Global blocs are less relevant, says Foreign Secretary

India is evaluating its multilateral and bilateral ties to keep up with the fast changing global scenario, but sudden changes are unlikely to be part of this phase of international adjustment.

Addressing a media gathering at the Foreign Correspondents Club, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said that a more “loosely” networked global system is fast emerging.

“The blocs and alliances are less relevant today and the world is moving towards a loosely arranged order,” said Mr. Jaishankar indicating at an ongoing evaluation of multilateral arrangements that India has partnered for decades.

The declaration regarding the “blocs” is significant as reportedly Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to skip the 13-18 September NAM summit in Venezuela. NAM which India led since the 1950s had traditionally attracted a Prime Minister-level participation from India.

However, such evaluation does not mean that India would look away from long-term friends and supporters who have also been part of groups like NAM.

Elaborating at this new style of diplomacy, Mr. Jaishankar pointed out the successful trips to Africa by Mr. Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee and Vice- President Hamid Ansari.

The Foreign Secretary, however, cautioned not to draw quick conclusion on India’s policy priorities as they are made on the basis of changing global scenario.

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