, and multilateral engagement through platforms like the G7, as a model for coordinated action that can bolster national strategic autonomy and support resilient supply chains.
The discussion at the forum underscored the growing significance of middle power cooperation as countries navigate persistent geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and evolving global alliances. Both ministers emphasized the necessity for such nations to engage closely and identify areas where their interests align, thereby reinforcing their collective influence on the global stage.