Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar Tuesday (February 4) blasted western nations for hypocritical application of “matters of principle”. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, the top Indian diplomat also stressed that global agenda can no longer be driven by handful of powerful nations, while reiterating his push for multilateralism.
Jaishankar attended the second IIC-Bruegel Annual Seminar in the national capital, where he called out the West’s brazen double standards when it comes to the application of international laws.
“The world is currently witnessing two major conflicts. These are often presented as matters of principle. We are told that the very future of the world order is at stake. Yet, the record shows how selectively and unevenly these principles have been applied,” said the external affairs minister.
Jaishankar added that even the pressing issue of terrorism in India’s neighbourhood was overlooked by western nations to fulfil own interests, in a tacit reference to Pakistan. He also highlighted the West’s apparent ‘selective’ approach on the issue of democratic backsliding in Bangladesh.
“In our own continent, international law has been disregarded with significant consequences. Even on a question like democracy and military rule, different standards have been applied to our neighbours in the East and our neighbours in the West,” said the minister.
“It is not my case that principles are dispensable or that we must be utterly into realpolitik. But the agenda can no longer be set by some, only to be observed by the rest. This applies to passing judgement on and interfering in the domestic politics of others as well,” Jaishankar said.
The foreign minister also talked about major global trade issues, arguing that “serious overconcentration of manufacturing in a limited geography” had created vulnerable weak points in global supply chains.
“The domain of finance has seen similar developments that emanate from the salience of a few players,” he said.
“The digital world carries its own share of challenges. It is paradoxical that many of us are so focused on data privacy and data security at home, but how concerned are we at the harvesting and deployment of this beyond our shores? What began as a debate when 5G technology started to being introduced is now a full-blown issue in the AI era,” he added.
With inputs from agencies
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