- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the “strong chemistry” between PM Modi and Donald Trump during Modi’s recent US visit.
- Jaishankar noted that both leaders, being nationalists, understood and respected each other’s commitment to their respective nations.
- He also linked India’s foreign policy approach to lessons from the Ramayana, emphasizing coalition-building and strategic diplomacy.
Nationalist Leaders, Mutual Respect
During the Delhi University Literature Festival, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reflected on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US and his meeting with former US President Donald Trump. He emphasized that the meeting went well, attributing it to the mutual respect between two nationalist leaders.
“PM Modi is a strong nationalist. Trump is an American nationalist. In many ways, nationalists tend to respect each other. Trump acknowledges that Modi is dedicated to India, and Modi understands that Trump is dedicated to America,” Jaishankar said. He noted that Modi’s rapport with Trump is unique, as Trump hasn’t always had the same level of camaraderie with other world leaders.
Ramayana & Diplomacy: Lessons from the Past
Jaishankar also provided an interesting analogy, drawing from the Ramayana to explain India’s foreign policy strategy. He compared Lord Hanuman’s diplomatic mission to Lanka with modern coalition-building efforts.
“Hanumanji was sent to a hostile land, where he had to assess the situation, engage with key figures, and ultimately support a larger cause. Similarly, in foreign policy, we work on maximizing our friends, managing diverse interests, and building coalitions to achieve strategic goals,” Jaishankar explained.
He emphasized that India’s global approach today is about uniting different nations, even if they do not always share the same perspectives, to work toward common objectives.
Jaishankar’s remarks shed light on India’s evolving global strategy and the significance of strong leadership chemistry in international diplomacy. As India continues to expand its influence, its historical and cultural wisdom remains a guiding force in shaping its foreign policy.
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