Chennai, January 2, 2026

Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday emphasized the critical role of communication in foreign policy, asserting that India must convey its intentions clearly to ensure they are not misinterpreted by other countries. Speaking at a fireside chat with students at IIT Madras, Jaishankar underscored that effective, honest communication forms the backbone of international respect and cooperation.

“How to prevent people from misreading you is to communicate. If you communicate well, clearly and honestly, other countries and other people respect it and accept it,” he said, highlighting the need for clarity in diplomacy and international engagement.

Pride in Culture and Democratic Heritage

Jaishankar stressed the unique position India holds as one of the few ancient civilizations that has survived into a modern nation-state. He said India’s democratic model is not just a political system but a universal concept that has shaped global understanding of democracy.

“There are really very few ancient civilizations which have survived to become major modern nation-states, and we are one of them. We have a sense of our past which very few countries have… It was our decision to opt for a democratic political model, which made the very idea of democracy as a universal political concept,” Jaishankar noted.

He added that had India not embraced democracy, the concept might have remained regional and narrow. He also acknowledged the importance of partnerships with the West in shaping India’s role and influence in global affairs.

Engaging Globally While Growing Domestically

Jaishankar highlighted that countries advance by growing at home and then engaging abroad, leveraging the international environment to contribute to and benefit from it. According to him, this strategic approach allows nations to maximize their global impact, even with limited resources.

“When we say ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’, the term is we have never considered the world as an inimical or hostile place from which we have to defensively protect ourselves. We have limitations on our resources. With limited resources, how do you have maximum impact? That is actually the problem that has to be solved,” he said.

He explained that modern Indian foreign policy aims to solve this challenge by using the country’s competitiveness and strengths while strategically leveraging international institutions and opportunities.

Strategic Diplomacy and Clarity

Jaishankar’s remarks underline a broader philosophy of proactive engagement and transparency in diplomacy. By communicating intentions clearly, India can build trust, partnerships, and influence in the international arena, avoiding misunderstandings that can escalate into political or economic friction.

He reiterated that the country’s diplomatic approach is guided by pragmatism, balancing domestic growth with international collaboration while respecting India’s historical, cultural, and democratic heritage.

This perspective aligns with India’s increasing focus on global partnerships, trade, and strategic alliances, where communication, credibility, and clarity are key to maintaining stable and mutually beneficial relationships with countries worldwide.

In conclusion, Jaishankar stressed that communication is not just about conveying messages; it is an essential tool for shaping global perception, asserting national interests, and ensuring that India’s rise as a modern nation is understood and respected internationally.