At an Asia Society event in New York, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the increasing challenges faced by global diplomacy due to a waning adherence to international rules. He suggested that this decline is leading to the creation of new “choke points” in strategic areas such as waterways, financial systems, and market access.
Jaishankar emphasized that countries are leveraging their power in a more competitive international arena. He cited geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and financial restrictions arising from sanctions as examples of how nations exert influence. Additionally, he pointed out that travel and market-access limitations are being used by countries with significant power as tools of leverage.
The minister further noted the growing tension between competition and interdependence in international relations. As countries vie for strategic and economic dominance, their economies and supply chains remain intricately connected. This interdependence complicates diplomatic efforts, as governments must navigate the delicate balance between competing interests and the constraints of global interconnectedness.
Jaishankar underscored that the intertwining of competition and interdependence has made the landscape of international diplomacy more complex. Nations are now tasked with managing strategic rivalries while maintaining their essential economic and political ties, adding layers of difficulty to diplomatic engagements.