‘Some friends are complicated’: EAM Jaishankar on India’s evolving global alliances

India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, said on Saturday (Nov 2) that friendships in the modern world are no longer exclusive, pointing to the evolving multipolar global landscape. Speaking at a book launch in New Delhi, Jaishankar highlighted India’s aim to be a “Vishwamitra” or a friend to as many countries as possible.

During the event, India’s foreign minister said that what one nation may consider freedom, another might interpret as interference. “What is perceived as freedom by one nation can be viewed as interference by another. The fact is that sensitivities like sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in evaluating partners,” Jaishankar said, as quoted by news agency ANI.

“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,” the minister added.

Stressing India’s openness to partnerships, Jaishankar described India as an adaptable civilisation, one that welcomes ties with various nations. “India is today positioning itself as a Vishwamitra. We seek to be friends with as many as possible… If you look deeper, there are cultural and historical factors at work as well, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilisation,” the EAM said.

He also listed the benefits seen by India’s QUAD allies—the United States, Japan, and Australia—who, he suggested, had overcome past historical reservations through their alliance with India. 

“The US, Japan, and Australia have benefitted from the QUAD. They are examples of overcoming the hesitations of history. UAE and Israel are from a region that is being engaged comprehensively at last. Russia and France are statements of multipolarity, ours as much as theirs,” he said.

Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership and interest as crucial in driving these diplomatic shifts over the past decade.

(With inputs from agencies)