During the Nikkei Forum on the India-Japan partnership, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar underscored India's prominent role in the Global South, drawing attention to the trust placed in India by 125 countries, juxtaposed with China's notable absence from key meetings convened by India last year.
Jaishankar's remarks at the forum shed light on India's burgeoning leadership within the Global South, where the minister emphasized the mutual support and solidarity shared among nations within this framework. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jaishankar highlighted the acute sense of camaraderie among Global South countries, particularly in light of vaccine distribution disparities and the perceived neglect of their concerns within global fora like the G20.
Elucidating further, Jaishankar elaborated on the efforts made by India to address the collective grievances of the 125 countries, as evidenced by the two summits held last year. Notably, he pointed out the conspicuous absence of China from these critical engagements, referring to President Xi Jinping's nonattendance at the G20 summit, where Premier Li Qiang deputized in his place.
In addressing the complexities of international relations, particularly India's stance on the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Jaishankar articulated India's historical perspective, drawing parallels to India's own experiences with external aggression and territorial disputes. Despite facing similar challenges, Jaishankar underscored the selective application of principles by the international community, urging for a more nuanced approach to global diplomacy.
Regarding India's proactive engagement with neighboring countries, Jaishankar highlighted India's substantial contribution to Sri Lanka during its economic crisis, underscoring India's commitment to regional stability and prosperity. He emphasized India's willingness to fulfill its obligations as a major economy while also highlighting the nation's economic constraints, given its relatively low per capita income.
Addressing concerns about potential sanctions against China in the context of Taiwan, Jaishankar reflected on India's foreign policy stance, emphasizing India's historical reluctance to resort to sanctions except in rare circumstances, such as during the apartheid era in South Africa. He cautioned against the indiscriminate use of sanctions and advocated for a more nuanced approach to international relations, emphasizing the need to weigh the costs and benefits of such measures carefully.
Lastly, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of political stability in shaping a country's foreign policy, citing India's stable government as conducive to bold and decisive diplomatic initiatives. He highlighted India's rapid economic growth, burgeoning startup ecosystem, and increasing participation in global industries such as semiconductors, underscoring India's trajectory as a dynamic and influential player on the world stage.
