Safest Bet Is Capability”: S. Jaishankar On Handling An Uncertain Future | 2025 Article
In a rapidly shifting global landscape, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has once again emphasized a principle that has become central to India’s strategic thinking in 2025: the safest bet for any nation facing an uncertain future is to build capability. Speaking on global challenges, evolving geopolitics, and India’s role in the world, Jaishankar highlighted why capability—not assumptions, alliances, or rhetoric—remains the most reliable foundation for national strength.
A World Becoming More Unpredictable in 2025
From economic volatility and geopolitical conflicts to technological disruptions and climate uncertainties, 2025 has proven that global stability cannot be taken for granted. Jaishankar stated that countries must prepare for surprises, because:
Traditional alliances are shifting
Power balances are evolving
Conflicts are becoming more complex
Technology is redefining warfare and diplomacy
Economic dependencies are turning into vulnerabilities
In such times, Jaishankar argued, depending on others is risky—but depending on yourself is secure.
“Capability Is the Safest Bet” — What Jaishankar Meant
Jaishankar’s message revolves around a simple but powerful idea:
A nation with strong capabilities—economic, technological, military, and human—can navigate any global uncertainty.
He outlined several forms of capability India must continue strengthening:
1. Economic Capability
A resilient economy ensures independence in decision-making. India in 2025 is focusing on:
Expanding manufacturing
Attracting global investment
Strengthening supply-chain security
Boosting digital and service sectors
A strong economy gives a country the leverage to act on its interests.
2. Technological Capability
Jaishankar emphasized that technology is now intertwined with national security. Capabilities in:
AI
Semiconductors
Cybersecurity
Space technology
Quantum computing
are no longer optional—they are essential.
India’s push in 2025 toward tech self-reliance fits this vision.
3. Defense & Strategic Capability
In an era of unpredictable conflicts, India’s strategy includes:
Modernizing armed forces
Expanding defense manufacturing
Enhancing border security
Strengthening maritime presence
Capability ensures deterrence, and deterrence ensures peace.
4. Diplomatic Capability
Diplomacy is not just engagement—it is leverage.
India’s expanding global profile in 2025 shows:
Stronger ties with the Global South
Strategic partnerships with the US, EU, Japan, and others
A balanced approach toward West Asia and Russia
Leadership in multilateral forums
Capability gives India a voice that the world listens to.
Handling Uncertainty Requires Preparedness
Jaishankar stressed that uncertainty is the new normal, and preparation is the best shield. According to him:
Nations cannot assume the world will stay peaceful
They cannot rely on outdated global structures
They must prepare for worst-case scenarios without fearing them
Capability-building is the only strategy that works in all futures.
India’s Path Forward in 2025
Jaishankar expressed confidence that India is on the right trajectory—aiming to become a capable, secure, and resilient global power. By:
Investing in skills
Strengthening governance
Accelerating development
Expanding global influence
India is preparing not just for today’s challenges but for those that may emerge in the next decade.
Conclusion
In a world where predictions often fail and situations shift overnight, Jaishankar’s words underline a timeless truth:
Nations that build capability will always have options. Nations that don’t will always face uncertainty.
His message in 2025 is clear—
Capability is not just the safest bet; it is the smartest investment in the future.
