External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized on Saturday that in a multi-polar world, friendships are inherently non-exclusive. His comments came during the launch of a new book, Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partner, by academic and author Sreeram Chaulia. Jaishankar elaborated on India’s evolving foreign policy, which aims to cultivate relations with a diverse set of nations, making India a “Vishwa Mitra” or “World’s Friend.”
“Today, India seeks to be friends with as many countries as possible,” Jaishankar said, adding that this approach fosters goodwill and reinforces India’s positive influence globally. He attributed the country’s expanding role in international affairs to this openness, calling it “diplomacy 101.” Jaishankar’s comments come at a time when India is striving to solidify its place in the global order by balancing strategic partnerships across different regions.
Highlighting the complexity of friendships in international relations, Jaishankar argued that friendships are rarely straightforward. “In a multi-polar world, relationships are not black and white nor develop linearly,” he said. “Friends, in the final analysis, are always a work in progress,” he added, suggesting that relationships adapt based on shifting interests and geopolitical dynamics.
Jaishankar also underscored the importance of recognizing that friends may have alliances or interests that do not always align with India’s. Without naming specific countries, he said, “Sometimes, friends have other friends who may not necessarily be ours,” which reflects the challenging balance between the old world order and emerging dynamics. This nuanced approach, he explained, is essential to avoid confusing “convergence for congruence.” In other words, overlapping interests do not always mean complete alignment in values or goals.
Jaishankar provided examples of India’s partnerships to illustrate how these relationships fit into a multi-polar framework. He cited the Quad—a strategic grouping involving India, the United States, Japan, and Australia—as an example of overcoming past hesitations and forging a collective approach. He highlighted India’s partnerships with Russia and France, describing them as “statements of multi-polarity, ours as much as theirs.” These relationships, he said, underscore India’s ability to maintain diverse alliances based on shared but distinct objectives.
Beyond strategy, Jaishankar touched on the cultural and historical elements that shape India’s diplomatic approach. India, he said, is “not a dogmatic civilization” and has a self-confidence rooted in its rich cultural heritage. This, he argued, allows India to navigate complex relationships without rigid alignment or ideological constraints. As India rises on the global stage, this openness becomes critical, especially as the nation faces both growing competition and increasing expectations from the international community.
Jaishankar addressed the challenges that come with managing multiple alliances, acknowledging that friendship for a large country like India involves “shared experiences” that cultivate a natural connection, particularly with the Global South. However, he pointed out that as India moves towards becoming a leading power, it will encounter more competition, even from its allies. This may require a degree of “hedging” within friendships to protect India’s interests amid shifting global dynamics.
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The minister also acknowledged that not all friends share the same diplomatic culture or respect India’s sensitivity to sovereignty and territorial integrity. Jaishankar noted instances where foreign countries have commented on India’s domestic affairs, under the guise of promoting open dialogue. “From time to time, we have seen comments on our domestic issues,” he said, criticizing what he called an “imbalance in courtesy.” He noted that while these countries may demand transparency from India, they may not be as open to scrutiny on similar issues within their own borders.
“Friends are about comfort and convergence, with an easy ability to work with each other,” Jaishankar said. A sustainable partnership, he added, is built on mutual respect, understanding each other’s priorities, and maximizing common ground. However, the minister made it clear that India will prioritize protecting its sovereignty in these relationships, underscoring that respect for territorial integrity remains a fundamental requirement when evaluating partnerships.
In sum, Jaishankar’s remarks highlighted India’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy. As the nation navigates an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, India aims to foster flexible, respectful, and multi-layered relationships. By embracing a non-exclusive model of friendship, India reinforces its position as a key player in the evolving global order, balancing diverse alliances to safeguard its interests while contributing to global stability.
