In a recent interview, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed claims suggesting India’s increasing alignment with the United States and underscored the collaborative nature of the G-20, emphasizing that it is not a stage for power politics. Jaishankar emphasized India’s identity as a democratic, pluralistic, and developing nation, highlighting the global resonance of its values and principles.
Jaishankar’s remarks came in response to discussions surrounding India’s evolving foreign policy and diplomatic relations, particularly with the United States. He asserted that India’s unique position in the world, characterized by its democratic ethos, pluralism, and status as a developing nation, resonates with numerous countries worldwide. Many nations identify with India’s values and see it as a significant actor on the international stage.
The External Affairs Minister emphasized that the G-20, a forum that brings together major economies, serves as a platform for collaboration and cooperation rather than a battleground for power politics. He acknowledged that diplomacy and international relations often involve competition, but they also encompass moments of cooperation and collaboration. In the context of the G-20, countries with profound differences on various issues can find common ground and work together towards shared goals.
Jaishankar elaborated on the collaborative spirit within the G-20, where nations that may strongly disagree on certain matters seek areas of convergence. He cited examples such as resource allocation for green development, sustainable growth, addressing plastic waste, promoting biofuels, and improving educational access and nutrition. These areas, he noted, transcend political differences and represent shared global challenges that require collective solutions.
While addressing India’s strategic adjustments and calculations in its foreign policy, Jaishankar emphasized that these considerations are distinct from the collaborative nature of the G-20. The G-20, he asserted, provides a platform for addressing pressing global issues that transcend political ideologies and agendas.
Turning to the upcoming bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Joe Biden, Jaishankar expressed optimism about building upon the strong outcomes of Prime Minister Modi’s previous state visit to the United States. He described the visit as marked by significant achievements and outcomes, emphasizing that both India and the United States are actively working to implement the agreements reached during that visit.
Jaishankar indicated that the upcoming meeting between the leaders of India and the United States would serve as an opportunity to assess progress and further strengthen the bilateral relationship. He noted that both countries are actively engaged in implementing the initiatives and agreements from the June visit, and the upcoming meeting would allow the leaders to take stock of these developments.
In conclusion, S. Jaishankar’s statements emphasize the importance of collaboration and cooperation in international forums like the G-20, where nations can work together to address global challenges. His remarks also highlight India’s unique position and identity on the global stage, shaped by democratic values and principles that resonate with a diverse array of countries. As India navigates its foreign policy, it continues to engage with the world through a lens of collaboration and shared goals, fostering partnerships that transcend political divides and advance global well-being.
