At a recent Asia Society event in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the growing complexities in global affairs due to a declining respect for international rules. He highlighted that this erosion is contributing to the emergence of new “choke points” affecting strategic waterways, financial systems, and market access.
Jaishankar emphasized that in an increasingly competitive international environment, countries are leveraging their influence over competitors and adversaries more aggressively. He noted specific geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and financial constraints imposed through sanctions as examples of this practice. Additionally, he pointed to travel and market-access restrictions as tools wielded by influential countries to maintain their strategic advantage.
The minister discussed the tension between competition and interdependence in today’s international relations. Despite the competitive nature over strategic and economic interests, he acknowledged that countries’ economies and supply chains are still deeply intertwined. This interdependence complicates diplomatic efforts, as nations must navigate the dual objectives of strategic rivalry and economic cooperation.
Jaishankar concluded that the blend of competition and interconnectedness poses significant challenges for international diplomacy. Countries must balance their competitive instincts with the realities of their ongoing economic and political ties, making the global diplomatic landscape increasingly intricate.