External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasized India’s role as a “power in the middle,” highlighting the nation’s population of 1.4 billion and its economy valued at approximately $4 trillion. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum alongside Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, Jaishankar discussed the significance of middle powers in today’s shifting geopolitical landscape. He noted that countries with shared interests are increasingly collaborating to shape a changing global order and influence international decision-making.
During the forum, Jaishankar underscored the importance of countries developing independent policies and forming partnerships to address mutual challenges. He cited initiatives such as the Quad and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) as examples of strategic and economic cooperation. According to Jaishankar, more nations are seeking to enhance their roles in global governance, reflecting a growing interest among emerging economies in strengthening collaboration while maintaining strategic autonomy.
The discussion followed comments from Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who advocated for middle powers to work together to uphold multilateralism and adapt to changes in the international system. Jaishankar echoed this sentiment, suggesting that such countries need to engage closely and identify common interests.
Anita Anand also stressed the need for middle powers to take an active leadership role in crafting the international order. She highlighted Canada’s strategies, including trade agreements, security partnerships, and participation in multilateral platforms like the G7, as means to bolster economic resilience and respond to emerging security challenges. Anand argued that coordinated action could enhance national strategic autonomy while supporting shared interests and building more resilient supply chains.
The forum highlighted the growing importance of cooperation among middle powers as they navigate geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainty, and evolving global alliances. Both Jaishankar and Anand emphasized that by working together, these countries could play a crucial role in shaping a stable and inclusive international environment.