The India Way - Strategies for an Uncertain World - Dr. S. Jaishankar

Just back from my action packed India tour, where I had this wonderful opportunity to participate in 2 academic conferences, networked with over 50+ senior professionals including Directors of various Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad, Nagpur, Mumbai, Ranchi), Above all, got my long deserved family time with parents.?

The excitement behind this post, however, is the book that I read during this trip - “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World” By Dr. S Jaishankar.

Why am I excited? You will probably come to know by the end of this post, if you read the full post obviously.?

India since the last few decades, is going through a transformational journey as far as international relations are concerned. And the person at the helm - The shrewd, intelligent person with stupendous diplomatic skills, Dr. S. Jaishankar, is leading the way in this journey.?

It was a cathartic experience to go through this book and understand the intricacies of not just international diplomacy, but also, to understand how such great personalities think, work and operate at such high energy levels.

Coming back to the book, it offers a compelling insight into India’s evolving role on the global stage. The book combines Dr. S. Jaishankar’s rich experience in diplomacy with a forward-looking perspective on international relations.

And the most important thing is his innovative way of learning points every diplomat can derive by reading and understanding the HISTORY.

The book explores how India must navigate a world marked by unpredictability, shifting power dynamics, and global interconnectedness. Dr. S. Jaishankar argues for a practical, self-reliant approach that blends tradition and modernity, leveraging India's civilizational history while adapting to the challenges of the 21st century.

The book covers a wide range of topics, as it is a collection of speeches delivered by Dr. S. Jaishankar at various events. While reading, I identified four key themes that stood out to me.

Key Themes

• The Multipolar World Order: He articulates how India can position itself as a key player in a world no longer dominated by a singular superpower.
• Strategic Autonomy: The book advocates for India’s ability to independently craft policies and partnerships in a manner that serves its national interests.
• Civilizational Perspective: Jaishankar frequently underscores India's rich cultural and historical heritage as a guiding force in its international strategy.
• Global Governance and Technology: He also delves into issues like the digital divide, global governance reform, and technology-driven geopolitical challenges.

Strengths

1. Insightful Analysis: Dr. S. Jaishankar offers a well-structured narrative that bridges theory and practice, enriched by his diplomatic career and his vast experience.?
2. Balanced Approach: The book doesn’t shy away from critiquing global powers or addressing India’s own challenges, which adds credibility to its arguments. Several chapters are dedicated to analyzing key economies such as the USA, China, and Japan. Each chapter offers a detailed analysis and provides sufficient context for the discussion. However, at times, the content may feel overwhelming for novice readers who are less familiar with international politics.
3. Timely and Relevant: Published in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, The India Way addresses contemporary global uncertainties, making it highly relevant to current discourse. The book highlights the fragility of global supply chains, a vulnerability exposed during the pandemic, and raises critical questions about building resilient supply networks. Dr. S. Jaishankar emphasizes the pivotal role of technology integration in shaping the future of supply chain management, underlining its importance in ensuring sustainability and preparedness for future disruptions.
4. Engaging Style: While academic in tone, Dr. S. Jaishankar's writing remains accessible, blending anecdotal reflections with analytical depth.

Suggestions for Enhancement

1. Accessibility for Novice Readers: For those less familiar with international relations, the dense use of jargon and complex terminologies might pose a challenge. A glossary or additional explanations could enhance reader engagement.
2. Acronyms: The book features numerous acronyms, which can be challenging to keep track of, though one acronym that stood out to me was SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). It caught my attention not only because of its significance but also because it happens to be part of my first name—a personal connection that made it particularly memorable! ??
3. Challenging Vocabulary: The book incorporates a wide range of words and phrases that are not commonly used in everyday English. Example, autarky, largesse, parlance, abominable, tepidity, vagaries etc. While this adds depth to the narrative, it also prompted me to create a list of these terms to enhance my vocabulary—a productive challenge for readers eager to expand their linguistic repertoire. If you'd like this list, feel free to message me—I’d be happy to share it!

Final Thoughts

The India Way is a thought-provoking and insightful work that combines pragmatism with a vision for India's future in a rapidly changing world. Dr. S. Jaishankar's depth of understanding and clarity of expression make this book a must-read for policymakers, diplomats, and anyone interested in India’s global aspirations.

Whether you agree or disagree with his perspectives, the book challenges conventional thinking and inspires meaningful reflection on India's role in shaping the 21st century.

Dr. S. Jaishankar Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drs.jaishankar/?hl=en

Ministry of External Affairs, India

Thanks Naimesh Patel for your thoughts and improvements to this review.

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