India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has recently given an interview with ANI, where he discussed India’s approach to dealing with Pakistan and its global diplomatic strategies under the Modi government. Jaishankar emphasized that India has effectively neutralized Pakistan’s policy of using cross-border terrorism as leverage in diplomatic dialogues. He also highlighted that India is open to dealing with Pakistan but not under conditions where terrorism is seen as a legitimate tool for diplomacy.
Jaishankar also talked about India’s evolving relationship with the Gulf countries, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE). He noted the lack of high-level visits to the UAE before PM Modi’s visit, despite the country’s significance in terms of the Indian diaspora and oil imports. The minister’s insights reflect India’s assertive stance in international relations and its commitment to combating cross-border terrorism, while simultaneously expanding its global diplomatic footprint. Jaishankar also voiced concerns over the influence of Khalistani forces within Canadian politics, saying that their activities are detrimental to the relationship between India and Canada.
In the interview with ANI, Jaishankar remarked, “The issue at heart is the fact that in Canadian politics, these Khalistani forces have been given a lot of space and have been allowed to indulge in activities which I think are damaging to the relationship, clearly not in India’s interest, and not in Canada’s interest either.” Jaishankar also made it clear that the G20 summit in New Delhi was not related to the Khalistani issue in Canada. He emphasized, “Getting everybody around on a G20 has nothing to do with the Khalistan issue in Canada.” Jaishankar also talked about his upcoming book, ‘Why Bharat Matters,’ which discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s foreign policy since 2014. This includes a generous approach towards neighboring countries, expanding ties with Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region, the Gulf, and Central Asia, and engaging major powers on global issues without exclusivity.
The insights provided by Jaishankar in the interview reflect India’s assertive stance in international relations and its commitment to combating cross-border terrorism, while simultaneously expanding its global diplomatic footprint. The concerns raised by Jaishankar over the influence of Khalistani forces within Canadian politics and their activities being detrimental to the relationship between India and Canada are noteworthy. Jaishankar’s upcoming book, ‘Why Bharat Matters,’ is expected to provide a comprehensive understanding of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s foreign policy since 2014. The book is expected to discuss India’s approach towards neighboring countries, expanding ties with Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean region, the Gulf, and Central Asia, and engaging major powers on global issues without exclusivity.
