In an interview with the Economic Times (ET), Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed accusations alleging that Five Eyes countries are targeting India, stating that he does not perceive the world through a conspiracy lens. Calling himself a “liberal, easy-going” guy, Jaishankar said that he does not buy the view that foreign governments are out there to get India.
Five-Eye Countries Not Targeting India
Five Eyes is an intelligence alliance comprising Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the US. Several of these countries, including the US and Canada, have accused the Narendra Modi-led Indian government of targeting its opponents overseas. Following the accusations, several reports have been released suggesting that the alliance is taking on Indian intelligence and its operations abroad.
An engaging conversation at the @EconomicTimes’ office. https://t.co/DO32w3inVW
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (Modi Ka Parivar) (@DrSJaishankar) May 6, 2024
In an effort to dispel rumours, Jaishankar highlighted that India has disagreements or issues with certain partner nations. He specifically referenced Canada, where posters depicting Indian diplomats as "wanted" have been observed. He emphasised India's commitment to ensuring the safety of its diplomats in these countries. Additionally, Jaishankar underscored India's earnest approach towards extraditing members of anti-India groups in Canada to India. He expressed concerns about Canada appearing to provide refuge to organized crime elements.
Speaking on reports of Indian involvement in the killing of wanted terrorists in Pakistan, Jaishankar said that people have been warning Pakistan for a long time. “Terrorists are there in large numbers in Pakistan, so statistically, things will happen to them,” he stated. In a statement that discredited Pakistani accusations against India, Jaishankar said, “Pakistan is Pakistan, other countries are other countries.”
India’s China Policy
Responding to whether the PM’s recent remarks on China in his interview with Newsweek represent a shift, Jaishankar said that Modi had reiterated that ties between the two countries continue to be “abnormal.” He said that India wants to see normalcy, which can only happen if there is peace and tranquillity at the border. In the interview, Modi urged the two countries to urgently address the prolonged border dispute.
In response to allegations of protectionism aimed at India, the EAM asserted that India is prepared to implement necessary defensive measures to safeguard the interests of its working class, whose welfare is paramount. He said that China’s manufacturing practices have put the rest of the world at a disadvantage, and it was entirely within India’s right to protect the interests of its manufacturers and labour.
Additionally, he emphasised India's welcoming stance towards global companies, expressing the country's desire for their presence. He clarified that India remains open to companies with existing vendors and supply chains, indicating a flexible approach. Moreover, he stated that Indian doors are not closed to Chinese companies; however, India will subject all incoming companies to thorough examination and scrutiny.
Last 10 Years of India’s Foreign Policy
Discussing shifts in Indian foreign policy over the past decade, Jaishankar remarked that it has evolved towards realism and embraced a "nationalistic" approach that is not swayed by vote-bank considerations. He highlighted the altered stance towards Israel as an example, noting that although it is a natural partner for India, there was previous hesitancy about public association.
Jaishankar further remarked that present-day foreign policy is closely intertwined with economic needs. Lastly, he noted that the Modi government is advocating for a culturally rooted India, a stance he suggested was not as prominently upheld by previous administrations.