During a recent address at the Carnegie Endowment in Washington, India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended India's right to comment on U.S. political matters, emphasizing the need for mutual respect in global democratic discourse. He stated that foreign interference is unacceptable, regardless of its source. Jaishankar also highlighted India's strengthening relationships with neighboring countries, noting significant progress in trade and cooperation since independence. He acknowledged recent political changes in the region that pose new diplomatic challenges for India.
During a recent address at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar passionately defended India's right to engage in discussions about democracy, particularly in response to comments made by U.S. political leaders. He emphasized that India should not be viewed unfavorably for expressing its opinions on American internal matters.
Jaishankar's remarks came as he addressed questions about the implications of U.S. commentary on India's democratic practices. He pointed out that in today's interconnected world, the boundaries between domestic and international politics are increasingly blurred. While he acknowledged the importance of democratic dialogue on global issues, he stressed the necessity of mutual respect in such exchanges.
"It cannot be that one democracy has a right to comment on another, and that’s part of promoting democracy globally," Jaishankar stated. He further clarified that foreign interference is unwelcome, regardless of its source, asserting, "Foreign interference is foreign interference, irrespective of who does it and where it is done."
His comments were particularly relevant given the rising discourse from the U.S. regarding India's democratic developments. Jaishankar noted that the U.S. has historically played a significant role in shaping global political narratives through its foreign policy, which often extends beyond its national borders. "The United States makes a special effort to ensure [its politics] doesn’t stay within its national boundaries," he remarked, reinforcing India's right to respond: "You have every right to comment, but I have every right to comment on your comment. So don't feel bad when I do."
In addition to addressing international relations, Jaishankar highlighted India's strengthening ties with its neighboring countries, noting significant progress since the nation’s independence. He pointed to enhanced cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and energy, stating, "Our relationship with our neighbors would be much stronger than it has been since independence."
The Minister also outlined India's commitment to regional integration, mentioning improvements in various sectors including power grids and transportation. He noted, "Every year, we issue about 1.5-1.6 million visas to Bangladesh alone, and we have much more trade and economic activity than ever before," showcasing the increased movement of people and goods across borders.
While celebrating these advancements, Jaishankar acknowledged the complexities introduced by recent political changes in the region, particularly in countries like Bangladesh, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. The recent political developments, including the election of Mohamed Muizzu in the Maldives and shifts in leadership in Nepal and Sri Lanka, present new diplomatic challenges for India that will require careful navigation.
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