External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, speaking at a book launch in New Delhi on Saturday, addressed India’s expanding role in the world order. He emphasized that as India rises as a leading power, competition from global players will intensify. Jaishankar underscored that friendships today are “not exclusive,” especially in a multipolar world.
“Friends may hedge their bets, restricting our choices while maintaining their own,” Jaishankar noted, adding that some try to project India’s realism as inherited dogmatism. He urged for realism in understanding that convergences with partners do not equate to full alignment. He said that “friends of friends” may reflect the dilemmas of both the old and emerging orders.
India’s Role as ‘Vishwamitra’ Draws Goodwill
Jaishankar described India’s diplomatic approach as that of a ‘Vishwamitra’—a friend to all. This stance, he said, has fostered goodwill worldwide. He credited cultural and historical factors for India’s open approach and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for strengthening ties with major countries.
Jaishankar highlighted three significant relationships. The Quad alliance with the US, Japan, and Australia represents historical breakthroughs, while comprehensive engagement with UAE and Israel signals a regional shift. The ties with Russia and France, he added, reflect the multipolar nature of India’s relations.
Modi’s Leadership Key to Transforming India’s Partnerships
Jaishankar credited Modi’s leadership for reshaping India’s relationships, noting that key countries like the US, UAE, and Japan had not seen high-level visits for decades. He praised Modi’s “personal interest and leadership” in transforming these relationships over the past 10 years.
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