S Jaishankar Gives Credit To PM Modi For "Socioeconomic Revolution" In India, Asks For Reframing Relationship With UK

During a Diwali reception in London, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the significant transformations that India has undergone in the last decade. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership for these changes and emphasised his pivotal role in shaping the nation's trajectory.

"I began by saying the world has changed, our relationship has changed, the UK has changed, and India has changed. So you may ask me what has changed in India. You know the answer. The answer is Modi," asserted Jaishankar as reported by Hindustan Times.

The minister discussed several initiatives that have contributed to India's advancements in the last 10 years. These include campaigns like Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao, the provision of toilets for girls, the Jandhan Yojana for financial inclusion, the Awas Yojana for housing, and flagship projects like Digital India, Startup India, and Skill India.

Reflecting on the significant changes that have taken place in India over the past decade, he called it a socioeconomic revolution, highlighting the progress that has been made including the establishment of numerous new universities and colleges.

"In fact, the number of new educational institutions created in the last 10 years is nearly equal to the total number of universities and colleges that existed in the country for the previous 65 years," he said emphasising the rapid growth and development that has occurred in the education sector in recent times.

In addressing the diplomatic front, Jaishankar emphasised the necessity of reevaluating the relationship between India and the UK. Recognising the significant changes that have taken place in both nations, he stressed the importance of establishing a partnership that is relevant to the present era.

"We are today trying to reframe the relationship between India and the UK. We have changed in ourselves, our relationships, our linkages and approaches to the world; therefore, it is important that we prepare a partnership for a contemporary era in which we look to explore new convergences to see if there is unrealistic potential out there," said Jaishankar.

During his five-day visit to Britain, Jaishankar had the opportunity to meet with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street and the newly appointed UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron. The visit will conclude on 15 November.