India's NE is fulcrum to a larger region, says Jaishankar
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 26 2022: The world today is a competitive playing field and is much more complicated than sports because it has its dangers, interests and agendas.

Playing as a team and choosing the right partners will help India accelerate its growth and development, said Minister of External Affairs Dr S Jaishankar.

He said this while interacting with students and faculties of Manipur University and other institutes on Saturday at City Convention Centre, Imphal.

Minister of State for External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan, Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar, Commissioner (Education) H Gyan-prakash.

Higher Education Director Rangitabali Waikhom, MU VC Prof N Lokendra and MIMS Prof Ch Ibohal Meitei shared the dais with the Minister at the function.

In this world with more than 200 countries and organisations, it is very important "how we make friends, build relationships and secure ourselves" .

"It is more like a team sport.

If we are playing for the team, we have to understand the playing field very well, try to appreciate the hurdles we are going to encounter.

We need to train and prepare ourself and have the mental capability and strength to overcome challenges," he said.

There are issues, dangers and challenges and overcoming these require making the right friends, ensuring security and the progress of India's external interests.

S Jaishankar underlined that the youth should see the world today as a competitive playing field.

"There are about 34 million Indians living abroad.

We should see the world as a workplace and not a marketplace.

If our country maintains the right relationships and partners, we can accelerate our growth, relationship and National development," he said.

Talking about Covid challenges, Jaishankar noted that the pandemic had affected the global economy and the youths of India played important roles in facing the pandemic.

When the pandemic was at its peak, India had brought back about 7-8 million people from other countries, he added.

Jaishankar said that the Indian system under Prime Minister Modi today is very responsive to challenges.

"We have also become a model in terms of digital delivery.

Digital revolution is underway in our country as the Government has maximized the opportunities".

India still has a long way to go compared to other developed countries, but there are many things the whole world can learn from India.

He also spoke about developing connectivity, better health care system, trade, food, economy and export of goods and services during the function.

"India's North East is fulcrum to a larger region," he said.

Minister of State for External Affairs Dr RK Ranjan stressed that Manipur today is "organically developed" and youngsters have developed a brand name for themselves.

It is PM Modi's agenda that Ministers from his Government should regularly visit the North East to ensure delivery of services he assured.

Education Minister Th Basanta Kumar said that India's foreign policy has been one of the most successful and laudable ones in recent years.

VCs of different universities, faculties and students of MU and other institutes, officials of Education Department and related officials attended the function, amongst others.

S Jaishankar also interacted with the business entities of Manipur in an earlier event held today at the Classic Grande Hotel.

The interaction programme was organised by Manipur University.

The External Affairs Minister was here to attend the Manipur Sangai Festival 2022 .

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