S. Jaishankar Defines India as Power in the Middle

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar characterized India as a "power in the middle" rather than a traditional middle power. He argued that the standard middle power label is too limiting for the world's most populous country, which maintains a GDP of approximately 4 trillion dollars.

Jaishankar stated that countries in this position must become more active, stake out their own interests, and establish independent arrangements with one another. He noted that while other nations struggle with the complications of existing alliances and may need to diverge from the United States, India has historically operated without such constraints.

As an example of purpose-driven cooperation, Jaishankar cited the Quad, acknowledging that the group includes the United States while maintaining India's distinct diplomatic approach.