India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has described the United States as having “deliberately become a lonelier power,” saying Washington’s changing posture is reshaping the international order. He made the remarks at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi.
Jaishankar said the global landscape is being shaped by what he called a radical repositioning of the United States, alongside the growing influence of China. He said the competition between the two major powers is becoming increasingly sharp.
He argued that the rivalry is no longer limited to Washington and Beijing. According to Jaishankar, countries are increasingly using economic, technological and strategic leverage as tools of competition, while remaining deeply connected through global interdependence.
Jaishankar also said emerging and middle powers are becoming more self-reliant and are seeking greater flexibility in their international partnerships. He said these countries can strengthen cooperation among themselves while maintaining ties with both the United States and China.
Jaishankar said the world is moving toward greater multipolarity, with countries maintaining relationships with multiple powers despite competing interests. He also warned that multilateral institutions face growing pressure as the global balance of power continues to change.
