India’s foreign minister, S Jaishankar, has highlighted India’s approach to its diplomatic engagements with the United States, Europe, Russia, and Japan, to advance all ties without seeking exclusivity. However, he noted that India’s relationship with China falls into a different category due to the boundary dispute and the current abnormal nature of the ties between the two countries.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic during a visit from April 27 to 29, Jaishankar noted that India has been pursuing a comprehensive view of the Indian Ocean and its islands since 2015, which subsequently became the building blocks for the Indo-Pacific vision. He also highlighted India’s strategy of connecting to Central Asia more effectively through structured engagements across multiple domains.
Speaking at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Dominican Republic during a visit from April 27 to 29, Jaishankar noted that India has been pursuing a comprehensive view of the Indian Ocean and its islands since 2015, which subsequently became the building blocks for the Indo-Pacific vision. He also highlighted India’s strategy of connecting to Central Asia more effectively through structured engagements across multiple domains.
Jaishankar’s comments come at a time when tensions between India and China remain high due to their ongoing boundary dispute in the Himalayas. The two countries have been involved in a military standoff since May 2020, which has led to several rounds of talks aimed at resolving the issue.
Despite the challenges posed by the dispute with China, India has been seeking to deepen its engagement with other countries in the region, including the United States, Japan, and Australia, through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or Quad. The Quad is seen as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
India’s approach to its diplomatic engagements is based on the principle of “strategic autonomy,” which allows it to pursue its national interests without being aligned with any particular bloc or country. This approach is reflected in its engagement with a wide range of countries and regions, including Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.
Overall, Jaishankar’s comments suggest that India is seeking to balance its relationships with different countries and regions, including China while advancing its strategic interests in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
