Jaishankar Calls China a 'Unique Problem,' Discusses India’s Foreign Policy Challenges

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described China as a 'unique problem' at the ET World Leaders Forum, emphasizing that India is not alone in grappling with China’s economic and political influence. He also touched on relationships with neighbors like Bangladesh and Pakistan, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics.

During the ET World Leaders Forum on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar referred to China as a 'unique problem.' He emphasized that India is not the only nation debating China's economic and political influence, asserting that past decisions to overlook the nature of Chinese production have led to current trade deficits.

Jaishankar went on to highlight the global dimension of the 'China problem,' noting that Europe and the US are also deeply concerned about China's economic and national security impacts. He pointed to the 2020 Galwan clashes and ongoing tension at the LAC in eastern Ladakh as indicators of the challenging dynamics between India and China.

Addressing India's relationships with other neighboring countries, Jaishankar described these ties as inherently complicated due to their democratic nature. The minister underlined the necessity of finding mutual interests with nations like Bangladesh while maintaining a pragmatic stance regarding Pakistan, where he declared the era of 'uninterrupted dialogue' to be over.

(With inputs from agencies.)