External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar delivered a lecture in Kolkata, where he emphasized India’s credibility as the voice of the global south and highlighted the country’s independent voice in the East and the West. He stressed that India is not in favor of being tied down to exclusive relationships.
Jaishankar acknowledged India’s strong ties with Russia but emphasized that these should not hinder the equally strong relationship with the United States. He expressed the belief that India’s relationships should not be seen as a zero-sum game, but rather as an opportunity to advance multiple major relationships simultaneously.
The minister mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has strategically positioned India vis-a-vis the East-West and North-South divides. India is perceived as a strong democratic power with technological relevance, making it an important player on the global stage.
Regarding India-China relations, which have faced strains recently due to border skirmishes, Jaishankar stated that China must recognize that relationships between major countries can only thrive when built on mutual interest, sensitivity, and respect. He pointed out that the current downturn in bilateral ties was caused by China violating agreements from 1993 and 1996, specifically by mobilizing forces along the Line of Actual Control.
Jaishankar concluded by emphasizing the need for China to observe the agreements, refrain from unilaterally changing the status quo, and understand the significance of mutual interest and respect in maintaining a healthy relationship.
In summary, Jaishankar’s lecture highlighted India’s growing credibility as a global power and reiterated the importance of maintaining independent and diverse relationships. The minister also emphasized the need for China to respect agreements and engage in mutually beneficial interactions.
