Jaishankar Emphasizes Adaptability and Readiness Amid Rapid Geopolitical Shifts at Army Commanders’ Conference
In a keynote address at the Army Commanders’ Conference, India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar underscored the pressing need for adaptability as nations worldwide face a swiftly evolving geopolitical environment. Against the backdrop of shifting alliances, emerging security threats, and dynamic power equations, Jaishankar urged India’s defense leadership to maintain a posture of strategic readiness. He pointed out that today’s fast-paced changes demand nations be flexible, vigilant, and prepared to recalibrate both defense and diplomatic strategies to effectively safeguard their interests.
Jaishankar highlighted that the global landscape is in a state of constant flux, shaped by advancements in technology, the unpredictability of certain state actors, and an increasing tendency toward multipolarity. This volatility, he argued, leaves little room for rigid doctrines or static strategies. Instead, Jaishankar advocated for a framework that allows for swift adaptability, whether in response to traditional security challenges or new-age threats like cyber warfare, economic coercion, and information manipulation.
The minister also spoke to the need for India to remain deeply involved in its regional affairs, noting that the rise of new power centers and the redefinition of old alliances necessitate a strategic balance that protects India’s sovereignty and promotes regional stability. This approach, he explained, requires close coordination between India’s defense, intelligence, and diplomatic bodies.
He also acknowledged the critical role the Indian Army and its leadership play in this vision of adaptability, stressing that the nation’s security depends on agile decision-making and a forward-thinking mindset. “Today, the ability to anticipate, adapt, and act swiftly is as important as ever. We are in a period where change is the only constant,” Jaishankar stated. He concluded by calling upon the armed forces to strengthen their coordination with India’s diplomatic machinery, emphasizing that both defense and diplomacy need to work hand-in-hand to address emerging threats effectively.
Jaishankar’s speech reflects a broader shift in India’s approach to global security and international relations—one where agility, readiness, and strategic foresight take precedence over traditional approaches. The minister’s remarks come at a time when India is asserting its role on the world stage with greater confidence and seeking to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical environment with resilience and clarity of purpose.