Raipur, April 4 (NationPress) On Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called upon the graduates of IIM Raipur to take on the important task of constructing a developed India amid the backdrop of significant global challenges such as pandemics, conflicts, and climate change.

Speaking at the 15th Annual Convocation Ceremony as the chief guest, Jaishankar congratulated the Class of 2026. He described the event as a moment of both personal achievement and an opportunity for introspection about the wider environment that will define their future.

“You are part of a generation that is poised to realize the vision of Viksit Bharat,” he expressed to the graduates. “You benefit from a decade of remarkable progress, with unprecedented access to technology, information, and globalization that has connected India more than ever to the global stage. Your expertise will guide the nation toward enhanced prosperity.”

However, he warned that the graduates are stepping into an era marked by swift and structural transformations. He highlighted three significant challenges of this decade: the Covid-19 pandemic, ongoing conflicts, and rapidly accelerating climate change. Each has fundamentally reshaped daily life, work environments, and global interconnections.

“Conflicts now affect even remote societies, while severe climate events and the loss of habitats represent both immediate and prolonged threats,” he pointed out.

EAM Jaishankar emphasized the evolving dynamics of the global order, where changing power structures and rapid advancements in technology, energy, military capabilities, and connectivity are intensifying competition. “Today, everything is being utilized, if not weaponized,” he noted, which drives nations and businesses to prioritize hedging, de-risking, and diversification strategies.

In spite of these challenges, the minister conveyed a strong sense of optimism regarding India’s future direction. “The opportunities awaiting young Indians today shine brighter than ever before. There is a sense of optimism in our society that is lacking in many other regions of the world,” he stated.

He attributed this positive outlook to the past decade of advancements, India’s ranking among the top five economies, and its resilience in facing various global shocks. EAM Jaishankar underscored that fostering inclusive growth, decisive leadership, and enthusiastic adoption of digital tools, paired with a robust ‘can-do’ attitude among the youth and a recognition of India’s heritage, have laid a solid groundwork.

“Technology and tradition are complementing each other,” he asserted.

The minister also highlighted the increasing necessity of enhancing national capabilities, especially in critical sectors like food, health, energy, and national security, under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. While acknowledging the importance of forming trusted partnerships in certain fields, he affirmed that strong domestic capabilities are the most effective means to mitigate risks and gain leverage.

He noted advancements in the ease of doing business, infrastructure progress in highways, railways, ports, and airports, as well as the cultivation of skills, entrepreneurship, and startups.

Jaishankar encouraged graduates to gain a profound understanding of global affairs, cultures, and complexities, pointing out that diplomacy and business are becoming increasingly intertwined.

Drawing comparisons between diplomacy and management, EAM Jaishankar outlined essential qualities for success, which include thorough preparation, sound judgement, clear objectives, negotiating skills, and the ability to prioritize core national interests with “India First” as their guiding principle.

In his concluding advice, he urged the young managers to remain competitive, dedicated to lifelong learning, and focused on establishing strong relationships built on ethical values.

“Life revolves around relationships and friendships—cultivate, sustain, and cherish them,” he stated.

Wishing them well, EAM Jaishankar concluded: “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, confident that you will pursue your journeys with high aspirations and unwavering commitment.”