Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India]: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to women-led development, emphasizing its integration into the nation’s foreign policy.
Addressing the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas panel on ‘Nari Shakti: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence,’ Jaishankar underlined the pivotal role of women in India’s journey toward becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
“When we chaired the G20, we strongly advocated for women-led development, and it was eventually accepted into the G20 conceptual framework,” he stated, adding that the concept was also advanced during the Summit of the Future.
Jaishankar emphasized India’s development cooperation efforts with the global south, highlighting that gender-sensitive projects, equality initiatives, and opportunities for women are integral to India’s foreign policy. “We are engaged in 78 countries through projects and capacity building, many of which target women’s empowerment,” he said.
Discussing societal transformation, he remarked, “India cannot progress towards a Viksit Bharat without addressing traditional, historical, and societal attitudes. For India to evolve into a modern, industrial, tech-centric society, we cannot neglect 50% of the talent.”
The minister stressed the need for replicating and normalizing role models, suggesting that this could lead to a transformational societal impact. “The journey to a developed India isn’t just about GDP or infrastructure; it’s about addressing the human side of progress,” he concluded.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held from January 8 to 10 in Bhubaneswar in partnership with the Odisha State Government, serves as a vital platform for engaging the Indian diaspora. This year’s theme is “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat.” Over 50 countries were represented at the convention, with significant participation from the Indian diaspora.