External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday stressed that friendship is no longer special, especially in the emerging multipolar world, saying some global partners may be more complex than others in the world because they have always been dependent on “mutual respect.” cannot share the same culture”. The ethos of diplomatic etiquette.”
At a book launch event in New Delhi, Mr Jaishankar pointed out that what is perceived as freedom by one nation may be seen as interference by another and stressed that sovereignty should be factored in evaluating international partnerships. And sensitivities regarding territorial integrity remain important.
“Some friends may also be more complex than others. They may not always share a culture of mutual respect or an ethos of diplomatic courtesy. We have seen comments on our domestic issues from time to time… However, the same Etiquette is rarely given to the other side. What is freedom for one can clearly become interference for the other, Mr Jaishankar said, adding that sensitivities such as sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in the assessment of partners.
The minister underlined that New Delhi wants to establish itself as a global friend and establish friendship with more and more countries. He said that the situation in India “Vishwamitra” Its aim is to develop friendship around the world. He explained that there were cultural and historical factors that led to the development of such friendship, including the fact that India was not a “dogmatic civilization”.
He said India’s ability to engage with the world contributes to its confidence and highlighted three changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Mr Jaishankar cited the benefits the US, Japan and Australia have received from the Quad partnership, suggesting that these countries have overcome historical hesitations. He also mentioned the expanding relations being developed with the UAE and Israel and said much of the credit for all these changes in the last decade goes to the personal interest and leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India today is positioning itself as Vishwamitra. We want to make friends with as many people as possible… If you look deeper, cultural and historical factors are also at work, including the fact that Including that we are not an assertive civilization. There is also a capability aspect, which is the reason for the confidence with which we approach the world… America, Japan and Australia have benefited from the Quad, they are on the verge of history. The examples of overcoming are from a region where work is finally being done extensively. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, as much as ours,” he said.
“If all these types have changed so much in the last decade, I am sure you will agree with me that much of the credit for it must go to PM Modi for his personal interest and leadership. Because, remember, at least three of them There was a change in the situation in which we did not see any high-level visits for three decades, in other cases, we were either under pressure to limit our interactions or, in some cases, to overcome long-standing ideological suspicions. There was pressure.
Mr Jaishankar was speaking at the launch of Shriram Chaulia’s book “Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners” at Silver Oak, India Habitat Centre.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)