Adjusted balance: On India and non-alignment

In different statements today, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar set out India’s world view in the face of worldwide obstacles, a number of which pull it in different directions. Mr. Jaishankar’s contention was that non-alignment as a principle came from a bygone age which multipolarity on the planet required that India would need to take a definite stand, and even take “dangers” on issues such as connectivity, maritime security, terrorism and climate modification. However, he made it clear that India does not reject non-alignment in its whole, which while it would no longer remain disentangled from difficult choices, it would not compromise on its independence. More notably, he stated that India has “never ever been part of an alliance system, nor will it ever be”. He added that even the U.S. should look beyond its present alliances, and engage with more multilateral arrangements. Mr. Jaishankar discussed that while non-alignment worked for India dur