Declining respect for international rules is leading to the formation of new “choke points” in global affairs, according to India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Speaking at an Asia Society event in New York, Jaishankar highlighted the growing use of leverage by countries against their rivals, which is contributing to the complexity of international relations.
Jaishankar identified strategic waterways, like the Strait of Hormuz, and financial systems subject to sanctions as key examples of these emerging choke points. He also noted that travel and market-access restrictions are increasingly being employed by influential countries as tools of geopolitical influence.
He underscored the dual forces of competition and interdependence that characterize today’s international landscape. While countries are more competitive over strategic and economic interests, they remain deeply interconnected through their economies and supply chains, creating a challenging environment for diplomacy.
The minister emphasized that this duality complicates diplomatic efforts, as nations must navigate the tension between strategic rivalry and their ongoing economic and political ties. This, according to Jaishankar, makes diplomacy more intricate and requires states to balance their competitive instincts with the realities of global interdependence.