A Call for Global Accountability
At the Raisina Dialogue, India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, delivered a sharp critique of the West’s handling of global conflicts, particularly concerning India’s territorial disputes and Afghanistan’s political turmoil. He argued that while governments strive to maintain domestic order, there is a lack of genuine effort to establish a fair international order. Highlighting instances of hypocrisy, Jaishankar illustrated how an outright invasion of Indian territory by Pakistan was reframed by the West as a mere territorial dispute. His speech underscored the tendency of powerful nations to manipulate geopolitical narratives for their convenience, often at the expense of justice and historical accuracy.
Pakistan’s 1947 Invasion: A Rewritten Narrative
Jaishankar pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir, along with Ladakh, have been subject to the longest illegal occupation by foreign powers. He emphasized that Pakistan’s invasion of Kashmir in 1947—just two months after India’s independence—was a blatant act of aggression. Yet, instead of recognizing this as an invasion, the West played a crucial role in reframing it as a territorial dispute. He noted, “We went to the UN over what was an invasion. It was turned into a dispute… Attacker and victim were put on par.”
According to Jaishankar, nations like Australia, Canada, Belgium, the UK, and the USA were instrumental in this narrative shift. India’s legitimate appeal to the United Nations was met with a diplomatic balancing act that equated the aggressor and the victim. This misrepresentation not only diluted Pakistan’s culpability but also set a precedent for how global institutions handle conflicts—often prioritizing political expediency over justice.
The West’s Convenient Geopolitics in Afghanistan
Jaishankar also shed light on the West’s inconsistent approach to Afghanistan, where the Taliban’s fluctuating status as extremists and negotiators exemplified the contradictions in global politics. He highlighted how, over the past few decades, the Taliban has been alternatively vilified and engaged diplomatically depending on Western interests. “The same Taliban who were once considered extremists are now appearing in suits and ties at international negotiations,” he remarked.
The External Affairs Minister pointed out how Western nations welcomed Taliban leaders into peace negotiations in Doha and Oslo but now express outrage over the group’s continued control and oppressive policies. This selective engagement, according to Jaishankar, is emblematic of how international powers operate on the basis of convenience rather than principle.
The Broader Implications of Diplomatic Hypocrisy
Jaishankar’s remarks underscored the broader issue of double standards in international diplomacy. His speech at the Raisina Dialogue served as a reminder that powerful nations often manipulate geopolitical narratives to suit their strategic interests. Whether it was redefining Pakistan’s invasion as a dispute or engaging with the Taliban based on changing Western priorities, these inconsistencies weaken the credibility of international governance structures.
A Need for Fairer Global Governance
Jaishankar’s statements at the Raisina Dialogue were not just a critique but a call to action for a more equitable international order. He stressed that global diplomacy should not be dictated by selective interests but by historical truths and principles of justice. His speech highlighted the urgent need for reforms in international institutions to prevent powerful nations from distorting facts for their strategic gains. The External Affairs Minister’s message was clear: if the world truly seeks stability and fairness, it must first address the contradictions that define its diplomatic engagements.
(With inputs from agencies)
