Does India need more than one S Jaishankar? Answering this question, the Foreign Minister said that this perception itself is wrong. He gave the example of Lord Hanuman to explain the importance of leadership and foresight in deciding the direction of the country. Speaking on Saturday (December 20) at the Dialogue with Diplomacy session organized at the Pune Literature Festival, S Jaishankar said that the question should focus on leadership.
He said, ‘Modi is only one because ultimately only Shri Hanuman serves.’ S Jaishankar said that countries are built by leaders, their vision and confidence, while others follow that mandate. The current international system is like coalition politics, with constantly changing alliances and no single dominant power group.
What should be India’s coordination with the world?
S Jaishankar stressed that in such a multipolar world, India should remain flexible and take decisions only on the basis of national interest. He said that no one has majority. Alliances are formed, agreements are made and partners keep changing depending on the issue. He further said that India should adopt the flexibility to work with many countries simultaneously without being tied into rigid alliances. He said that his guiding principle is simple, whatever is beneficial for India.
How are India’s relations with major countries right now?
The Foreign Minister said that the management of India’s foreign relations has become quite complex in the last 5 years. Relations with the United States need to be constantly adjusted. Relations with China remain difficult and reassuring Russia has become challenging amid pressures related to the Ukraine war. Involving Japan in this process has also become more complicated, because Tokyo is moving at its own pace. Europe has increasingly emerged as an important partner that requires deeper engagement.
Should India speak openly on global issues?
On the question whether India should speak openly on global issues, Jaishankar said that maintaining silence in a multipolar world marginalises the country. Also, in diplomacy it is necessary to decide when to be vocal and when to exercise restraint. He said, ‘If you don’t speak, the world will suppress you. It is important to raise your voice when needed.
read this also
There was an insurance policy worth crores in the name of the father, the sons hatched a dreadful conspiracy of murder, know the whole matter
