S Jaishankar: Capability Is the Best Strategy for Navigating an Uncertain Future

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar emphasizes that "capability" is the optimal approach to navigate an unpredictable future, considering it the most reliable asset. Speaking at the HT Leadership Summit to NDTV's CEO and Editor-In-Chief Rahul Kanwal, he explained that while unforeseen circumstances will inevitably arise, a capable individual would be equipped to manage these contingencies effectively.

Jaishankar elaborated on the complexities of our rapidly changing world, noting that "Technology could actually end up as a great fragment. With numerous uncertainties ahead, the most effective strategy for addressing tomorrow's challenges is developing capability. While people often seek clarity and straightforward solutions, the global landscape is intricate and frequently contradictory, making capability the safest element to invest in."

The Foreign Minister asserted that those with sufficient capability would be able to address unexpected future developments, citing potential AI threats as a significant example. He stated, "Capability enables handling of contingencies, which will emerge with increasing frequency, speed, and severity. Considering the transformations Artificial Intelligence may bring, we're likely facing changes beyond our current imagination."

When questioned about AI's impact on diplomatic affairs, Jaishankar shared a personal experience with ChatGPT: "I first noticed its influence when documents began appearing on my desk that seemed to reflect my style, until I realized they were generated by ChatGPT."

He described this technological development as having both positive and negative aspects. "The beneficial aspect is that it effectively captures everything you've previously done. The limitation, however, is that it cannot anticipate what you intend to do next, which might differ substantially from your historical patterns. It provides projection rather than genuine forecasting," Jaishankar concluded.