First Person

Addressing the Ananta Centre in New Delhi on March 24, 2026, Elbridge Colby, Under Secretary of War for Policy outlined the United States’ strategic approach to strengthening defence ties with India amid shifting Indo-Pacific dynamics. Emphasizing on a partnership rooted in “flexible realism”, he highlighted alignment with India’s “Bharat First” and “India Way”approach. Colby identified key areas of cooperation including defence capabilities, interoperability, and industrial collaboration in areas like maritime security, logistics, and advanced technologies; while underscoring a strong U.S.–India partnership to navigate geopolitical transitions and ensuring a stable, sovereign, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India briefed the Rajya Sabha on March 9, 2026 outlining India’s response to the West Asia conflict through evacuation planning, active diplomacy and humanitarian measures. Earlier a Cabinet Committee on Security meeting was convened, chaired by PM Narendra Modi and the MEA established a dedicated control room to assist Indians, while simultaneously engaging with Gulf leaders and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He framed India’s approach around three priorities: advocating dialogue, de-escalation and restraint; ensuring the safety of Indians in the region; and protecting national interests, particularly energy security and trade flows.

Addressing the Knesset on February 25, 2026, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, framed India-Israel ties around three enduring pillars—civilisation, security and strategy. Expressing solidarity after the October 7 attacks, he reaffirmed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism while underscoring the Gaza Peace Initiative and “just and durable peace” in the Palestine issue. Emphasising negotiations of Free Trade Agreement, connectivity initiatives such as India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the I2U2 framework, he identified AI, semiconductors and Digital Public Infrastructure as the key pillars of the next phase of bilateral ties. Guided by Tikkun Olam and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he affirmed the partnership must remain a source of strength and stability in an uncertain world.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered the keynote address at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing on October 13, 2025, marking 30 years since the Fourth World Conference on Women. Xi outlined four proposals to advance women’s all-round development: fostering a peaceful and enabling environment; promoting high-quality development with women as beneficiaries; strengthening governance to protect women’s rights; and enhancing global cooperation under the UN’s central role. He also highlighted China’s progress and announced new commitments to support women’s empowerment worldwide.

On October 6, 2025, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, addressed the audience at the Aravalli Summit 2025 held at the School of International Studies, JNU. Reflecting on his journey, he noted how studying international relations had helped him practice it more adeptly. Further, he underscored the level of transformations taking place and their strategic consequences. Amidst this complex evolving landscape, he highlighted that from India’s perspective, three driving forces will propel the rise of India—demand, demographics, and data.