External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the far-reaching implications of regional instability on Indian interests during a panel discussion at the Doha Forum 2024, which opened Saturday in Qatar. Speaking at the “Conflict Mediation in a New Era” panel alongside Qatar’s Prime Minister and Norway’s Foreign Minister, Jaishankar emphasized how seemingly distant conflicts directly impact India’s economic and security interests.
“While India may be geographically distant from some of these conflicts, their effects are immediate and substantial,” Jaishankar said, pointing to India’s significant presence in the region. He detailed that approximately half a million Indians reside in Mediterranean countries, with bilateral trade valued at 80 billion dollars, while the Gulf region hosts 10 million Indians and maintains trade relations worth 180 billion dollars.
The minister drew particular attention to the expanding nature of regional conflicts, noting how situations that seemed improbable just two years ago, such as direct hostilities between Israel and Iran, have become reality. He expressed specific concern about developments in the Red Sea and their impact on Asian shipping routes.
On the Ukraine conflict, Jaishankar revealed India’s diplomatic approach of engaging with all parties, including Presidents Putin and Zelensky, while emphasizing that “this war will not be resolved on the battlefield.” He described India’s role not as a traditional mediator but as a facilitator of dialogue, representing the interests of over 125 countries affected by the conflict’s economic fallout.
Addressing broader geopolitical dynamics, Jaishankar cautioned against oversimplified narratives about international alliances, noting that countries collaborate based on specific interests rather than rigid ideological blocks. “Each country operates based on its self-interest, often collaborating on some issues while diverging on others,” he explained.
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar emphasised the interconnected nature of global stability, stating, “Today, instability anywhere in the world is a cause for concern. No region can be considered too distant to matter.” His comments underscored India’s growing stake in global peace and stability, particularly in regions critical to its economic and diaspora interests.
The panel discussion was part of the 22nd Doha Forum, themed “The Innovation Imperative,” which has attracted over 4,500 participants from more than 150 countries. The forum continues its tradition of fostering dialogue on pressing global challenges, with this year’s focus on innovative approaches to international problem-solving.
