VOI World/ Desk
New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday said the world has entered an era where “politics increasingly trumps economics,” underscoring the urgent need for India to diversify its supply chains to safeguard national interests and economic resilience.
Addressing a gathering after receiving an honorary doctorate from IIM‑Calcutta, Jaishankar pointed out that global trade and manufacturing dynamics have evolved amid geopolitical uncertainties. He highlighted how traditional supply partnerships no longer guarantee stability and argued that securing multiple sources is now vital for any country aiming for long-term growth.
Jaishankar named both the US and China when explaining global shifts. He said the US – once the stabiliser of international trade – is now increasingly setting “radically new terms of engagement,” often dealing with countries individually rather than through multilateral frameworks. China, he added, continues to follow its own rules, contributing to worldwide supply uncertainty.
In this changing context, Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to self-reliance and building a strong domestic manufacturing base. He said the country is investing heavily in infrastructure – highways, ports, railways, energy – and technological sectors including semiconductors, electric vehicles, drones, space and biosciences, aiming to make India a reliable global supplier.
With global supply disruptions on the rise, Jaishankar stressed that diversifying supply chains is not just an economic strategy, but a matter of national security. He said India is ready to lead the shift, positioning itself as a resilient, self-sufficient manufacturing hub in a volatile world.
