At a recent Asia Society event in New York, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed concerns about the declining adherence to international rules, which he believes is leading to new “choke points” in global affairs. These choke points are emerging in strategic areas such as waterways, financial systems, and market access, as countries increasingly leverage their power against competitors and adversaries in a more competitive international environment.
Jaishankar highlighted specific geographical choke points such as the Strait of Hormuz, which is a vital passageway for global oil shipments. He also noted how financial restrictions, often imposed through sanctions, and travel as well as market-access limitations are being used as leverage by influential countries. This strategic use of constraints is reshaping international relations, creating a complex landscape for diplomacy.
The minister described a growing tension between competition and interdependence among nations. Despite the increasing rivalry over strategic and economic interests, global economies and supply chains remain deeply interconnected. Jaishankar emphasized that this duality complicates diplomatic efforts, as governments must strike a balance between their competitive impulses and the practical necessities imposed by global interdependence.
According to Jaishankar, the interplay of competition and interconnectedness has made international diplomacy more intricate, requiring countries to manage both strategic rivalry and their ongoing economic and political ties. This environment demands nuanced diplomatic strategies that can accommodate both competition and cooperation.