Unlocking Peace: S Jaishankar Discusses India’s Vital Role in Resolving Global Conflicts

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently emphasized India’s unique capability to help resolve global conflicts. He mentioned that India is one of the few nations that can engage in dialogue with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Iran.

During his two-day visit to Spain, Jaishankar spoke to the Indian community in Madrid, highlighting ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asian region, particularly the situation involving Israel and Hamas.

He pointed out that India is contributing valuable ideas and initiatives to tackle various global challenges. “Very few countries can communicate with both Russia and Ukraine,” he stated. The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, has visited both countries, showcasing India’s balanced diplomatic approach.

Jaishankar also noted that India is in a unique position to mediate between Israel and Iran. He explained that India’s role is vital, especially in today’s polarized world. The Quad, which includes Australia, Japan, the U.S., and India, along with BRICS, which features several other countries including Brazil and Russia, places India in a strategic position on the global stage.

He mentioned India’s recent successes, such as incorporating the African Union into the G20—a step many felt should have been taken long ago.

On domestic development, Jaishankar shared plans to expand India’s infrastructure. The country aims to lay down 4,000 kilometers of new railway tracks annually, with 12 to 14 kilometers added each day. Additionally, the construction of 28 kilometers of highways is happening daily, while the number of airports has doubled from 75 to over 150 in the last decade.

India’s metro systems have also expanded, growing from six cities in 2014 to 21 today, with goals to extend this to 60 cities in the future. Moreover, Jaishankar celebrated India’s achievements in space exploration, like the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission that landed on the south side of the moon.

Looking ahead, he announced that 2026 will be designated as a “dual year” for India and Spain, celebrating culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Jaishankar shared his personal connection to Spain, recounting his visit as a tourist over 20 years ago, and an official trip with Modi in 2017. He praised the successful visit of Spanish President Pedro Sanchez to India last year, emphasizing their agreement to deepen ties between the two nations.

To further strengthen this relationship, Jaishankar revealed that Spain will open a consulate in Bengaluru, which he described as a promising development. He encouraged the Indian diaspora in Spain to stay engaged with events back home, noting the growing recognition of their contributions by the Indian government under PM Modi’s leadership.

This visit marks Jaishankar’s first trip to Spain as External Affairs Minister, following Sanchez’s visit to India just a couple of months earlier. He met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares to discuss various regional and international issues.