PUNE: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar on February 23 said the image of India today is that of a country that is willing to go to any extent to protect its national security. 

The minister was addressing 'Festival of Thinkers', an event organised by Symbiosis International University in Pune, where he said, Every country has its challenges and no challenge is as sharp as that of national security. India is a country that will neither be pushed out nor will it allow its basic bottom lines to be crossed. 

"Our western border has been put to the test during the past few years. Everyone will agree that things are a little different now. We have been tested and are still being tested on our northern frontiers," he said, noting that not much had transpired between 2016 and 2019.

The way India performs in this test will demonstrate our capacity to persevere, according to Jaishankar. "Today, our country has the reputation of being one that will do everything it takes to protect its national security. India is a very patient and forgiving nation; it does not go around picking disputes with other nations, but it is a nation that will not be driven out. This is a nation that won't permit its fundamental boundaries to be crossed," he said.

As the world is so divided, several nations will try to prejudice you. They'll persuade you. Sometimes, they use words that are quite strong. How do you defend your interests -- and occasionally the interests of those who might not have your abilities or strengths -- in this situation? Today, we are witnessing that," he continued. He stated that the challenges that came along with the situation in Ukraine were also the time when our sense of independence and confidence were put to the test.

"We are perceived as independent and as speaking up for our rights, which is something we should do and are doing, but also as taking up the role of the voice of the global south. Prior to the G20, we underwent a consultative process last month. It occurred for the first time. 125 developing nations were consulted by us, the G20 president, at the level of the prime minister, the finance minister, the trade minister, and the environment minister. 

We want to enter the G20 emphasising that even though a sizable portion of the world is not represented at the table, their interests are genuine, and someone needs to speak out for them. The remainder of the G20 see India as the voice of the global south as well as the voice of independence and self-assurance, Dr. Jaishankar concluded.

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