India Seeks Global Growth and Collaboration, Says EAM Jaishankar

India is charting a promising path toward growth and collaboration, as highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during his recent visit to Australia. Emphasizing the importance of international partnerships, he expressed India’s commitment to growing alongside the world, fostering genuine goodwill among nations.

Arrival in Australia: A Symbol of Partnership

Mr. Jaishankar landed in Brisbane as part of his two-nation tour, which will also include Singapore. His arrival signifies a continued effort to strengthen ties with Australia, reflecting the deepening friendship between the two nations. Upon his arrival, he shared his enthusiasm on social media, stating, “Namaste Australia! Landed in Brisbane today. Look forward to productive engagements over the next few days to take forward the India-Australia Dosti.”

Engaging with the Indian Community

While addressing the Indian community in Brisbane, Jaishankar underscored the growth trajectory of India. “India will grow. India is growing, but India wants to grow with the world,” he declared. His remarks resonate with the optimism shared by many about India’s future in the global landscape. He noted that India perceives the world as a land of opportunities, emphasizing the importance of harnessing this positive sentiment.

Opportunities for Global Cooperation

Jaishankar highlighted the numerous avenues for collaboration in sectors such as education and research. He pointed out that the image of Indians abroad is characterized by education, responsibility, a strong work ethic, and a family-oriented approach. These attributes make Indians highly attractive in the global workforce.

The Global Workforce and Emerging Technologies

With the advent of technologies like artificial intelligence, electric mobility, and advanced semiconductor manufacturing, Jaishankar stressed the necessity of a skilled global workforce. “This era requires collaboration and a unified approach,” he said, underscoring the need to nurture skills and develop a robust brand for Indian professionals on the international stage.

Upcoming Events and Initiatives

During his visit to Australia, Mr. Jaishankar is set to inaugurate India’s fourth consulate in Brisbane, further solidifying diplomatic ties. His itinerary includes co-chairing the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue (FMFD) with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong, in Canberra.

Keynote Address at Raisina Down Under

Additionally, he will deliver a keynote address at the inaugural session of the 2nd Raisina Down Under, to be held in the Australian Parliament House. This event will provide a platform for discussing crucial geopolitical issues and reinforcing the strategic partnership between India and Australia.

Interactions with Leadership and Think Tanks

Beyond formal events, Jaishankar’s agenda includes interactions with Australian leadership, parliamentarians, the business community, media, and think tanks. These discussions aim to explore ways to enhance cooperation and address shared challenges, reflecting India’s proactive approach to international relations.

Conclusion: A Bright Future Ahead

In summary, Jaishankar’s visit to Australia encapsulates India’s aspiration to grow collaboratively with the world. The minister’s emphasis on global goodwill and the potential for cooperation across various fields underscores a vision for a more interconnected future. As India continues to evolve on the global stage, its commitment to fostering partnerships will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the dynamics of international relations in the years to come.

EAM Jaishankar Shares Personal Story of Father’s Ordeal on Hijacked Flight in 1984

Jaishankar Reveals Personal Connection to 1984 Hijacking Incident

Father on Hijacked Flight: A Unique Perspective
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared a deeply personal story during a community event, revealing that his father was on a hijacked flight in 1984. This experience, he said, gave him a rare perspective on such crises—both as a family member and a government official.

Speaking at the event, Jaishankar explained how, as a young officer, he was part of the team dealing with the hijacking. At the same time, he was also a family member concerned for his father’s safety, putting pressure on the government to act swiftly.

Reflecting on the IC814 Hijacking Series
The discussion took place during a question-and-answer session after Jaishankar’s address to the Indian community. An audience member asked for his views on the newly released series “IC814: The Kandahar Hijack” on Netflix, which portrays the government’s handling of the 1999 hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight. Though Jaishankar hadn’t seen the series, he used the opportunity to share his personal connection to a similar event.

Revealing the 1984 Hijacking Incident
Jaishankar described the hijacking of an Indian Airlines flight on July 5, 1984, from Pathankot to Dubai. As a young Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer at the time, Jaishankar was part of the government team responding to the crisis. He called his mother to inform her that he wouldn’t be able to come home due to the incident, only to later discover that his own father, K. Subrahmanyam, was on the flight.

The hijacking, orchestrated by pro-Khalistani militants, lasted more than 36 hours, but fortunately, no one was harmed. “It could have ended as a major problem,” Jaishankar recalled, expressing relief that the situation was resolved peacefully.

Balancing Roles: Government Official and Family Member
Jaishankar reflected on the dual role he played during the crisis. “On one hand, I was working on the hijacking as part of the government team. On the other, I was part of the family members pressing the government to act. It gave me a unique window into both sides of the situation,” he said.

A Lighter Note on Film Portrayals
Commenting on the portrayal of governments in films and series, Jaishankar humorously noted that filmmakers often make bureaucracies look ineffective for dramatic purposes. “The hero is supposed to look good. Otherwise, no one would watch the movie,” he said, eliciting laughter from the audience.