Story perspectives

Jaishankar Rejects “Middle Power” Label, Calls India “Power”

By Drooid · Oct 14, 2026, 4:49 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Jaishankar Rejects Middle-Power Tag

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rejected the “middle power” label, calling India a “power in the middle”.
He noted India’s $4 trillion GDP and world-largest population, saying the label limits its growth prospects.
He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi that middle powers are “countries who have the power to empower”.
He warned strategic resources, finance and sanctions are global “choke points” and urged nations to set their own interests.

Summary

Jaishankar Pushes EU Deal

India aims to finalize an EU free trade deal by end 2026 or early 2027.
Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar said India-US trade talks are near conclusion as remaining issues are addressed.
Jaishankar warned the China-India economic relationship is one-sided, denying Indian firms a level field.
Jaishankar called 2026 the “year of Europe”, emphasizing EU market complementarity.
Jaishankar noted the United States has repositioned globally, urging nations to recalculate ties.

History

Historical Context

In 1991, India launched sweeping economic liberalization under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Finance Minister Manmohan Singh, ending decades of protectionism. The reforms secured a $1.2 billion IMF rescue, slashed tariffs by 50 percent, and attracted $30 billion in foreign investment by 1995. Today, Minister S. Jaishankar echoes that legacy by rejecting the “middle power” tag and pursuing EU and US trade accords to cement India’s global economic stature. The 1991 pivot proved that opening markets fuels diplomatic leverage, suggesting India’s 2026-2027 trade push could reshape supply chains and geopolitical alignments.

1 of 3

Jaishankar Rejects Middle-Power Tag

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar rejected the “middle power” label, calling India a “power in the middle”.
He noted India’s $4 trillion GDP and world-largest population, saying the label limits its growth prospects.
He quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi that middle powers are “countries who have the power to empower”.
He warned strategic resources, finance and sanctions are global “choke points” and urged nations to set their own interests.

1 / 3