At the Aravalli Summit at Jawaharlal Nehru University, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated the necessity for India to emerge as the primary crisis responder in South Asia amidst a backdrop of diminishing global cooperation and increasing geopolitical volatility. He underscored that India’s foreign policy should be driven by national interests and emphasized the importance of strategic autonomy, which allows India to navigate international affairs without aligning with any particular power. Jaishankar highlighted the challenges posed by regional dynamics, particularly in relation to difficult neighbors, and advocated for a “de-hyphenation” approach to foster independent engagement with global counterparts. He warned of the transformative shifts in warfare and the implications of technology on sovereignty, arguing that India’s rise must be supported by the development of ideas and narratives consistent with its vision of a developed nation by 2047. This call for a proactive and multi-aligned foreign policy strategy is essential not only for safeguarding India’s interests but also for enhancing its position amid a competitive global landscape. Jaishankar’s address reflects a commitment to strengthening India’s capabilities and promoting its role as a stabilizing power in the region, with a focus on building institutional preparedness to meet future challenges effectively. The broader significance of this discourse lies in its potential to redefine India’s international standing and influence in an era characterized by rapid change and uncertainty.