India's Foreign Minister Discusses Neighbor Relations and Global Dynamics

Insights from India's Foreign Minister on Neighbor Relations

India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, emphasized that the nation should not always expect ease in its relationships with neighboring countries. He remarked, without going into extensive detail, that each neighbor must recognize the benefits of collaborating with India, while also understanding that failing to do so comes with consequences.

During a discussion on 'DD India', Jaishankar noted, 'Some individuals take longer to grasp this, while others understand it better. Pakistan, however, is an exception, as it has defined its identity under military influence and harbors hostility. Thus, if we set Pakistan aside, this argument holds true across the board.'

On Saturday night, Jaishankar shared a link to a nearly hour-long conversation on his 'X' handle. In this dialogue with a strategic expert, he was asked about the shifts in the stances of the United States and China over the past eleven years and how New Delhi perceives these changes.

Regarding the United States, he stated, 'Yes, it is challenging to predict, so at a systematic level, you stabilize it with as many relationships as possible.'

He further added, 'If you have to stand up to China, we have gone through quite a tough phase, so enhancing our capabilities is crucial.' Throughout the discussion, Jaishankar elaborated on the strengthening of India's ties with neighboring countries under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, as well as the growing closeness with Gulf nations and the deepening relationships with ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific regions.