India’s Foreign Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stated that relations with China are currently passing through a difficult phase due to the border situation.
He noted that Russia remains a long-standing partner, with economic cooperation steadily expanding. On relations with the United States, he emphasized that India has moved beyond historical hesitations and established a strong strategic partnership.
He also highlighted the importance of expanding BRICS membership, believing it will contribute to the emergence of a multipolar world. He dismissed concerns that India’s membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) would strain Indo-US relations, predicting the global system is moving toward a multipolar era.
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat following his participation in the joint ministerial meeting for the strategic dialogue between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and India, held in Riyadh on Monday, Jaishankar highlighted the strength and resilience of India’s relations with Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in defense, energy, and technology, pointing to an agreement with reached with GCC countries on a Joint Action Plan (JAP), covering sectors such as trade, health, transport, agriculture, and education.
On the Palestinian issue, Jaishankar stressed the importance of delivering humanitarian aid, halting the conflict on Gaza, and working towards a two-state solution.
Asked whether Saudi-Indian relations have reached a comprehensive partnership across all sectors, the foreign minister stressed that ties between India and Saudi Arabia are at their best ever.
He noted that the visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in 2016 and 2019 created momentum that has continued to accelerate.
“Similarly, the 2019 visit by Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, introduced new initiatives and dimensions to our cooperation. The establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019 marked a new chapter in our relationship,” he remarked.
The minister continued: “Last year, we were pleased to host Crown Prince Mohammed in September for the G20 Leaders’ Summit and the first meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council with PM Modi. During the visit, both sides signed eight memoranda of understanding and agreements in various sectors. This visit was a milestone that further strengthened our strategic partnership.”
Turning to economic issues, Jaishankar said Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is opening up new opportunities in sectors like renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, food security, logistics, skill development, space, and information and communication technology (ICT), which raises the interest of many Indian companies. He also pointed to substantial potential for Saudi investments in various sectors in his country.
Regarding defense relations, the minister underlined “several groundbreaking developments in recent years”, including the first joint naval exercises between Saudi Arabia and India, the first-ever ground exercises, the first visit by the Chief of the Saudi Navy to India, and India’s active participation in the Saudi World Defense Show earlier this year.
“We have also signed our first agreement to export Indian ammunition to Saudi Arabia. We are progressing well, and there is tremendous potential to further strengthen our relationship,” he stated.
On India’s relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Jaishankar stressed that ties between the two sides is deeply rooted in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and shared values.
He continued that in recent years, this relationship has evolved into a modern partnership across a wide range of sectors, including the economy, energy, defense, technology, education, and people-to-people connections, among others.
“This partnership is based on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future,” he said.
The foreign minister noted that about 9 million Indian nationals live and work in the Gulf countries, forming a living bridge between the two sides.
From India’s perspective, the Gulf region is seen as the country’s “extended neighborhood,” geographically close, culturally similar, and economically integrated, he remarked, adding: “Together, they form a dynamic and significant force.”
According to Jaishankar, India’s vast and growing market offers enormous investment opportunities, while the Gulf region is a hub for energy resources, global trade, and a bridge to many avenues of cooperation.
He told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Among the new areas of collaboration, the digital revolution offers unprecedented opportunities for cooperation in the field of technology. Education and skill development are also essential components of our partnership. People-to-people and logistical connections represent another important area of cooperation, bringing strategic, economic, and social benefits to our countries.”
Asked about the latest developments in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, and the way it competes with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the minister answered: “The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is an initiative aimed at redefining the connectivity model and linking three key economic hubs. The project was announced on the sidelines of the recent G20 Summit in New Delhi.”
He added that the corridor will lead to transformative integration between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. It comprises several components, including railways, a transport network from ships to railways, and electrical, digital, and clean hydrogen connectivity.
On his country’s stance on the situation in Gaza, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s stance on the conflict is principled and consistent.
“We have condemned acts of terrorism and hostage-taking. At the same time, we are deeply pained by the continued loss of innocent civilian lives. Any response must take into account the principles of humanitarian law. We strongly support sustained relief efforts for those in dire need, which requires a ceasefire as soon as possible,” he said.
India has consistently advocated for resolving the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution and also contributed to building institutions and capacities for the Palestinians, he stressed.
Moreover, foreign minister noted that attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea are a significant concern for India, given the sensitivities involved. With the large number of Indian nationals working in the commercial shipping industry and the substantial volume of Indian trade passing through the region, these attacks could have serious economic repercussions.
“India firmly supports the principle of freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and has expressed concern over incidents targeting commercial vessels, which disrupt trade routes and endanger the lives of sailors... The Indian Navy maintains a strong presence in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships,” he told Asharq Al-Awsat.
“Over 12 warships have been deployed in the eastern Red Sea to provide security against piracy, and Indian naval personnel have investigated numerous ships and small boats in recent months. We also coordinate with several countries in the region to align our responses,” he added.
On the strained relations between India and Pakistan, Jaishankar stressed that over the last decade, his country has made it clear that it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism.
“If such acts continue, they will be met with appropriate responses. At the same time, I recently stated that India will respond to both positive and negative developments as they arise,” he remarked.
Commenting on India’s foreign relations, in particular with China, the United States and Russia, the minister said that his country pursues a multifaceted foreign policy, engaging with all major powers.
He explained: “The quality of relationships will naturally depend on how aligned our interests are. Specifically, we are going through a challenging phase in our relations with China due to the border situation. Russia is a long-standing partner, and our economic cooperation with them continues to grow steadily. With the United States, we have moved beyond the historical hesitations and built a strong strategic partnership.”
