India’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Syed Akbaruddin, highlighted the shift in India’s foreign policy towards aligning with the aspirations of its young population and addressing the concerns of ordinary citizens. Akbaruddin emphasized the evolving nature of diplomacy, noting that today’s youth prioritize practical outcomes like job opportunities, visa accessibility, and remittance avenues over traditional ideological stances.
He pointed out that India’s foreign policy approach in the past was more vocal and reactive on global issues, but the country’s increased economic integration with the world now demands a more cautious and balanced stance. Akbaruddin stressed the importance of strategic calculation in India’s responses, given the significant impact of global developments on domestic interests.
Discussing geopolitical realities, Akbaruddin highlighted the varying degrees of leverage that countries possess in international relations. He underscored the importance of evaluating foreign policy based on outcomes and leverage rather than public criticism of global events, emphasizing the gradual and process-driven nature of diplomacy.
