‘Why Bharat Matters’ announces S. Jaishankar on X
On 22 Dec, he wrote on X about his book ‘Why Bharat Matters’, and he reflected on the eventful year of 2023 for Indian diplomacy. He emphasized the importance of understanding the ongoing transformations in both the world and India to appreciate the challenges and outcomes of Indian diplomacy. He shared his thoughts on these matters, drawing insights from the perspective of the Ramayana, and contributed to the conversation on foreign policy.
Whether drawing strength from its heritage and culture or approaching challenges with the optimism of democracy and technology, this is certainly a New India—an India that is more Bharat.
Jaishankar sheds light on the intricate weave of global politics and its direct influence on the day-to-day life of each individual. He also shares his unique perspective of ‘Amrit Kaal’, a vision that carries the promise of a prosperous future, resonating with the hopes and aspirations of every citizen.
Why did Jaishankar go with Bharat in the title, not India?
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the importance of building a comprehensive narrative for ‘Bharat’, asserting that it is a statement of independence. He highlighted the diverse symbolism of the term ‘Bharat’ in various domains, including economic significance, development, and culture.
Prospective Author: S. Jaishankar

S. Jaishankar, an esteemed Indian diplomat and politician, has been serving as India’s Minister of External Affairs since 2019. He is a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party and represents the party in the Rajya Sabha. His diplomatic career includes key roles such as the Foreign Secretary and Ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic.
One of his notable contributions was his role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. After retiring, he joined Tata Sons as the President of Global Corporate Affairs. In 2019, he was awarded the Padma Shri. He is multilingual and holds the distinction of being the first former Foreign Secretary to head the Ministry of External Affairs as a Cabinet Minister. His work has significantly shaped India’s foreign policy and its international relations.
Jaishankar also highlighted the division of power in the global structure. He pointed out that those who have gained dominance, especially economic dominance, often create systems that seem fair, even if they are not, through negotiation and narrative shaping. This is evident in the division of power in the UN Security Council.
He further noted that while there are discussions about free trade, there are instances of “cherry-picking” aimed at preserving the leads gained by certain countries. He underscored that free trade does not apply to all sectors, including food, clothing, drugs, and intellectual property.