Jaishankar says Indian skills and innovation are becoming a global brand

At the 22nd convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University) in Pune on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted how India’s talent, skills, and work ethic have become central to its national brand. Addressing thousands of graduating students from India and over 40 countries, he said these strengths are shaping how the world sees India, moving beyond outdated stereotypes.

Jaishankar explained that in his diplomatic engagements abroad, he frequently hears praise for the Indian diaspora and admiration for the contributions of Indians in various fields. He noted that today’s global perception of India is “very much more positive and very much more serious” than in the past, driven by both national achievements and individual success stories . Indians are widely regarded for their strong work ethic, technological adaptability, and family-centric cultural values, underscoring the importance of human resources as a distinct and competitive advantage for the country.

Highlighting empirical indicators of this shift, Jaishankar pointed to the growing number of global capability centres in India , the rising demand for Indian talent overseas , and the impressive accomplishments of Indian professionals across sectors. He stressed that such developments are not anecdotal but reflective of a broader transformation in India’s global image and reputation.

In his address, Jaishankar connected this positive evolution with India’s ongoing efforts in economic and technological domains. He urged a continued focus on initiatives such as Make in India , emphasizing that producing, designing, innovating, and delivering from India will help domestic products and services leave a stronger mark on global markets. For India to continue growing as a hub of innovation and capability, he said there must be concerted efforts to upgrade infrastructure, strengthen human capital, and pursue sound policies backed by clear vision and strong leadership.

Jaishankar also underlined changes in the global power structure , observing that the international landscape is no longer dominated by a single power. A number of centres of influence have emerged in recent years, reshaping how nations interact and cooperate. In this interconnected environment, collaboration and mutual respect are increasingly vital, and no country, regardless of its influence, can unilaterally dictate terms across the global agenda.

The minister’s remarks come at a time when India is asserting itself more actively on the world stage, not only through economic growth but also through strategic diplomacy and cultural influence. Jaishankar urged the new graduates to step confidently into the global workplace and contribute to India’s expanding role in world affairs. With its young population and diverse pool of talent, India, he said, is well-positioned to make an even greater impact internationally in the years ahead.