External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed concerns over the declining respect for international rules, which he argues is leading to the emergence of new “choke points” in global affairs. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar noted that this trend is manifesting in areas such as strategic waterways and financial systems, as well as access to markets.
Jaishankar highlighted that countries are increasingly leveraging their influence against competitors and adversaries amid a more competitive global environment. He cited geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and financial restrictions imposed through sanctions as examples. Additionally, he pointed to travel and market-access restrictions as tactics used by influential nations to exert pressure.
The minister elaborated on the growing tension between competition and interdependence in international relations. While nations vie for strategic and economic advantages, their economies and supply chains remain deeply intertwined. This scenario, according to Jaishankar, creates a challenging environment for diplomacy, as governments must navigate their competitive desires alongside the practical constraints of global interdependence.
Jaishankar’s remarks underscore the complexity of modern international diplomacy, where countries must manage both strategic rivalries and their ongoing economic and political connections. His comments reflect broader concerns about the stability of global systems amid shifting power dynamics and highlight the intricate balance required to maintain effective international relations.