In a multipolar world, friendships are not exclusive, they are linear: S Jaishankar

Significant changes have taken place in engagements and cooperation on the global stage, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday, attributing much of this progress to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He argued that some global partnerships are more complex than others and that friendships are “not exclusive” in today’s multipolar world.

Speaking at a book launch event in New Delhi, the Foreign Minister said: “Some friends may be more complex than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect or diplomatic etiquette.” Your friends underlined that it wasn’t like that. It is always black and white, and friendship will not be linear in development.

Jaishankar also emphasized that although comments on India’s internal problems are common, the same level of kindness is not reciprocated by others. He noted that what is framed as freedom by some can be seen as interference by others.

“From time to time, we see comments regarding our internal issues… However, we see that the same courtesy is rarely shown to the other party. What is freedom for one may apparently become interference for another. “The truth is that sensitivities such as sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in the evaluation of partners,” he said.

He added: “Sometimes friends have other friends who are not necessarily ours, and these may reflect, for example, the dichotomy between the old world order and the new world order. It is therefore very important that we never confuse rapprochement with harmony.”

“Friendships are also not exclusive, especially in a multipolar world,” Jaishankar said. he said.

Praising Prime Minister Modi’s involvement on the global front, Jaishankar said that India is positioning itself as a “Vishwamitra” today.

“We try to be friends with as many people as possible… If you dig deeper, you see that cultural and historical factors are also at play, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilization. “Our self-confidence in approaching the world also has a talent dimension,” he said.

Jaishankar highlighted the benefits that the US, Japan and Australia have reaped from the QUAD and called it a victory over historical hesitation. He also stated that the recent extensive interaction with the UAE and Israel, as well as India’s relations with Russia and France, are indicators of a multipolar world.

“If all these types have changed so much in the last decade, I am sure you will agree with me that most of the credit should go to PM Modi for his personal interests and leadership. Because, remember, at least three of them hadn’t seen even a high-level visit in thirty years. “In other cases, there was either pressure on us to limit our interaction, or in some cases there were long-standing ideological doubts that needed to be overcome,” he said.

The Minister emphasized that friendships are characterized by comfort and harmony, facilitating cooperation through mutual respect and understanding of each party’s constraints. He emphasized the importance of maximizing common interests to strengthen these relations.

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