External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted the need to reassess India’s economic and foreign policy paradigms, rooted in the Nehru development model, during a virtual address at the launch of The Nehru Development Model by Arvind Panagariya. Jaishankar emphasized that the model’s impact extended across politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, media, and education, shaping India’s trajectory post-independence.

Drawing connections between economic policy and foreign relations, he argued that Nehru’s developmental choices inevitably influenced India's foreign policy. He stressed the necessity of correcting these policies abroad while reforming their domestic consequences. Jaishankar noted resistance to change stems from an ideological attachment to both aspects, calling for a holistic approach to address these intertwined legacies.

Quoting John Foster Dulles’s 1947 observation on Soviet influence in India, Jaishankar acknowledged past ideological drives toward socialism as a counter to imperialism. This approach, centered on heavy industries, shaped the "Nehru model," which he asserted failed to deliver on its promises. Despite a national consensus on its shortcomings, he lamented the reluctance to fully explore alternative paths, often resulting in incomplete reforms.

Jaishankar highlighted that while India has benefited from economic openness over the last 33 years, modern challenges necessitate a shift toward resilience, reliability, and trust. He advocated for "openness with caution," emphasizing the importance of managing exposure to global markets. Addressing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), he clarified that it is not protectionism but a call for strategic thinking and ensuring national security.

Jaishankar acknowledged progress since 2014 in course correction but noted significant challenges remain. He concluded by urging a balanced approach to reforms, recognizing the complex interplay of economic policies and geopolitical realities in today’s interconnected world.

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar highlighted the need to reassess India’s economic and foreign policy paradigms, rooted in the Nehru development model, during a virtual address at the launch of The Nehru Development Model by Arvind Panagariya. Jaishankar emphasized that the model’s impact extended across politics, bureaucracy, judiciary, media, and education, shaping India’s trajectory post-independence.

Drawing connections between economic policy and foreign relations, he argued that Nehru’s developmental choices inevitably influenced India's foreign policy. He stressed the necessity of correcting these policies abroad while reforming their domestic consequences. Jaishankar noted resistance to change stems from an ideological attachment to both aspects, calling for a holistic approach to address these intertwined legacies.

Quoting John Foster Dulles’s 1947 observation on Soviet influence in India, Jaishankar acknowledged past ideological drives toward socialism as a counter to imperialism. This approach, centered on heavy industries, shaped the "Nehru model," which he asserted failed to deliver on its promises. Despite a national consensus on its shortcomings, he lamented the reluctance to fully explore alternative paths, often resulting in incomplete reforms.

Jaishankar highlighted that while India has benefited from economic openness over the last 33 years, modern challenges necessitate a shift toward resilience, reliability, and trust. He advocated for "openness with caution," emphasizing the importance of managing exposure to global markets. Addressing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance), he clarified that it is not protectionism but a call for strategic thinking and ensuring national security.

Jaishankar acknowledged progress since 2014 in course correction but noted significant challenges remain. He concluded by urging a balanced approach to reforms, recognizing the complex interplay of economic policies and geopolitical realities in today’s interconnected world.