NEW DELHI: External affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar on Saturday talked about the nuanced nature of international friendships, and suggested that some allies do not share India’s ethos of mutual respect or diplomatic courtesy. Without mentioning specific countries, Jaishankar noted instances where partners have commented on India’s domestic issues, often with a prefaced call for “honest conversations.”
“Some friends may also be more complicated than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect or ethos of diplomatic etiquette. We have from time to time seen comments on our domestic issues accompanied by a prefaced desire to have honest conversations,” he said.
The EAM said that friendships between nations are not exclusive, particularly in a multipolar world. He highlighted that it is to be expected that nations, even allies, will seek to maintain their own options while limiting those of others.
“Even friendships will not be without some hedging. Relating to other major powers is also a challenge in itself. The more global they are, the broader their range of activities and interests,” he said.
“Friendships are also not exclusive, particularly so in a multipolar world. It is only to be expected that others, even friends, will seek to maintain their options while restricting ours,” the EAM added.
According to Jaishankar, the nation’s diplomatic efforts generate a sense of goodwill and have led to closer international engagement. He referred to this strategy as “diplomacy 101”.
Jaishankar remarked on India’s unique position in the world, referring to it as a “Vishwamitra,” or friend to all, driven by a commitment to global good. “We seek to be friends with as many as possible,” he said.
Reflecting on the book’s insights, Jaishankar noted the role of strategic interests in forming alliances. While sentiment and values are influential, he argued, they must be aligned with national interests for relationships to thrive.
He cited India’s partnerships with key nations like the United States, Japan, and Australia, noting how these ties have flourished within the QUAD and have overcome “the hesitations of history.”
“If all these ties have changed so much in the last decade, I am sure you would agree with me that much of the credit should go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his personal interest and leadership, because remember, at least three of them have not even seen a high-level visit for three decades,” the EAM said.
Jaishankar summarised his view of friendship, saying, “Friends are about comfort and convergence, with an easy ability to work with each other.” True friends, he added, respect each other’s challenges and strive to find common ground. However, he cautioned that friendships are rarely straightforward or static. “They may have their challenges but are no less for it. Friends in the final analysis are always work in progress.”
Jaishankar was speaking at the launch of Sreeram Chaulia’s book, Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners, in New Delhi.