External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s strategic objective of “de-hyphenation” from Pakistan, advocating that India should enhance its power and capabilities to reshape international perceptions. He argued that India’s growing strength and global influence should render historical equivalences with Pakistan obsolete, contrasting the current geopolitical climate with the past views of the 1970s. Jaishankar also reiterated the importance of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, which aims to strengthen ties with regional partners while ensuring strategic autonomy. This stance underscores India’s commitment to asserting itself as a significant global player, capable of navigating a multipolar world and fostering stability in its neighborhood amidst ongoing regional tensions, positioning itself for leadership by its centenary of independence in 2047.