External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar today said that consensus, mutual understanding and self-interest would play a key role on the enforcement of rules agreed upon by middle powers. Speaking at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi, Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that the era of a country dictating terms to others through threats is over. He noted that the world is moving towards a new international order, with a wider range of countries playing a greater role in global affairs. He added the current transition should not be seen as a shift from order to disorder but as the evolution of a different kind of order.

Dr. S Jaishankar also said that India does not identify itself as a middle power, but rather as a power in the middle. The External Affairs Minister emphasized that India is the world’s most populous country with a GDP of around four trillion dollars and has significant growth potential. He added that hence the term ‘middle power’ does not adequately reflect India’s position and ambitions. He further noted that middle powers would now increasingly define their own interests, formulate independent policies and reach agreements with one another. He said this would enable middle powers to play a more active role in shaping the emerging international order.