Jaishankar: India Is “Power in the Middle,” Not a Middle Power
What Happened
On October 13, 2026, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the Bloomberg New Economy Forum in New Delhi that India should not be described as a “middle power” but rather as a “power in the middle.” He argued that India’s geographic and strategic position enables it to engage multiple global actors simultaneously. Jaishankar emphasized India’s ability to balance ties with the U.S., China, Europe, and Russia, while advancing its own national interests. His remarks come amid ongoing debates about India’s role in a multipolar world.
Key Takeaways
Jaishankar’s statement underscores India’s ambition to be seen as a central actor in global geopolitics, not a secondary player. It reflects India’s strategy of balancing major powers while asserting independent influence.