HTLS 2023: PM Modi on mental, perceived and exaggerated barriers

He underscores the monumental changes in headlines in the past decade. He says rating agencies are now revising India's growth forecast upward, in stark contrast to previous downward revisions.

He also reflects on the transformation of India's narrative, noting that in 2013, the focus was on the Augusta Westland scam. In contrast, the conversation now centers on record-breaking defense exports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserts that good economics and good politics can coexist, citing today's India as proof. He challenges the notion of perceived barriers, highlighting that the country's success is a testament to the harmonious relationship between sound economic policies and political leadership.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscores the importance of policies over slogans in the fight against poverty. He emphasizes that poverty cannot be effectively combated with mere slogans; it necessitates well-thought-out and impactful policies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says that India is leading the world in climate action goals. He emphasizes that India's mindset has changed, indicating a profound shift towards environmental responsibility and sustainability.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlights the transformative power of financial inclusion, mentioning how the debit card, once a status symbol, has been made accessible to the poor.

On the success of Chandrayaan, PM Modi notes that it has instilled self-confidence in the entire nation.

“With the success of Chandrayaan, 140 crore people have not become scientists and astronauts but the entire country is feeling the self-confidence.”

He acknowledges that India didn't progress according to its potential due to mental barriers, some of which were perceived and some exaggerated. Since 2014, he says, India has been actively breaking these barriers, and today, the nation has achieved remarkable milestones, such as reaching locations on the Moon that no one has reached before.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commends the evolution of the HT Leadership Summit's themes from "Reshaping India" in 2014 to "Conversation for a Better Tomorrow" in 2019, and now "Beyond Barriers" in 2023. He interprets this as a message that the public will support political representatives after breaking all barriers. He sees it as the foundation for a brighter India.

"The summit's theme in 2014 was reshaping India, it means HT Group knew India will be reshaped.

In 2019, HT Summit's theme was conversation for better tomorrow.

Now in 2023, when the country is dicussing next year's Lok Sabha elections, your theme is Beyond Barriers. As I am a political representative, I see a message in it. You have clearly indicated that the public will support us after breaking all barriers."

Exciting news! Prime Minister Narendra Modi is about to deliver the closing address at the HT Leadership Summit 2023. Stay tuned for this highly anticipated session.

Jaishankar argues that freedom of speech and expression should not serve as a license for violence, intimidation, or the promotion of separatist movements.

"The problem that we have faced, we have seen activities which have been justified in the name of freedom.

I have a very simple smell test for every country in the world. If you think that's right, would you like that to be done to you? And mostly I don't get an answer."

The question arose regarding the Israel-Hamas war and its possible implications on international initiatives. Jaishankar provided valuable insights on this complex situation. He emphasized the complexity of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the numerous possibilities that may not be immediately apparent.

"So it is a very complex situation with a lot of possibilities which are not fully apparent."

"But in terms of the initiatives, there was enormous interest in IMEC. Because Europeans do see today the need to have more efficient, smoother logistical passage to India. Given the fact that Europe will remain a major hub of the global economy and India will also grow in economic weight."

The external affairs minister says India must be acutely self-aware of the need to compete in international relations. This awareness extends to the resources, capabilities, and strategies required for effective competition on the global stage.

“Within a given economy there will be policy choices which will make us more resources to commit.”

Jaishankar emphasized that international relations are inherently competitive. A critical aspect of this competition is the art of making it appear less competitive.

"International relations is a fundamentally competitive exercise and part of the competition is to make other people believe it's not competitive. We should not shrink from accepting that this is the fundamental basis of diplomacy or world politics."

Jaishankar emphasizes that India's role has evolved from merely clearing obstacles in its relationship with the U.S. to a more ambitious position.

"In the last three or four years, what has come into play is in the AI domain, chip. If India gets into smart manufacturing, we have much more to offer to the world, not just to the US."

In a secure unipolar world, Jaishankar says, the U.S. recognized the value of engaging India on terms acceptable to India.

“In nuclear deal era and thereafter, you have US trying to reshape the world and looking for new partners of a long-term substance. We are in a different era for a variety of reasons. We were earlier essentially clearing obstacles on how to work with them. Now it's much more ambitious. And part of it is India's capability has grown,” Jaishankar notes.

Jaishankar notes that during the Clinton era, the United States enjoyed a more favorable geopolitical position. At that time, American strategic thinking focused less on the need for balance in international relations.

“The world is difficult. The world will be difficult. That is why today we need strong leadership, we need preparation, and systemic changes. We are in a storm and there is no guarantee that it is going to get any better.”

The traditional role of the United States as the primary responder to global crises is undergoing a transformation, Jaishankar suggests. He says there is a shift in expectations, with the recognition that the burden of addressing global challenges is a shared responsibility among nations.

He points to the evolving nature of terrorism, driven by technology and modern means of communication. This transformation necessitates innovative and adaptable approaches to counter these emerging threats effectively.

“We are seeing a different level of terrorism enabled by technologies and modern means of communications.”

Jaishankar acknowledged the challenges and setbacks faced in the global pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals.

He highlighted the substantial growth in India's competitiveness and confidence over the last decade. He noted that India has become more assertive and is less inclined to shy away from challenges.

"We have reached the level where we don't duck the problem. For example, the operations we have carried in Israel, Sudan and Ukraine. When you have a problem of that scale, the response today is to get moving."

Jaishankar begins by acknowledging the significant step taken by the Indian government with the abrogation of Article 370. This constitutional change has had far-reaching implications and has sparked discussions on both the national and international stages. He highlights the challenges and the complex diplomatic efforts required to address the pandemic's multifaceted impacts.

Get ready for a significant session featuring Dr. S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister. He will be in conversation with R. Sukumar, Editor-in-Chief of Hindustan Times.

Alia revealed that while she has no plans of turning director, Sanjay Leela Bhansali did tell her that should direct a film in a future.