Jaishankar asserts India's right to comment on US democracy: 'Don't feel bad when we do'

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday strongly defended India’s right to respond to US political leaders’ comments about Indian democracy during an address at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. In a pointed message, he said the US should not "feel bad" if India comments on their internal affairs in response.

In a candid response to questions regarding US political figures' remarks on India's democracy, Jaishankar explained that the globalized nature of the world has blurred the lines between domestic and international politics. He emphasized that while democracies can discuss global issues, mutual respect must be maintained.

"It cannot be that one democracy has a right to comment on another and that’s part of promoting democracy globally, but when others do that, then it becomes foreign interference ," Jaishankar asserted. He clarified that foreign interference is unacceptable, regardless of the country behind it, remarking, "Foreign interference is foreign interference, irrespective of who does it and where it is done."

Jaishankar’s remarks came in the context of increasing US commentary on democratic developments in India. He acknowledged that the US has long shaped international politics through its foreign policy and that in today’s interconnected world, political narratives are shaped globally, not just domestically.

"The United States makes a special effort to ensure [its politics] doesn’t stay within its national boundaries. That is a part of how the US has conducted its foreign policy over the years," he observed. He also stressed that India reserves the right to comment on these matters, noting, "You have every right to comment, but I have every right to comment on your comment. So don't feel bad when I do."

Strengthened relations with neighbors

Jaishankar also addressed India’s evolving relationships with its neighboring countries, highlighting that these ties have grown significantly stronger since independence. He pointed to increased cooperation in infrastructure, trade, and energy, noting that "our relationship with our neighbors would be much stronger than it has been since independence."

The EAM underscored India's efforts to foster regional integration, citing improvements in power grids, fuel flows, rail lines, and airways. He said that the flow of people and goods across borders had drastically increased, further enhancing India’s regional influence. "Every year, we issue about 1.5-1.6 million visas to Bangladesh alone, and we have much more trade and economic activity than ever before," Jaishankar said.

However, he acknowledged the challenges posed by political changes in the region, especially in countries like Bangladesh, Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Recent political shifts, including Mohamed Muizzu's rise to power in the Maldives and leadership changes in Nepal and Sri Lanka, have presented new diplomatic challenges for India.

(With inputs from agencies)