The new Indian government's priority will be addressing unresolved issues with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who spoke on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at the start of his second term. Jaishankar has consistently stated that China violated border management agreements by massing troops near the LAC since the military standoff began in May 2020. He asserts that the overall India-China relationship cannot return to normal without peace and tranquility at the border.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar File picture
Stance on Pakistan and Cross-Border Terrorism
A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi responded to former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's call to replace hate with hope, emphasizing that the security of the Indian people will always be paramount, Jaishankar highlighted that the primary issue with Pakistan for years has been cross-border terrorism. He stressed that such actions “cannot be the policy of a good neighbor.” This statement underscores India's firm stance against terrorism and the importance of securing its borders.
Guiding Principles of India's Foreign Policy
Jaishankar emphasized that "Bharat First" and "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family) will be the guiding principles of India’s foreign policy during PM Modi’s third term. The aim is to establish India as a “Vishwa Bandhu” (friend of the world) amidst a turbulent and divided global landscape. This approach signals a continued commitment to both national interests and global cooperation.
China's Stance on Border Issues and Bilateral Relations
In contrast to India's position, China has advocated for placing the border issue in its “appropriate place” within the broader relationship. Beijing suggests that ties should advance in areas such as trade and investment. However, the Chinese side has shown little interest in resolving "friction points" at Depsang and Demchok along the LAC, despite numerous rounds of diplomatic and military talks. This divergence highlights the ongoing complexities in Sino-Indian relations.
Relations with the Maldives and Regional Diplomacy
Jaishankar avoided addressing a question about a Maldivian parliamentary panel's decision on Monday to investigate three agreements signed with India, including one for developing a naval base. Instead, he mentioned having had a "very good meeting" with Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. Muizzu's attendance at the swearing-in ceremony on Sunday was unexpected, given the strained relations between India and the Maldives, indicating a potential reset in their relationship.
People-Centric Approach in External Affairs Ministry
Over the past five years, the external affairs ministry has become more "people-centric," according to Jaishankar. Improvements include better passport services, support from the community welfare fund for Indians abroad, and responsive actions to the needs of non-resident Indians. Additionally, the ministry is collaborating with other departments to enhance investment flows, promote exports, and boost tourism inflows, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to foreign policy that benefits both the nation and its citizens abroad.
S. Jaishankar Comments
“As for Pakistan and China, they are different countries and our relations with them too are different, the problems there are also different,” Jaishankar said while responding to a question during a brief interaction with TV news channels before beginning his second term.
“In the case of China, our focus will be the situation at the border – there are still some issues pending and how we can resolve them,” he said, speaking in Hindi.
In the case of Pakistan, Jaishankar said, the main issue for years has been cross-border terrorism. “How do we find a solution to it, [since] that cannot be the policy of a good neighbour,” he said.
“Looking ahead, definitely, I think the two axioms that the prime minister has given us, Bharat First and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, will be the two guiding axioms of Indian foreign policy. And together we are very confident it will position us as Vishwa Bandhu... in a very turbulent world, in a very divided world, a world of conflicts and tensions,” Jaishankar said.
When asked about the foreign policy priorities of the new government, Jaishankar said the administration had begun on the day of its swearing-in by reaffirming its “Neighborhood First” policy by inviting the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, Seychelles and Sri Lanka to the inauguration.
“All our neighbours came [to the swearing-in] and the prime minister himself met all of them... I can tell you, they are leaving with a sense that our neighbouring relationships will be the first priority, and will be the overriding priority of the Modi government,” he said.
“Prime minister also met him, and I had the honour to call on him. So, I would prefer to be guided by what my experience and my conversations are,” he said without giving details.
India’s role has been steadily growing and other countries feel India is “truly their friend, they have seen how in times of trouble, if there was one country that stood with the Global South, it is India”, he said.
“They have seen that during our presidency of the G20, we took forward the membership of the African Union. The world believes in us, and our responsibilities are increasing,” he added.
S. Jaishankar’s Return as External Affairs Minister
S. Jaishankar has been reappointed as External Affairs Minister (EAM) in the new Modi 3.0 cabinet, reinforcing his role as a pivotal figure in India's diplomacy. Over the past five years, Jaishankar has emerged as a distinguished diplomat, skillfully managing a rapidly changing global environment. As the first Foreign Secretary to become Foreign Minister, he has been instrumental in shaping India's foreign policy through various challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of an assertive China, conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Israel-Hamas dispute.
Diplomatic Career
He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977. From 1979 to 1981, he served as the third secretary and second secretary at the Indian mission to the Soviet Union in Moscow. Following this, he worked as an undersecretary in the Americas division of India’s Ministry of External Affairs. He served as India’s Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018 and has been the Ambassador to the United States (2013-2015), China (2009-2013), and the Czech Republic (2000-2004). Additionally, he was posted as High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009.
Diplomatic Achievements Under S. Jaishankar
Key Negotiator for Indo-US Nuclear Deal
He served as India’s Ambassador to the US and played a crucial role in negotiating the significant Indo-US nuclear deal. Through his diplomatic endeavors, he facilitated the agreement, which expanded India’s access to civilian nuclear technology and laid the groundwork for stronger strategic collaboration between the two nations.
Foreign Secretary of India
While serving as Foreign Secretary, Jaishankar assumed a pivotal role in molding India’s foreign policy agenda and tackling significant diplomatic hurdles, encompassing border disputes, regional security concerns, and economic diplomacy.
Doklam Standoff
In 2017, he assumed a significant role in overseeing the Doklam standoff resolution between India and China. Through his diplomatic endeavors, he successfully diffused tensions, averting a possible armed conflict in the contested border region.
Russia-Ukraine War
India has been fervently promoting the cessation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict via diplomatic means. This was underscored during the 77th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) on September 24, 2023.
Jaishankar stated, “We are often asked whose side we are on. And our answer, each time, is straight and honest. India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there.”
Israel-Hamas War
India expressed strong condemnation for the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023, as well as the civilian casualties resulting from the ongoing conflict. Emphasizing the importance of restraint, de-escalation, and seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, India reiterated its support for a two-state solution.
The reappointment of Jaishankar as External Affairs Minister signifies a continuation of policies and a renewed emphasis on India's foreign policy priorities. With his extensive diplomatic experience and strategic foresight, Jaishankar is poised to navigate the complexities of the global landscape and promote India's interests on the international stage. Given the numerous challenges and opportunities ahead, Jaishankar's leadership will be pivotal in ensuring that India's foreign policy remains resilient, adaptable, and forward-thinking.
Comments