Women-Led Development Integral to India’s Foreign Policy, Says S. Jaishankar at Pravasi Bharatiya Divas

Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), January 10: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to women-led development, highlighting that it is a key component of the country’s foreign policy. Speaking at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas panel on ‘Nari Shakti: Celebrating Women’s Leadership and Influence’, Jaishankar underscored the importance of integrating women into every aspect of society, aligning this with India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).

During his address, Jaishankar pointed out that women-led development had already been incorporated into India’s foreign policy. He emphasized the necessity of involving women in all societal spheres, which is central to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation. He also noted that during India’s chairmanship of the G20 Summit, the country strongly advocated for the concept of women-led development, ensuring its inclusion in the G20’s conceptual framework. This advocacy was also highlighted during the Summit of the Future.

Jaishankar elaborated on India’s development cooperation with nations, particularly in the Global South, where the country engages in various projects and capacity-building efforts across 78 countries. He remarked that many of these initiatives focus on gender-sensitive issues, women’s equality, and opportunities, illustrating how these goals are deeply embedded within India’s foreign policy.

The External Affairs Minister also linked the advancement of women to the broader goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat, stressing that a modern, industrial, and tech-centric society could not overlook half of its talent. He emphasized the importance of addressing traditional and societal barriers to women’s participation in the economy and development.

Jaishankar further discussed the role of women role models, emphasizing the need to make these examples not just visible but also trends that can be internalized and replicated across society for broader transformational change.

In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar pointed out that while economic metrics such as GDP and infrastructure are often used to measure the progress of a nation, true development must also consider the human side of progress—an aspect that includes ensuring gender equality and women’s empowerment.

The Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention, held annually, serves as a significant platform for the Indian government to engage with the global Indian diaspora. This year’s 18th edition, organized in collaboration with the Odisha state government, took place in Bhubaneswar from January 8 to 10. The theme of this year’s convention, “Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat,” reflects India’s focus on leveraging the diaspora’s support in shaping the nation’s future. Over 50 countries are represented by diaspora members who have registered for the event, underscoring the global significance of the gathering.