Friendship in a multipolar world is not exclusive and linear: S. Jaishankar

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday that there have been significant changes in terms of engagement and cooperation on the global stage, attributing much of this progress to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said some global partnerships are more complex than others and friendships are “not exclusive” in today’s multipolar world.

Speaking at a book launch event in New Delhi, the External Affairs Minister said: “Some friends can be more difficult than others. They may not always share the same culture of mutual respect or ideals of diplomatic etiquette.” He emphasized that friends are not like that. It’s always black and white, and friendships won’t develop linearly.

Jaishankar further emphasized that while comments on India’s internal issues are common, others do not reciprocate the same level of courtesy. He noted that what some call freedom, others may view as interference.

“We have seen comments on our internal issues from time to time… However, the same courtesy is rarely extended to the other side. What is freedom for one may obviously be interference for another. The fact is that such delicate issues as sovereignty and territorial integrity will always be a factor in evaluating partners,” the minister noted.

He added: “Sometimes friends have other friends who may not necessarily be ours, and they may, for example, reflect the dilemma of the old world order versus the new. Therefore, it is very important that we never confuse convergence with congruence.”

“Friendship is also not something exclusive, especially in a multipolar world,” Jaishankar said.

Appreciating Prime Minister Modi’s engagement on the global front, Jaishankar said that India today is positioning itself as a ‘Vishwamitra’.

“We strive to be friends with as many people as possible… On a deeper level, there are also cultural and historical factors at play, including the fact that we are not a dogmatic civilization. There is also an aspect of opportunity that explains the self-confidence with which we approach the world,” the minister added.

Jaishankar highlighted the benefits that the US, Japan and Australia gained from QUAD, marking it as a triumph over historical fluctuations. He also cited recent comprehensive engagement with the UAE and Israel, as well as India’s relations with Russia and France, as indicators of a multipolar world.

“If all these types have changed so much in the last decade, I am sure you will agree with me that most of the credit must go to Prime Minister Modi for his personal interest and leadership. Because, remember, at least three of them haven’t even seen a high-level visit in three decades. In other cases, we were either pressured to limit our interactions or, in some cases, to overcome long-standing ideological doubts,” he said.

The minister emphasized that friendship is characterized by comfort and harmony, which promotes cooperation through mutual respect and understanding of the limitations of each party. He emphasized the importance of maximizing common interests to strengthen these relationships.

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