At the Kautilya Economic Conclave 2025, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a compelling address highlighting the emergence of "contactless wars" as defining the new global order. He explained that today's conflicts are no longer fought with traditional trenches but with advanced technologies such as drones, standoff weapons, and cyber tools. Jaishankar pointed out that nations are increasingly using trade, technology, and finance as weapons, blurring the lines between economic and military confrontations.
The Minister stressed India's urgent need to build resilience by focusing on manufacturing, innovation, and self-reliance to effectively face the challenges of this volatile global landscape. According to him, the solution lies within India itself through the development of robust intelligence capabilities, credible deterrence, and the ability to compete across multiple domains simultaneously.
Jaishankar's address emphasized that adapting to evolving geopolitical challenges requires strengthening India's capacities in these critical areas. His message was clear: to navigate the complexities of modern conflict and global competition, India must rely on homegrown strength and strategic foresight.
This keynote at the Kautilya Economic Conclave underscores the shift towards technology-driven warfare and economic competition, signaling a new era in international relations that demands innovation and preparedness from India.