S Jaishankar (file photo)
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Saturday said he merely carries out the “vision” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, likening his role to that of Lord Hanuman carrying out Lord Ram’s mission.At an event in Maharashtra’s Pune, Jaishankar, a former diplomat, was asked if only “one Jaishankar” is enough for India. He “corrected” the question, replying, ‘You actually should have asked me ‘there is one Modi.’”The EAM said, “That was the question you should have asked me because ultimately, the diplomats… after all, Shri Hanuman finally serves (Lord Ram). So bear it in mind.” Showering praise on PM Modi, Jaishankar added, “Countries are defined by leaders, countries are defined by vision. There are people who execute it. But ultimately today, it is that vision, the leadership, the confidence. That is what makes a difference.”Jaishankar, who served as India’s foreign secretary from January 2015 to 2018, has been the country’s external affairs minister since May 2019, following PM Modi’s second consecutive term win.‘India’s talent, skill has shaped our national brand’: JaishankarThe BJP leader and Rajya Sabha member was in Pune to attend the 22nd convocation of Symbiosis International (Deemed University). He told the graduating students, “The old stereotypes about India are steadily being put behind. But this evolution in our image is an undeniable reality. Hard figures vouch for this transformation. Among them, the growing number of global capability centres in India, the increasing demand for Indian talent and skills abroad, and the individual successes of people. And this extends equally to us as a collective. Perhaps more than others, India is today defined by its talent and by its skill. All that has helped to shape our national brand.”The minister also called for “doubling down” on the Make in India initiative so that Indian products can make a mark beyond the country’s shores.“Add to that design in India, research in India, innovate in India, or deliver from India, and the same holds true for services as well. We have to upgrade our infrastructure, develop our human resources, and adopt and pursue the right policies. But more importantly, it requires vision, it requires leadership, and it requires execution, all of which we fortunately have today,” he remarked.Students from over 40 countries graduated at the ceremony, and Jaishankar wished them success in their future endeavours.(With ANI inputs) Go to Source
