Grow at Home, Engage Abroad: Insights from External Affairs Minister Jaishankar at IIT Madras
On January 2, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed students at the IIT Madras during the inauguration of the IITM Global Research Foundation and the IITM Festival Fortnight. His speech emphasized the importance of growing domestically while engaging with the global community, a strategy that has historically contributed to the development of nations.
Strategic Growth and Global Engagement
During his address, Jaishankar highlighted the significance of countries developing their strengths at home before leveraging the global environment. He stated, “Countries have grown by growing at home and then engaging abroad, leveraging the international environment in a way that contributes to it and gains from it.” This approach underscores the balance between domestic development and international collaboration.
Defending National Interests
In response to questions from students regarding India’s foreign policy and security concerns, Jaishankar asserted the country’s right to defend itself against terrorism. He remarked, “You can also have bad neighbours… unfortunately we do. When you have bad neighbours… if a country decides that they will deliberately, persistently, unrepentantly continue with terrorism, we have a right to defend our people against terrorism.”
He emphasized that how India exercises this right is a matter of national discretion, stating, “Nobody can tell us what we should do or not. We will do what we have to do to defend ourselves.” This statement reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and security.
Communication and Cultural Pride
Jaishankar also addressed the importance of effective communication in international relations. He noted that clear and honest communication can prevent misunderstandings about India’s intentions. “If you communicate well, clearly and honestly, other countries and other people respect it and accept it,” he stated.
He encouraged a sense of pride in India’s rich cultural heritage, saying, “There are really very few ancient civilizations which have survived to become major modern nation states and we are one of them.” This pride in cultural identity is essential for fostering international respect and understanding.
Good Neighbourliness and Regional Cooperation
Discussing India’s relationship with its neighbours, Jaishankar remarked on the importance of goodwill. He referenced the Indus Water Treaty, describing it as a gesture of goodwill based on good neighbourliness. However, he pointed out that ongoing terrorism undermines such goodwill: “You can’t say… Please share water with me but I will continue terrorism – that’s not reconcilable.”
Despite challenges, Jaishankar highlighted positive examples of India’s support to its neighbours, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when India provided vaccines to many countries in the region. He also mentioned India’s assistance to Sri Lanka during its financial crisis, where India stepped up with a package of $4 billion to support the country during its negotiations with the IMF.
Global Research Foundation and International Collaborations
The IITM Global Research Foundation aims to create a strategic, sustainable, and scalable platform to elevate IIT Madras’s academic and research strengths on the global stage. Jaishankar noted that the foundation would facilitate collaborations with leading multinational institutions and partners across various regions.
As part of this initiative, IIT Madras has signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Dubai, and the Asia-Pacific region, including Singapore and Malaysia. These partnerships focus on joint research, industry collaboration, global talent exchange, and translating deep-tech innovations into practical applications.
Conclusion
Jaishankar’s address at IIT Madras not only highlighted the importance of domestic growth and international engagement but also emphasized the need for effective communication and cultural pride in shaping India’s foreign policy. As India navigates its role on the global stage, the balance between defending national interests and fostering good relationships with neighbours remains crucial.
Note: The insights shared by Minister Jaishankar reflect a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in international relations and the importance of strategic growth and collaboration.
