Pune: S Jaishankar emphasizes on importance of AI, drones at Balgandharva Rangmandir 

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently engaged with the youth at Balgandharva Rangmandir, delving into the theme of ‘Why Bharat Matters: Opportunity for Youth and Participation in Global Scenario’. Addressing a query on challenging diplomatic relations, Jaishankar’s response prompted contemplation as he questioned the necessity of maintaining ties with certain nations.
Jaishankar, known for his transition from conventional diplomacy to a more grounded approach aligning with Bharat’s essence, discussed the significance of his book ‘Why Bharat Matters’. He emphasized the evolving landscape, stressing the need for India to compete with China, particularly in the realm of technology.

Touching upon the recent unfortunate incidents involving Indian students in the US, Jaishankar expressed concern, attributing these incidents to various factors such as misjudgments and unfamiliarity with risks. He highlighted the non-political nature of the issue, urging embassies to maintain close contact with the student community abroad.

Furthermore highlighting the imperative of investing in new-age industries like AI, drones, and renewable energy, Jaishankar emphasized the pivotal role of skilled Indian professionals, especially those educated abroad. He advocated for the global expansion of Indian education through initiatives like international campuses and collaborative degree programs with renowned universities.

Jaishankar also voiced support for the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC), asserting their significance in the national context. The event saw the presence of notable figures including Maharashtra Minister of Higher and Technical Education Chandrakant Patil, Pune BJP candidate Muralidhar Mohol, and MP Medha Kulkarni.