External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted the challenges arising from declining adherence to international rules, which he claims are leading to the creation of new “choke points” in global affairs. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar emphasized the increasing use of leverage by countries against competitors and adversaries, shaping a more competitive international landscape.
Jaishankar pointed to strategic geographical choke points, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and financial restrictions like sanctions as examples of these emerging challenges. He also noted that countries with significant influence are employing travel and market-access restrictions as tools of leverage. These actions reflect a shift towards leveraging available power in international relations.
He further elaborated on the tension between competition and interdependence in the global arena. Despite the competitive nature over strategic and economic interests, countries remain deeply interconnected through their economies and supply chains. This interconnectedness adds complexity to diplomacy, where nations must navigate the balance between rivalry and cooperation.
According to Jaishankar, this dual reality of competition and interdependence complicates international diplomacy. Governments are tasked with managing not only strategic rivalries but also maintaining their economic and political ties, which are increasingly interdependent. This dynamic, he suggests, makes diplomacy more challenging in today’s global environment.