India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar defended the "India First" foreign policy during a briefing to Parliament on May 25, 2024 [1].
The stance underscores India's effort to maintain strategic autonomy while navigating escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Jaishankar provided a detailed briefing to lawmakers regarding the situation in Iran and the broader volatility across the Middle East. His remarks addressed the complex geopolitical rivalries involving the U.S., Russia, Ukraine, Israel, and various Gulf nations [1], [2].
The minister said that India's diplomatic decisions are rooted in its own national interests rather than aligning strictly with the policies of other global powers. This "India First" approach allows New Delhi to manage multifaceted relationships with competing superpowers and regional actors simultaneously [1].
The briefing occurred against a backdrop of heightened instability in the Persian Gulf, where U.S.-Iran tensions continue to threaten maritime security and regional trade. Jaishankar said the government is monitoring these developments to ensure Indian interests and citizens remain protected [2].
While some reports mentioned celebrations regarding the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence in New Delhi [3], historical records indicate the U.S. celebrates its semiquincentennial in 2026. Additionally, while some sources attributed comments regarding a "key partnership for the 21st century" to Marco Rubio, other reports do not confirm his involvement in these specific remarks [3].
Jaishankar's address serves as a signal to both Western allies and Eastern partners that India will not be pressured into taking sides in regional conflicts. He said the priority remains the stability of the region, and the protection of India's economic and strategic goals [1].
“India's diplomatic decisions are rooted in its own national interests”
By explicitly championing an 'India First' policy, New Delhi is signaling that it will not act as a junior partner to the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific or Middle East. This strategic hedging allows India to maintain essential energy ties with Iran and historical ties with Russia while continuing to deepen security and technology cooperation with Washington.
