In a powerful reaffirmation of India’s diplomatic vision, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday reiterated the country’s commitment to a fair and representative multipolar world order. His remarks came at a time of mounting global trade friction, including fresh tariff threats from the United States and ongoing scrutiny of India’s energy partnership with Russia.
Speaking at the inaugural BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival titled Saptasur: Seven Nations, One Melody, Jaishankar used the platform to draw a larger cultural and strategic narrative. He highlighted that in an increasingly volatile global environment, there is a growing collective aspiration for a balanced global architecture, one not dominated by a handful of powers. This aspiration, he noted, is frequently expressed in calls for political and economic rebalancing.
Underscoring the link between culture and international relations, Jaishankar emphasized the value of cultural heritage in strengthening national identity and guiding future trajectories. According to him, a deep-rooted connection with tradition empowers nations with the clarity and confidence needed to shape their destinies. “Traditions define identity,” he said, adding that for a civilizational state like India, they serve as a reservoir of resilience and guidance.
#WATCH | Delhi: At the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival, "SaptaSur: Seven Nations, One Melody", EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "We live in complicated and uncertain times. Our collective desire is to see a fair and representative global order, not one dominated by a few. That quest… pic.twitter.com/nRQ61EiGqP
— ANI (@ANI) August 4, 2025
Jaishankar also lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to regional diplomacy, referencing Modi’s earlier promise at a BIMSTEC summit to promote cultural ties among member nations. That commitment, Jaishankar pointed out, had been fulfilled through the launch of this very music festival. He acknowledged the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for translating that vision into action.
Reflecting on his own journey, the minister shared how music and literature had sparked his interest in global affairs. He described music as a profound medium of cross-cultural communication and an essential expression of a society’s soul.
Jaishankar’s remarks came shortly after India issued a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump’s latest warnings of increased tariffs over India’s energy and defence relations with Russia. India dismissed the threat as “unjustified and unreasonable,” reiterating its right to secure its economic interests and energy security amidst global instability.
By choosing a cultural forum to deliver his message, Jaishankar skillfully blended diplomacy, identity, and sovereignty. His assertion of a fairer global order resonated with India’s consistent stand on multipolarity and its resistance to geopolitical coercion.
