India Prioritizes Security and Political Considerations Over Economics, Jaishankar Says

Mumbai – In a significant shift in global strategy, India is increasingly prioritizing political and security considerations over purely economic ones in its international partnerships, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at the Global Economic Cooperation 2026 summit in Mumbai on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Jaishankar highlighted a world entering a period of heightened volatility and uncertainty.

A New World Order

Jaishankar asserted that the world is witnessing “possibly the most turbulent period in living memory,” where long-held assumptions are being challenged across political, strategic, economic, and technological dimensions. He emphasized the require for nations to focus on “de-risking and diversifying” their strategies, a trend already visible in both national policies and corporate decision-making.

“Economics will give way to politics and security when it comes to making choices, and technology will be even more transformative than ever before,” Jaishankar stated. This signals a departure from traditional economic-centric approaches to international relations.

India’s Response: Building National Capabilities and Strengthening Partnerships

India’s response to this evolving global landscape involves a concerted effort to build national capabilities, address growth challenges comprehensively, and proactively engage with international partners. Jaishankar affirmed that “the reform express will continue to roll on,” impacting both supply and demand sides of the economy.

The Minister highlighted India’s intensified engagement with global partners, citing recently concluded trade deals as evidence of the country’s growing economic strength. A significant trade pact with the United States was specifically mentioned as a key achievement. Recent tariff reductions by the U.S. On Indian goods, decreasing from 50% to 18%, further demonstrate this strengthened cooperation.

Global Shifts and Emerging Trends

Jaishankar outlined six key features of the current international scenario:

• The United States is committed to re-industrialization.
• China’s manufacturing and export focus remains strong and may expand.
• Technological competition is intensifying and becoming more polarized.
• Energy trade flows are undergoing significant redefinition.
• New mindsets are encouraging greater risk-taking.
• Migration and mobility are becoming increasingly contentious issues.

He warned that the established global order is changing, and the transition will likely be “messy, risky, unpredictable, perhaps even dangerous.” The weaponization of production, finance, and export controls are contributing factors to this instability.

Looking Ahead

India’s strategy, as articulated by Jaishankar, is to navigate this turbulent landscape by strengthening its internal capabilities and forging deeper, more strategic partnerships with nations around the world. The country aims to be more prominent in global production, services, technology, skills, and talent. This proactive approach positions India to capitalize on emerging opportunities and mitigate risks in the evolving global order.