Declining adherence to international rules is creating new “choke points” in global affairs, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar highlighted strategic waterways, financial systems, and market access as areas increasingly affected by countries leveraging their influence in a competitive international environment.
Jaishankar pointed to geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz and financial restrictions imposed through sanctions as examples of how nations are using their positions of power. He also noted that restrictions on travel and market access are other tactics employed by influential countries to assert their dominance.
The minister emphasized the growing tension between competition and interdependence in international relations, explaining that while countries are vying over strategic and economic interests, their economies and supply chains remain deeply intertwined. This interdependence complicates diplomacy as nations must navigate the balance between competitive desires and the constraints of global ties.
According to Jaishankar, this dual dynamic of competition and interdependence has made international diplomacy increasingly complex, as countries strive to manage strategic rivalries alongside their economic and political connections. This scenario poses challenges for governments in maintaining diplomatic balance in a rapidly evolving global landscape.