While addressing at the fourth plenary session of Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2025 Convention, on the topic 'Diaspora Divas: Celebrating Women's Leadership and Influence – Nari Shakti', Minister of external affairs of India, Dr Jaishankar explained how ‘Women empowerment’ led development in India in recent times. He said, “Improvement in National Sex Ratio, paid maternity leave to 26 weeks, the fact that 300 million MUDRA Yojana loans have been given out to women entrepreneurs, that 43% of the enrollment today in STEM is of girls, that 28% has been the increase in the female enrollment in higher education, that 32 million Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened up for education, that 100 million smoke-free kitchens today or that when there is a housing scheme called Awas under which 40 million homes have been built and handed over and 72% of them have women ownership - either a sole ownership or as joint ownership. I am mentioning this because when we think of progress, of modernity, of a march towards Viksit Bharat, one metric of measuring it is GDP, how many roads have been built, how many metros, how many cities, how many airports - that is certainly a way but that is superficial unless we address the human side of that progress and to my mind today, these are really some of the powerful changes which are happening in India. But like any change, they require role models, they require inspirations, they require divas.”
10 January,2025 07:45 PM IST
Ahead of his visit to Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar criticized Pakistan for its sponsorship of terrorism in South Asia. Speaking at an event, he highlighted that the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) has stalled due to one member's engagement in cross-border terrorism against others. He noted that this persistent threat has prevented SAARC meetings from occurring in recent years, emphasizing that terrorism is universally unacceptable. Despite these challenges, Dr. Jaishankar pointed out that regional integration in the Indian subcontinent has progressed significantly over the past five to six years. His remarks underscore India's firm stance on terrorism while reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation, even in the face of ongoing security concerns.
05 October,2024 04:26 PM IST
During the 79th United Nations General Debate on September 28, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar strongly criticized Pakistan for its role in cross-border terrorism. He asserted that Pakistan’s economic struggles are a direct consequence of its longstanding policy of exporting terrorism, labeling this as the country’s “karma.” Jaishankar emphasized that the international community must recognize the destructive impact of terrorism on global peace and security, calling for a united front against such threats. He highlighted the need for accountability and action against states that support and perpetuate terror, urging nations to avoid double standards when addressing this critical issue. By framing Pakistan’s economic situation as a byproduct of its terrorist activities, Jaishankar underscored India's commitment to counter-terrorism and the importance of regional stability.
29 September,2024 01:53 PM IST
Speaking at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar discussed the complex nature of India-China relations. He highlighted that "any nation's rise affects its neighbors," reflecting on the historically challenging relationship between the two countries. Jaishankar noted that prior agreements had stabilized the border, but China’s 2020 troop movement to the Line of Actual Control violated several of them. In response, India increased its military presence. While some progress has been made, with 75% of disengagement issues resolved, Jaishankar emphasized that further disengagement and the restoration of peace are necessary before broader possibilities can be explored. He also pointed out that the economic relationship with China has been largely unequal.
13 September,2024 12:28 PM IST
EAM Dr S Jaishankar is scheduled to pay an official visit to the Maldives from August 09 to 11. The visit aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries following strained ties with the island country in January. Post his visit in Jan 2023, this is EAM’s first visit to the island after taking charge of the office for the second term. Bilateral tension soared between the nations after President Mizzu demanded removal of 88 Indian military personnel from Maldives.The tension further escalated after 3 Maldivian Dy ministers made derogatory comments against PM Modi over his Lakshadweep visit. On June 09, this year, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu paid a visit to India for the swearing in ceremony of the new Cabinet. EAM Jaishankar’s will focus on strengthening bilateral relationships and propelling India’s ‘Neighbourhood first policy.
09 August,2024 07:51 PM IST
On July 15, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar praised the Republic of the Marshall Islands for successfully hosting the 10th Micronesian Games. He highlighted India's long-standing friendship with the Marshall Islands, strengthened through cooperation in the Forum of India Pacific Islands. The signing of the MoU will support four community development projects, such as a sports center, airport terminal, and community centers. These initiatives aim to improve infrastructure in the Marshall Islands, benefitting its people. The minister expressed optimism that these projects will enhance bilateral relations and contribute to the islands' socio-economic development.
15 July,2024 12:18 PM IST
Dr. S Jaishankar, assuming his role as External Affairs Minister in Modi 3.0, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing the ministry's past successes, including delivering the G20 presidency. Regarding India's relations with Pakistan and China over the next five years, he highlighted the complexities of each relationship. With China, the focus remains on resolving border issues, while with Pakistan, the aim is to address longstanding cross-border terrorism concerns. Jaishankar underscored the significance of India's political stability, achieved through consecutive electoral victories, signaling continuity and reliability in the international arena.
11 June,2024 04:37 PM IST
During a public rally in Rajasthan's Churu on April 4th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited the memory of the 'Balakot airstrike' before reciting his renowned poem "Saugandh mujhe is mitti ki, main desh nahi mitne dunga." He reminisced about being in Churu at the time of the airstrike on February 26th. “When I came to Churu on 26th February 2019, at that time the country had carried out an air strike in Balakot. We had taught a lesson to the terrorists. At that time I had said I would not let Mother India bow down...When our army carried out surgical strikes and air strikes, Congress and the people of this 'Ghamandia' alliance were asking for proof. Dividing the country and insulting our army is the identity of the Congress Party”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
05 April,2024 07:09 PM IST
EAM S Jaishankar slammed the UN Spokesperson’s remark for commenting on India’s elections. India’s Lok Sabha Elections are set to be held in seven phases starting from April 19. As the world sets its eyes on Indian elections, nearly 97 crore voters are geared up to exercise their franchise. Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls, the United Nations Spokesperson lectured India on the political, civil rights of Indians and this is what S Jaishankar had to say on it.
05 April,2024 07:04 PM IST
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on April 04 said that one of the biggest achievement of Modi-Government is that it has carried out rescue operations abroad numerous times. “Many Indians live outside India… they travel outside India, they study outside India… In few years we had big challenges… There was a war in Ukraine…War between Israel and Gaza… there is civil war in Sudan… We have had many times to do rescue operations… One of the Modi-Government is that we tell every Indian to feel safe when outside because we are there for you,” said EAM S Jaishankar.
05 April,2024 12:13 PM ISTADVERTISEMENT
