Book Review
“The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” by Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” offers a compelling analysis of India’s strategic shift in global policy amidst an increasingly unpredictable international landscape. The book explores diplomacy, foreign relations, and the nation’s need for a self-sufficient approach across various industries. Jaishankar emphasizes India’s crucial role in a post-globalization world, where self-reliance and resilience become essential for sustained progress.
A key theme throughout the book is India’s pursuit of economic growth that is less dependent on international systems. Jaishankar advocates for prioritizing indigenous development in critical sectors like technology, space, and defense, aligning with the broader concept of self-reliance. Central to this is India’s ambition for strategic autonomy, which underscores the country’s desire to chart its own course in global affairs without undue dependence on major powers. He also stresses the importance of building resilience to global disruptions such as pandemics or economic crises, offering a roadmap for mitigating future risks.
While the terms Aatmanirbhar and Svavalamban are not explicitly used, the principles of self-reliance and self-sufficiency are deeply embedded in Jaishankar’s vision for India’s future. His insights into India’s evolving geopolitical and economic strategies make this book essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the nation’s growing self-reliance in the global context.
For readers seeking to explore self-reliance at an individual or entrepreneurial level, this book serves as a foundational text, while works focusing on the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign and grassroots economic development would be useful follow-ups.