India's foreign minister says technology plays an important role in shaping human progress

Reflecting on India's technological journey, Jaishankar noted that the country is currently playing catch-up in various areas. He attributed this to a more narrowly defined approach to reform in the past, centred around trade, and suggested that a broader conceptualisation of technology was needed. He underscored the Modi government's recent focus on technology's centrality in public policy, national security, and governance.

Jaishankar highlighted key domestic initiatives, including the emphasis on manufacturing, the promotion of startup culture, and the importance of state-led initiatives like the India Semiconductor Mission. He also pointed to the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and the success of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as examples of technology democratisation in India.

The minister delved into the transformative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global perceptions of economic production and supply chains. He emphasized the need for a reevaluation of globalization, advocating for dispersed production and resilient supply chains to address disruptions caused by events like pandemics and climate crises.

Jaishankar discussed India's stance on technology partnerships, highlighting the importance of Western economies, particularly the US and Europe, as natural partners for India. He addressed concerns of over-dependence, dismissing the notion as an excuse for inaction and emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to international collaborations based on specific domains.

The minister concluded by discussing the strategic convergence between India, the US, and Europe. He emphasized the relevance of conversations on export controls, licensing, and strategic trade, positioning India as a significant consumer and generator of technology in these discussions.