Declining respect for international rules is leading to the emergence of new “choke points” in global affairs, according to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar emphasized that the competitive international environment is prompting countries to leverage their strategic positions against adversaries more aggressively.
Jaishankar pointed to geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for global oil transportation, as areas where tensions could escalate due to strategic leverage. He also mentioned financial restrictions, such as those imposed through sanctions, and limitations on travel and market access as examples of how countries wield influence in the current geopolitical climate.
Highlighting the growing tension between competition and interdependence, Jaishankar noted that while nations vie for strategic and economic dominance, they remain deeply interconnected through their economies and supply chains. This interdependence adds complexity to international diplomacy as countries must navigate their competitive interests alongside the realities of global economic ties.
The minister elaborated on the challenges this duality poses for diplomacy, where governments are pressured to balance strategic rivalry with the practical needs of maintaining economic and political links. This dynamic, according to Jaishankar, has made the practice of international diplomacy increasingly intricate.
Overall, Jaishankar’s remarks underscore the need for a nuanced approach to global relations, where countries must carefully manage both competitive and cooperative aspects of their interactions on the world stage.