Colombo, October 11 : India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, asserted on Wednesday that India is a ‘Vishwa Mitra,’ signifying its role as a global friend and a voice for the Global South. Speaking at the opening session of the 23rd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) in Colombo, as India assumed vice-chairship for 2023-25, Jaishankar emphasized, “Many of us here are members of the Global South, and the focus that India has been able to bring through the G20 would surely be welcome to all of you.”
In his capacity as the Vice Chair for the next two years, he outlined India’s commitment to collaborate with IORA member states to bolster the institutional, financial, and legal framework of IORA, working towards realizing the full potential of this dynamic grouping. This notable address marked the first instance of a high-ranking cabinet minister describing India as ‘Vishwa Mitra’ instead of the traditional ‘Vishwa Guru.’
Jaishankar also invoked the popular phrase ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ underscoring the idea that the world is one family, which can serve as a unifying force to bring IORA member states together.
Furthermore, he expressed India’s dedication to promoting women-led development and harnessing the power of women, often referred to as ‘Nari Shakti.’ He underscored the pivotal role of democratizing technology in bridging the data divide and promoting Data for Development within IORA’s pursuit of prosperity.
Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to enhancing capacity and ensuring safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region. India’s approach is grounded in its Neighbourhood First policy, the SAGAR outlook, its extended neighborhood strategy, and its Indo-Pacific approach.
S. Jaishankar is among the 16 ministers participating in the two-day IORA meeting, which also includes the foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Iran, Mauritius, Malaysia, and South Africa.
