Jaishankar Calls for Fair, Representative Global Order Amid Uncertain Times

Quick Summary

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at the inaugural BIMSTEC Conventional Music Festival ‘Saptasur,’ emphasized that the world is currently experiencing “complex and uncertain times.”
• He highlighted the need for a fair and representative global order, asserting that this desire often manifests as efforts toward “political or economic rebalancing.”
• BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) was established in 1997, with its current seven-member states including Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan, and Nepal.
• The festival reflects a commitment made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 6th BIMSTEC summit held in April 2025 in Bangkok.
• The event celebrates cultural heritage through music from member states as a form of strengthening identity and collaboration among nations.
• Jaishankar stressed the value of traditions in defining identities and ensuring confidence to shape futures while noting music’s unique ability to connect societies.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of the BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlights India’s continued focus on regional cooperation within South Asia and beyond through platforms like BIMSTEC. By emphasizing culture’s role-particularly traditional music-in forging unity among member nations while preserving each nation’s distinct identity, India underscores soft power diplomacy as an effective tool in international relations.

This initiative also aligns with broader geopolitical aims like political rebalancing within an evolving multipolar global order where emerging economies seek greater portrayal. As traditional arts are embedded into diplomacy strategies such as this festival initiated at india’s behest post-BIMSTEC Summit discussions earlier this year-India reinforces its status not just as a leader but also a bridge-builder between cultures regionally moving forward .

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