"I got the chance to be part of the changes seen in the last four years, especially in foreign policy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I hope and expect to contribute to the development of the country under Modi's leadership," he told reporters after filing the form

"I would express gratitude for another chance. I am also thankful for the support and enthusiasm of legislators," he said

Jaishankar said he was fortunate to represent Gujarat, considered a model state not just in India but also globally for its schemes and developmental projects

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and BJP's Gujarat unit president C R Paatil accompanied Jaishankar to the state Assembly complex in Gandhinagar where he submitted the nomination papers to Returning Officer Rita Mehta

Queried on India's relations with neighbouring countries, the external affairs minister said that overall there has been great progress with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the last nine years of the Modi government. "We have increased trade and connectivity, our relationship has improved, and even from the perspective of the security, there has been an improvement," he said