Sun Mar 23 03:09:42 UTC 2025: ## Jaishankar Advocates for Diversified Energy Relationships for India’s Economic Growth
**Mumbai, March 23, 2025** – External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the need for India to cultivate diverse energy partnerships to support its growth as the world’s fifth-largest economy. Speaking at a media event in Mumbai on Saturday, Mr. Jaishankar highlighted the changing global landscape, marked by a shift away from the idealized notion of globalization and the emergence of industrial policies, export controls, and tariff wars.
He underscored the importance of securing a favorable energy environment for India in the coming decades, emphasizing the pursuit of renewable energy sources and exploring small modular reactors beyond fossil fuels. Mr. Jaishankar also noted the increased proactive role of Indian embassies in promoting the country’s commercial interests, facilitating business success globally.
The minister defended India’s energy choices during the Ukraine conflict, stating that every nation acted in its self-interest, implicitly referencing India’s continued oil imports from Russia. He stressed the importance of a comprehensive national strategy given India’s unique position of engaging with a diverse range of global partners, including Russia, Ukraine, Israel, Iran, Western democracies, the Global South, BRICS, and the QUAD.
Mr. Jaishankar also addressed concerns about de-risking the global economy, advocating for diversified manufacturing, technological innovation, and robust trade, particularly in food and health security. He envisioned a “reglobalization” that is fairer, more democratic, and less risky than its predecessor. He further highlighted the need for navigating the complexities of the digital world, emphasizing the importance of data security and privacy in the age of Artificial Intelligence. A balance between market logic and the imperatives of privacy and security is crucial, he asserted, necessitating stronger political relationships to ensure efficiency and talent acquisition.
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