India is emerging as a significant “middle power” on the global stage, according to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum alongside Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Jaishankar underscored India’s economy, valued at approximately $4 trillion, and its population of 1.4 billion as key factors in its growing influence in international affairs.
Jaishankar emphasized the importance of countries with shared interests collaborating to navigate the uncertainties in the global order. He highlighted initiatives like the Quad and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as examples of strategic cooperation aimed at addressing common challenges. These partnerships, he noted, reflect a trend among nations to reassess their national interests and develop independent policies while maintaining strategic autonomy.
The discussion at the forum also explored the role of middle powers amid shifting global dynamics, with Jaishankar noting that more countries are seeking a greater voice in shaping international decisions. This sentiment was echoed by Anita Anand, who urged middle powers to assume a more active leadership role in safeguarding international norms and responding to new security challenges.
Anand pointed to Canada’s efforts in fostering economic resilience and international cooperation through trade agreements and security partnerships within multilateral frameworks like the G7. She advocated for coordinated action among middle powers to bolster national strategic autonomy and enhance resilient supply chains.
The conversation aligned with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s earlier call for middle powers to unite in protecting multilateralism and addressing transformations in the international system. Both ministers agreed on the need for closer engagement among these nations to identify and advance aligned interests.
The dialogue highlighted the growing importance of cooperation among middle powers as they face geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, and evolving global alliances. As countries like India and Canada seek to assert their influence, this collaboration may play a crucial role in shaping a balanced and stable global order.