During an event, Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar spoke about the unique challenge of balancing relations as both India and China emerge as significant powers. Misguided idealistic policies of the past hindered cooperation and created competition. However, India's perspective has evolved over the last decade. He noted that the 2020 border dispute complicated relations but efforts to resolve these issues continue.
Addressing the complexities of India-China relations and significant geopolitical shifts, Jaishankar criticized past government policies for being unrealistic, neither fostering cooperation with China nor healthy competition. A change in approach over the last ten years has started to rectify this. He advised that we should also consider the development of long-term relationships.
Discussing India's strategic priorities, Jaishankar emphasized the need for India to brace itself for challenges arising from China’s growing capabilities, challenging India’s interests directly. Rapid national strength development is crucial, with a need to reform border infrastructures and oceanic perimeters while reducing dependencies in sensitive areas.
‘India is focused on strengthening its power’
The Foreign Minister reiterated that India is concentrating on fortifying its comprehensive power based on three mutually supportive principles - respect, sensitivity, and interest. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted that Asia's rise in multipolarity is essential for global multipolarity. He stressed that the long-term development of India-China relations will impact not only bilateral ties but the global order as well.
Foreign Minister's stern message to Pakistan
In Mumbai, Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar fiercely addressed Pakistan's continued support for cross-border terrorism, sending a strong regional security message. Tagging Pakistan as an oddity in the neighborhood, he remarked that its support for terrorism acts as a cancer consuming its political system. Stressing that Pakistan’s actions harm not only its neighbors but destabilize the entire subcontinent, he pointed out the shared interest of the region in Pakistan abandoning this approach.
Remarks on Myanmar and Afghanistan
Turning his attention to Myanmar and Afghanistan, Jaishankar highlighted India's longstanding people-to-people ties with both nations. Acknowledging the complexity of situations in these countries, he emphasized regional stability as paramount. Regarding India's diplomatic approach with neighboring countries, he insisted that nations closest in proximity have fundamentally different interests from those further away.
