Jaishankar Says World Is Moving Towards Multipolarity, Highlights Challenges in India-US Ties
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said the international system is moving towards a more multipolar world, with countries increasingly seeking to diversify their partnerships and reduce dependence on any single power. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York at the conclusion of the 81st United Nations General Assembly session, Jaishankar discussed the changing global order, growing economic interdependence and the challenges facing India-US relations.
A World Defined by Competition and Interdependence
Jaishankar described the current international environment as one where intense geopolitical competition exists alongside deep economic interdependence. Countries may compete strategically, but they remain connected through trade, technology, energy, supply chains and financial systems.
He noted that this interdependence can also become a source of leverage. Trade routes, access to markets, critical resources and supply chains can increasingly be used as instruments of pressure, making diplomacy more complicated. He described diplomacy in the present environment as an “extreme sport”, reflecting the difficult choices governments face while managing competing interests.
Multipolarity Is Becoming Increasingly Important
According to Jaishankar, the movement towards multipolarity is becoming increasingly difficult to reverse. Instead of a world centred around one dominant power, several countries and regions are gaining greater influence and seeking more room for independent decision-making.
For India, this changing environment reinforces the importance of maintaining relationships with multiple partners. India has continued to engage with the United States, Europe, Russia, Japan, China, the Gulf region and countries of the Global South, while pursuing its own strategic and economic interests.
An Asia Society Policy Institute analysis has similarly described India's approach as one of diversification, with New Delhi seeking multiple sources of trade, energy, technology and strategic cooperation to reduce excessive dependence on any single partner or geography.
India-US Ties Face Trade and Security Challenges
Jaishankar also addressed the current challenges in India-US relations. While the two countries have developed extensive cooperation over the years, differences over trade, tariffs and security concerns have created difficulties in the relationship.
On trade, Jaishankar said a bilateral trade agreement could contribute to putting India-US relations on a better track. However, he acknowledged that expectations of rapid progress had been tested by the complexity of the negotiations.
India and the United States are continuing discussions on a proposed Bilateral Trade Agreement. According to Reuters, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal is visiting the United States from September 29 to October 5 for further negotiations, with both sides working towards an interim arrangement and a broader agreement.
Terrorism Remains a Key Indian Security Concern
Jaishankar also highlighted India's concerns regarding cross-border terrorism. He said that when partners do not sufficiently understand India's security concerns related to terrorism emanating from its neighbourhood, it can affect bilateral relations.
The issue is significant for New Delhi because it considers terrorism and national security separate from disagreements in other areas such as trade. Jaishankar's remarks underline India's expectation that strategic partners should take its security concerns into account while developing broader bilateral cooperation.
The Wider Global Crisis
Jaishankar's comments came against the backdrop of several ongoing international conflicts and economic disruptions. During his engagements at the UN, he highlighted what he termed the “4F” crisis — food, fuel, fertiliser and finance — particularly affecting developing countries.
He also pointed to growing vulnerabilities in global supply chains. Disruptions in one part of the world can quickly affect prices, supplies and economic stability elsewhere, making international cooperation increasingly important.
India’s Strategic Autonomy in a Changing World
The emerging multipolar order also gives greater importance to India's long-standing emphasis on strategic autonomy. Jaishankar has argued that countries are increasingly keeping multiple diplomatic and economic options open rather than restricting themselves to a single strategic camp.
Recent analysis from the Asia Society Policy Institute similarly notes that India's strategy is focused on expanding its room for manoeuvre by cultivating multiple partners and sources of supply.
This approach does not mean avoiding partnerships. Instead, it involves working with different countries where interests converge while retaining the ability to independently assess issues that affect India's security, economy and long-term national interests.
The MGMM Outlook
The changing global order highlighted by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar points to a world where multiple countries and regions are gaining greater influence and nations are seeking wider partnerships. For India, this environment creates space to maintain strong relationships with different countries while safeguarding its strategic autonomy and national interests. Engagement with the United States, Russia, Europe, Central Asia, the Gulf and the wider Global South allows India to expand cooperation across trade, technology, energy, security and supply chains without limiting its international engagement to any single partnership.
At the same time, India-US relations remain an important area of continued dialogue, particularly on trade, security and economic cooperation. Jaishankar’s remarks underline the importance of addressing differences through sustained engagement while building on areas of shared interest. As global economic and security challenges become increasingly interconnected, India’s diversified international engagement can help it contribute to discussions on terrorism, resilient supply chains, energy security and economic cooperation while preserving the flexibility to take independent positions on issues affecting its long-term interests.
(Sources: Firstpost, Hindustan Times, Moneycontrol)
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