In an increasingly competitive global environment, the declining respect for international rules is paving the way for new “choke points” in global affairs, according to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar highlighted that countries are leveraging their strategic advantages in areas such as strategic waterways, financial systems, and market access to assert power over competitors and adversaries.
Jaishankar pointed to specific geographical choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, which are critical for international trade and energy supply. He also mentioned financial sanctions and restrictions on travel and market access as tools being utilized by nations with significant influence to exert pressure.
The minister underscored a growing tension between competition and interdependence in international relations. Despite the rivalry over strategic and economic interests, countries remain deeply intertwined economically and through supply chains. This interconnectedness complicates diplomatic efforts, as nations struggle to balance competitive ambitions with the practicalities of global interdependence.
Jaishankar emphasized that this dual nature of competition and cooperation has made international diplomacy more intricate. Countries must navigate the delicate balance between strategic rivalry and maintaining their ongoing economic and political connections. This complexity, he suggested, has become a defining characteristic of today’s global diplomatic landscape.
