Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S Jaishankar said that the state of border with China will determine the state of India’s relationship with the country.
Speaking at the “9 Years of Modi Government: A Foreign Policy Overview” event at the India International Centre, Jaishankar listed the key achievements of the Indian government’s foreign policy over the last nine years.
India-China
On India’s relationship with China, the EAM commented that China is a big neighbour, a significant economy, and a significant power. “Any relationship has to be based on a high degree of mutuality, there has to be a respect and sensitivity for each other’s interests,” he said.
The EAM further remarked, “There has to be an adherence to agreements, which were reached between us (India and China). It is that departure from what was agreed between us which is at the heart of the difficult phase [India is] passing through with China.”
“At the end of the day, the state of the border will determine the state of the relationship. And the state of the border still today is abnormal,” Jaishankar said.
Delighted to speak on “9 Years of Modi Government: A Foreign Policy Overview” at the India International Centre.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 28, 2023
Highlighted 9 key achievements of PM @narendramodi’s foreign policy.
Spoke about:
1️⃣Why and how has Indian ability on global stage expanded? Why was PM in Papua… pic.twitter.com/cpwwRoLZN5
India Stabilising the Neighbourhood
Jaishankar noted that India had pursued the ‘Neighbourhood-First’ policy in the last nine years. He said that while there are some exceptions, India consciously takes a generous non-reciprocal long-term view of building relations with its neighbours.
According to the EAM, India is seen as “a permanent stabilising factor in the neighbourhood” with the ability to get along with all governments across political divides.
He said India faced stress tests in the neighbourhood during times of the COVID-19 pandemic and in helping Sri Lanka endure its economic crisis. In both instances, Jaishankar said, the Neighbourhood-First policy worked.
Pakistan an Exception
Jaishankar remarked that Pakistan is an exception in the neighbourhood. “We cannot allow terrorism to be normalised. We cannot allow that to become the basis for getting [India] into discussion with Pakistan.”
The EAM remarked that until there is an abrogation of the policy of cross-border terrorism, it is not possible to have normal relations with the north-western neighbour.
India on Global Stage
Highlighting India’s achievements on the global stage, Jaishankar said that India has been able to play it role effectively despite the pandemic, the Ukraine conflict, and a global power struggle.
Jaishankar stressed that, on the global stage, the digital world, with its concern about transparency, the supply chain world, with a focus on diversification, and investment patterns are being influenced by geopolitics.