Jaishankar says globalisation needs resilience as new chokepoints emerge

S Jaishankar outlined India's approach to globalisation and connectivity at the Raisina Dialogue in Abu Dhabi. His remarks underscored resilience, trusted partnerships and institutional reform amid intensifying global competition.

In Short

• Global competition has intensified as nations increasingly leverage strategic advantages
• Repeated vessel attacks have strained the crucial Strait of Hormuz
• The proposed corridor combines trade, energy and digital infrastructure networks

Globalisation cannot be reversed but countries must navigate it with greater resilience, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, according to news agency Press Trust of India. He said India was strengthening its capabilities and building trusted partnerships.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue’s Middle East edition in Abu Dhabi, Jaishankar said global competition had intensified, new chokepoints had emerged and countries had become more willing to use their advantages.

Jaishankar made the remarks during a discussion titled ‘The Continental Corridors: Who Connects the Heartland?’ The panel included former Tunisian prime minister Mehdi Jomaa; DP World CEO and Managing Director Rizwan Soomar; and Armida van Rij, senior research fellow at the Centre for European Reform in London.

His comments came amid volatility in West Asia, where vessels have faced repeated attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage that has been under strain since the US-Iran war.

“Globalisation cannot be reversed, but it must be navigated with greater resilience,” Jaishankar said, as reported by PTI.

Referring to the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, he said the project was already shaping regional thinking on connectivity. “As the global landscape evolves, India is building its own strengths and establishing trusted partnerships,” he said.

IMEC is a proposed network connecting trade, energy and digital infrastructure. It was announced in September 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi and aims to promote economic development by improving connectivity and integration among Asia, the Arabian Gulf and Europe.

Jaishankar arrived in the UAE on Wednesday for a three-day official visit to review progress in bilateral relations. On the same day, he called for “urgent” reform of multilateral institutions to reflect the changing global order. He said stronger cooperation among smaller groups of countries could support the process.

Jaishankar’s remarks focused on building resilience amid growing global competition, while strengthening India’s capabilities, trusted partnerships and connectivity initiatives such as IMEC.

With PTI Inputs

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