‘Neither of us wants to blow this out of proportion’: Jaishankar on India-Maldives row

In a recent interview, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, discussed various aspects of India’s foreign relations, with a particular focus on its ties with Maldives and China.

Key Points from the Interview:

1. India-Maldives Relations:
   • S. Jaishankar emphasized the importance of India’s relations with Maldives and described it as a “special relationship.” He highlighted the multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, spanning areas such as defense, security, trade, and development projects.
2. Maritime Security:
   • The interview touched upon maritime security concerns, and Jaishankar acknowledged that India and Maldives have a shared interest in maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. Both countries are working together to address common challenges, including those related to maritime security.
3. Economic Collaboration:
   • The External Affairs Minister underscored the significance of economic collaboration with Maldives. He mentioned India’s role in several development projects in the country, contributing to infrastructure development and socio-economic progress.
4. China Factor:
   • Addressing the topic of China’s influence in the Indian Ocean region, Jaishankar acknowledged that both India and Maldives have interests and relationships with various countries, including China. He stressed the need for countries to engage in a manner that respects the sovereignty and interests of all parties.
5. Quad and Indo-Pacific:
   • Jaishankar also discussed the Quad, comprising India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. He highlighted the Quad’s focus on the Indo-Pacific region and the shared values of the member countries.
6. Global Challenges:
   • The interview touched upon global challenges such as climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaishankar emphasized the need for international collaboration to address these challenges effectively.
7. Diplomatic Outreach:
   • S. Jaishankar outlined India’s diplomatic outreach efforts, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships based on mutual interests and respect. He highlighted India’s approach to fostering relationships across the globe.

In summary, the interview with S. Jaishankar provides insights into India’s diplomatic priorities, emphasizing strong ties with neighboring countries like Maldives, navigating complex relationships, and actively engaging in addressing global challenges.