External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has highlighted that the diminishing respect for international rules is leading to new “choke points” in global affairs. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar emphasized that these emerging choke points are evident in strategic waterways, financial systems, and market access, all of which are becoming leverage tools in a more competitive international environment.
Jaishankar identified geographical choke points, such as the Strait of Hormuz, and financial barriers imposed through sanctions as examples of these new pressures. He also pointed to travel and market-access restrictions as strategic tools wielded by influential countries in their competition with adversaries and competitors.
He further explained the growing tension between competition and interdependence in international relations. Jaishankar noted that while nations increasingly vie for strategic and economic interests, their economies and supply chains remain deeply interconnected. This interdependence complicates the diplomatic landscape, requiring governments to navigate their competitive instincts against the practicalities of global connections.
According to Jaishankar, the interplay of competition and interdependence has rendered international diplomacy more intricate. Countries now face the dual challenge of managing strategic rivalries while maintaining vital economic and political ties. This complexity underscores the need for nuanced diplomatic strategies that balance competition with the realities of interdependence.