India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar today highlighted the "incredibly complicated matrix" of global power dynamics, specifically addressing the complex equilibrium arising from the parallel rise of India and China, two neighboring civilizational states, during his address at the GMF Brussels Forum 2025.
Jaishankar elaborated on the multifaceted nature of the relationship between the two Asian giants, stating that beyond border issues, significant trade and economic challenges persist. He emphasized that the rise of each nation is forging a new individual equilibrium with the global order, while simultaneously creating a "much more complex equilibrium" between themselves, given their shared borders and sometimes common neighbors.
"So it is an incredibly complicated matrix and there are different dimensions to it, there's the boundary dimension to it, there's the balances if you would, there are economic issues, trade issues," Jaishankar remarked. He also acknowledged concerns stemming from India and China's distinct economic, social, and political models, noting that some observers might perceive these differences as inherently exclusionary.
The Minister underscored the profound impact of unsettled boundary disputes on their bilateral relations. "China—I mean it's an obvious fact, but still I have to say—China is an immediate neighbour, okay, it's a neighbor with whom we also have an unsettled boundary. So that's a big factor in our relations," he asserted.
Reflecting on their historical trajectory, Jaishankar pointed out that India and China are unique as the only two countries with populations exceeding a billion, alongside being "civilisational states" that have experienced a "parallel rise." He noted that China's modernization efforts predated India's, attributing it to earlier governmental approaches in India.
When questioned about Europe's perceived naivety regarding China, Jaishankar offered a nuanced response, acknowledging an "evolution" in Europe's stance over the last decade to fifteen years. He, however, cautioned that it remains a "very differentiated picture," with not all European nations progressing at the same pace or wavelength. He specifically mentioned that some countries have adopted a "more hard-headed" approach towards China.
The discussion concluded with a significant exchange when the interviewer drew a parallel, stating that Europe's situation with China sounded similar to its position with Russia 15 years ago. Jaishankar promptly responded, "Okay, you said it! I don't disagree," a remark that was met with laughter from the audience.
(Source: ANI)
