Master plan on IMEC remains intact despite Israel Hamas war: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar

In a significant statement, the External Affairs Minister said there was still room for diplomacy with Canada despite recent tensions. "My hope would be to find a way out by talking to Canada and Canada's foreign minister feels the same. We need balance in the conversation with Canada and they must address our views and interests," he said. Jaishankar emphasised that freedom of speech and expression cannot be a license to allow the propagation of extremism.

The Minister said that India is emerging as a major contributor to global smart manufacturing and electronics with a template based on ease of business, ease of living, fostering innovation, quality and improved connectivity. Speaking about PM Modi's role in geopolitics Jaishankar said, "What our captain is doing is looking at a set of global goals and India's own national ambition. India is helping the world but side by side is growing stronger."

Jaishankar emphasised that the world is going through a storm every six months and the situation is unlikely to get better. India through its G20 Presidency has emerged as a consensus builder between the North and South. India has visibility risen in the global order, becoming more competitive and confident and no longer ducks problems, he said.