Sun Nov 03 03:07:27 UTC 2024: ## India’s Foreign Minister Emphasizes Inclusivity in Strategic Partnerships
**New Delhi, November 3, 2024** – India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has stressed the importance of inclusive friendships in a multi-polar world, stating that India aims to cultivate relationships with as many countries as possible.
Speaking at the launch of Professor Sreeram Chaulia’s book, “Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners,” Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that India’s strategic partnerships are not exclusive and involve countries with diverse interests and backgrounds.
He acknowledged that navigating friendships in a complex global order can be challenging, with countries often having overlapping but not always identical interests.
Mr. Jaishankar highlighted India’s strong relationships with the United States, Japan, Australia (through the Quad), Russia, and France, stating that these partnerships demonstrate India’s commitment to multi-polarity.
He also acknowledged that some relationships may be more complex than others, and underscored the importance of mutual respect and understanding in navigating these partnerships.
Mr. Jaishankar cautioned that even close friendships can be subject to strategic considerations, and emphasized that India’s growing international influence is likely to attract both opportunities and challenges.
“Cultivating friendship for a large country like India is never easy,” he stated, adding that shared experiences and mutual interests are crucial in building strong relationships.
Mr. Jaishankar’s remarks highlight India’s strategic approach to foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of building a network of strong partnerships while navigating the complexities of a multi-polar world.
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