India's External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, recently articulated the nation's commitment to determining its own economic trajectory, asserting that India's rise is "unstoppable" and based on its inherent strengths. These remarks were made during a discussion on cooperation within the Indian Ocean region.
The minister's statement followed earlier comments from a senior American official, which reportedly indicated that the United States would not permit India to become an economic competitor akin to China. Jaishankar emphasized that India's growth would be solely "determined by our strength, not by the mistakes of others," without directly naming any specific country or individual. He also suggested that India's ascent would serve as a "lifting tide," benefiting other nations within the Indian Ocean, an ocean uniquely named after the country due to its central position.
Additionally, former foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal was noted for his criticism of the U.S. official's comments, characterizing them as "patronizing." Sibal further stated that India has never been an "ally" of the U.S. and questioned the framing of the U.S. "permitting" India's actions, such as the purchase of Russian oil.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-will-chart-its-own-rise-jaishankar-pushes-back-against-us-official-s-remarks-101772873212065.html
