External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar articulated a foundational principle for national development, stating that countries grow by first strengthening themselves domestically and then strategically leveraging the global environment. This philosophy, he explained, is central to India's foreign policy. Speaking at a fireside chat during the IITM Festival Fortnight at IIT Madras on January 2, 2026, Jaishankar clarified that it's not an 'either/or' choice between focusing on home or abroad, but rather a synergistic process where domestic capabilities are built and then utilized for international engagement and mutual gain. He provided concrete examples to illustrate this point, referencing India's vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic. India, despite its own vast population, provided vaccines to numerous developing and underdeveloped countries, demonstrating a commitment to global solidarity and contributing to international well-being while also enhancing its global stature. Another example he highlighted was the establishment of an IIT Madras campus in Tanzania, showcasing how India exports its educational and technological prowess to create significant global impact. Jaishankar further emphasized India's 'neighbourhood-first' approach, asserting that India's growth acts as a 'lifting tide' for the entire South Asian region, implying that the prosperity and development of its neighbours are intrinsically linked to India's own progress. This comprehensive vision underscores a foreign policy that is deeply intertwined with national development, aiming for a more equitable and interconnected global order. The Hindu's report accurately captured the essence of his remarks, which were corroborated by other credible Indian news agencies.