Author – Dr. Subramanyam Jaishankar; External Affairs Minister (EAM) of India, Former Diplomat
– By Rohith Sai Stambamkadi
“Whether we like the direction of events or not, it does not make them less real”
– An extract from the book in the chapter “The Lessons of Awadh, The Dangers of Strategic Complacency.”
In the midst of the changing world dynamics, the course of International Relations and Strategic choices have become more uncertain than ever. Nevertheless, knowledge and expertise from EAM Dr. Jaishankar has great possible solutions to offer for India and the world. It would be an absolute privilege to the Foreign Policy academia to get to read a book by a diplomat and that too, from a sitting cabinet minister. EAM Dr. Jaishankar’s new book, “THE INDIA WAY – Strategies for an Uncertain World” is a great contribution to develop a conversation among Indians on present Foreign Policy dynamics. His new book covers a wide range of present International dynamics that take place in the global order. He discusses strategic choices that India must make in the days to come and its role in International politics amid changing equations. From dynamics in the Indian Ocean and Quad, the rising China, increasing Nationalism and Anti-Globalisation and the ancient epic of Mahabharata as a prism to evaluate strategic choices, the book is a magnificent policy guide in the midst of uncertain times.
The book at it’s very beginning illustrates the fact that the world is changing and many assumptions and practices by which International Relations and diplomacy have operated are now being called into question. Nevertheless, the ones who could assess the last few decades are best placed to anticipate the times to come. From 2008 global financial crisis to the 2020 corona virus, the world has seen significant and unprecedented changes and the very nature of International relations took a major turn. Hence, for a large country like India, often a self-absorbed society, it would be natural to conceptualise the world is static but, it’s much imperative to develop a honest conversation among Indians as India rises in the world order. The author also points out that he has no objections if the rest of the world is going to eavesdrop from his book.
Multipolarity and changing world dynamics.
At his core arguments, the minister points out that the world has turned multipolar as a consequence of repositioning of the US such that the big umbrella is now smaller than it used to be and there might well be various other reasons for distribution of power, ability and capacities. One of the core arguments of the book is how Globalisation as a form of inter-penetration between nations, which is more trade and finance centred has failed to create convergence between nations and also has not worked for everybody because of the way it was envisaged and engineered. The world has become more nationalistic. Nevertheless, a nationalist world would encourage more multilateralism than globalisation and not less of it, as introducing one’s own diplomatic terms into the dynamics of International relations becomes an intrinsic process of international emergence. In such a world, the minister points out that India must make a virtue of reconciling global good with its national interests. Nevertheless, a more nationalistic approach to International Relations may undermine multilateral rules. One can anticipate disrespect to the law of seas or the working of WTO. Hence, unless we recognise the key elements of the present order are no longer working for states, confusion will continue over change. Additionally, this scenario will develop friends who differ and competitors who cooperate. Nations will hence forge issue-based relationships. In the changing world, there would be no allies but only common interests. Finding common points to engage in as many power centres as possible will characterize diplomacy.
Ethical power as an Indian way!
In his chapter, Krishna’s Choice – The strategic culture of a rising power, EAM magnificently illustrates how our current concerns and political dilemma relates to the ancient reflection of the Mahabharata, especially leveraging external environment to address bilateral imbalances. Neighbors in the present dynamic are not a matter of choice, just as relatives were not in the Mahabharata. How does India straddle with such a visceral dilemma? Krishna’s choices in the midst of a great war reconciles many imperatives and offers solutions in a tumultuous world. Hence, being ethical must be the core aspect of the India way!
Democratic Participation
One of the essential features of the book is his engagement of the “street” versus “Lutyens elite” in framing of the Indian Foreign policy. Contrary to popular opinion, EAM illustrates that foreign policy choices must not be devoid of democratic participation and must be subjected to public opinion and academia. His optimistic view does not only illustrate innate values that will reconcile India’s nationalism and core interests with global good, but also allows it to engage “with much greater realism”.
So, as we drive towards the third decade of the century amidst much uncertainty, the relevance and capability of India entails greater expectations and necessitates India to become a “Leading power”. We certainly hope India could bring initiatives and ideas to catalyze a new consensus to the world in the India way! EAM’s possible policy responses certainly places the civilizational power to reclaim its position at the world stage.
onducted a total of five underground nuclear tests, breaking a 24-year self-imposed moratorium on nuclear testing. Pakistan followed, claiming 5 tests on May 28, 1998, and an additional test on May 30. The unannounced tests created a global storm of criticism, as well as a serious setback for decades of U.S. nuclear nonproliferation efforts in South Asia. On May 13, 1998, President Clinton imposed economic and military sanctions on India, mandated by Section 102 of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), and applied the same sanctions to Pakistan on May 30. Some effects of the sanctions on India included: termination of $21 million in FY1998 economic development assistance; postponement of $1.7 billion in lending by the International Financial Institutions (IFI), as supported by the Group of Eight (G-8) leading industrial nations; prohibition on loans or credit from U.S. banks to the government of India; and termination of Foreign Military Sales under the Arms Export Control Act. Humanitarian assistance, food, or other agricultural commodities are excepted from sanctions under the law. 
The first ministerial level meeting of QUAD was held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Before this, the QUAD had
AusIndEx is an exercise between India and Australia which was first held in 2015.The Australian 
On recommendations of the Japanese government, the four countries met at Manila, Philippines for ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) originally, but also ended up having a meeting of what we call the first meeting of four nation states on issues of 
On his official visit to India, Japanese PM Mr. Shinzo Abe reinforced the ties of two nations, i.e., Japan and India with his famous speech about 
In 2007, Japanese President Shinzo Abe resigned from his post citing health reasons. This had a significant impact on QUAD as he was the architect & advocate of QUAD. His successor, Yasuo Fukuda, did not take up QUAD with such zeal leading to dormancy of the forum. (
Japan earthquake and tsunami of 2011, also called Great Sendai Earthquake or Great Tōhoku Earthquake, was a 9.0 magnitude earthquake which struck below the floor of the Western Pacific at 2:49 PM. The powerful earthquake affected the northeastern coast of Honshu, Japan’s main island, and also initiated a series of large tsunami waves that devastated coastal areas of Japan, which also led to a major nuclear accident. Japan received aid from India, US, Australia as well as other countries. US Navy aircraft carrier was dispatched to the area and Australia sent search-and-rescue teams. 
India and Australia signed the 
The India-Japan Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy was signed on 11 November, 2016 and came into force on 20 July, 2017 which was representative of strengthening ties between India and Japan. Diplomatic notes were exchanged between Dr. S. Jaishankar and H.E. Mr. Kenji Hiramatsu, Ambassador of Japan to India. (
The foreign ministry
The Officials of QUAD member countries met in Singapore on November 15, 2018 for consultation on regional & global issues of common interest. The main discussion revolved around connectivity, sustainable development, counter-terrorism, maritime and cyber security, with the view to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the 
The 23rd edition of trilateral Malabar maritime exercise between India, US and Japan took place on 26 September- 04 October, 2019 off the coast of Japan. 
After the first ministerial level meeting of QUAD in September, 2019, the senior officials of US, Japan, India and Australia again met for consultations in Bangkok on the margins of the East Asia Summit. Statements were issued separately by the four countries. Indian Ministry of External Affairs said “In statements issued separately by the four countries, MEA said, “proceeding from the strategic guidance of their Ministers, who met in New York City on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly recently, the officials exchanged views on ongoing and additional practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity and infrastructure development, and security matters, including counterterrorism, cyber and maritime security, with a view to promoting peace, security, stability, prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.”
US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was held on 18 December, 2019, in Washington DC. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Secretary of Defense Mark T. Esper will host Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar and Minister of Defense Shri Rajnath Singh. The discussion focussed on deepening bilateral strategic and defense cooperation, exchanging perspectives on global developments, and our shared leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.The two democracies signed the Industrial Security Annex before the 2+2 Dialogue. Assessments of the situation in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the Indian Ocean region in general were shared between both countries. (
The foreign ministers of QUAD continued their discussions from the last ministerial level meeting in 2019, on 6 October, 2020. While there was no joint statement released, all countries issued individual readouts. As per the issue readout by India, the discussion called for a coordinated response to the challenges including financial problems emanating from the pandemic, best practices to combat Covid-19, increasing the resilience of supply chains, and enhancing access to affordable vaccines, medicines and medical equipment. There was also a focus on maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region amidst growing tensions. Australian media release mentions “We emphasised that, especially during a pandemic, it was vital that states work to ease tensions and avoid exacerbating long-standing disputes, work to counter disinformation, and refrain from malicious cyberspace activity. Ministers reiterated that states cannot assert maritime claims that are inconsistent with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”
On September 24, President Biden hosted Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India, and Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga of Japan at the White House for the first-ever in-person Leaders’ Summit of the QUAD. The leaders released a Joint Statement which summarised their dialogue and future course of action. The regional security of the Indo-Pacific and strong confidence in the ASEAN remained on the focus along with response to the Pandemic. 
The QUAD Vaccine Partnership was announced at the first QUAD Summit on 12 March 2021 where QUAD countries agreed to deliver 1.2 billion vaccine doses globally. The aim was to expand and finance vaccine manufacturing and equipping the Indo-Pacific to build resilience against Covid-19. The launch of a senior-level QUAD Vaccine Experts Group, comprised of top scientists and officials from all QUAD member governments was also spearheaded. 
Although the Tsunami Core group had to be disbanded on fulfilment of its purpose, however the quadrilateral template that formed remained intact as a successful scaffolding of four countries, as stated by authors Patrick Gerard Buchan and Benjamin Rimland in their diplomatic brief about QUAD ( you can access the brief at 
Secretary of State Colin Powell stated that the Core Tsunami Group was to be disbanded and folded and clubbed with the broader United Nations led Relief Operations. In a Tsunami Relief Conference in Jakarta, Secretary Powell stated that 
Soon after the Earthquake and Tsunami crisis, humanitarian reliefs by countries, viz., US, India, Japan, and Australia started to help the 13 havoc-stricken countries. The US initially promised $ 35 Millions in aid. However, on 29
At 7:59AM local time, an earthquake of 9.1 magnitude (undersea) hit the coast of Sumatra, an Indonesian island. As a result of the same, massive waves of Tsunami triggered by the earthquake wreaked havoc for 7 hours across the Indian Ocean and to the coastal areas as far away as East Africa. The infamous Tsunami killed around 225,000 people, with people reporting the height of waves to be as high as 9 metres, i.e., 30 feet. Indonesia, Srilanka, India, Maldives, Thailand sustained horrendously massive damage, with the death toll exceeding 200,000 in Northern Sumatra’s Ache province alone. A great many people, i.e., around tens of thousands were found dead or missing in Srilanka and India, mostly from Andaman and Nicobar Islands of Indian territory. Maldives, being a low-lying country, also reported casualties in hundreds and more, with several non-Asian tourists reported dead or missing who were vacationing. Lack of food, water, medicines burgeoned the numbers of casualties, with the relief workers finding it difficult to reach the remotest areas where roads were destroyed or civil war raged. Long-term environmental damage ensued too, as both natural and man-made resources got demolished and diminished.
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