【Text/Observer Net, Liu Chenghui】On June 30 local time, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar gave an interview to the U.S. "Newsweek" magazine in New York, discussing issues regarding relations with the U.S. and China.

Jaishankar stated that the view of simplifying India-U.S. relations as "reflecting positions on China" is a "serious over-simplification" or even a "misleading" statement. He said that the U.S.-China relationship has become more competitive now, and in this context, India will act based on its own interests, stabilizing relations with China while deepening strategic cooperation with the United States.

Jaishankar made these remarks in response to the question of how much India-U.S. relations are determined by their positions on China.

He told Newsweek's CEO Dev Pragad: "I think it's a serious over-simplification to say that India-U.S. relations revolve around China. In fact, it's not just an over-simplification; I think sometimes it can be misleading."

He said that India-U.S. relations cover "many other aspects," such as the significant contributions of the large Indian diaspora community to the U.S. "I think this group has brought disruptive changes, which have nothing to do with China," he added.

Photo of Jaishankar giving an interview to Newsweek in New York on June 30

He emphasized that there are very close economic ties between the U.S. and India.

"Look at our trade data and how important this trade is for our respective economies. Look at our technological ties," he said. People often associate the defense or security cooperation between the two countries with China, but "I invite you to look at another coast, where we cooperate to ensure the safety of global shipping in the Arabian Sea."

"Now is an era of over-simplification. I beg you not to fall into this trap. I believe the world is far more complex, with multiple causes. Our interests go beyond just one country."

"Of course, I believe that the reason India-U.S. relations are progressing smoothly is because the relationship itself has great value," Jaishankar said.

He also mentioned that there are some realities in the current international landscape, one of which is that the U.S.-China relationship is no longer as it was before, and the competitive situation is becoming increasingly intense.

"Frankly speaking, for us, we observe these two countries, and they have already decided how they view each other. Obviously, there will be strategic considerations, and they have a broader strategic understanding of each other."

"In this framework, we will honestly examine how we can enhance our own interests."

Jaishankar added, "I think in many ways, we have very strong consensus with the U.S. At the same time, we are China's largest neighbor, and we have a land border with China. We hope to maintain a stable relationship with China."

He emphasized that China is also an important trade partner for India.

"Therefore, the issue for us is: how to stabilize relations with China, build a fair balance mechanism, and at the same time, how to make the most of the consensus with the U.S. and gain maximum benefits. Frankly speaking, this is how we operate."

On June 23, Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Central External Affairs Office, met with D. P. Dwaipayan, India's national security advisor and special representative on Sino-Indian boundary issues, in Beijing.

Wang Yi said that in recent times, bilateral relations have seen some positive progress, and both sides need to further strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust, and work to resolve practical issues.

Wang Yi emphasized that "the dance of the dragon and the tiger can lead to win-win outcomes." China and India should adhere to the important consensus that "they are opportunities for each other and not threats to each other," and that "they are partners rather than competitors." Both sides should uphold the direction of friendly neighborhood, strive for a win-win future, demonstrate the historical wisdom of the two ancient civilizations, properly handle sensitive issues, and safeguard the peace and stability of the border areas. Both sides should focus more on cooperative matters, strengthen exchanges at all levels and in all fields, and support each other in multilateral forums such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Last month, Jaishankar spoke about global changes during an interview with The Times of India. He said that the trends people see were not formed overnight, but developed over years. India is committed to building solid relationships with major powers and different regions, aiming to occupy the best position in a "multipolar world."

He said that over the past 11 years, India's foreign policy has focused on this concept of multipolarity. "You need to look ahead at today's world... multiple poles compete and cooperate with each other," he added. India is striving to minimize the problems it faces and maximize its interests.

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