Need To Move Beyond 'West Is Bad Guy' Syndrome, It's Not Flooding Asia And Africa With Goods On Massive Scale: Jaishankar

The West should not be seen as the "bad guy" as it was not flooding Asian and African markets with goods on a massive scale, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Sunday (17 September).

He added that there was a need to get over the "syndrome" of seeing it in a negative way.

During an interview with Malayalam news channel Asianet, Jaishankar clarified that he was not advocating for the West.

The minister was in Thiruvananthapuram for the launch of the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

"It is not the West which is flooding Asia and Africa with goods on a massive scale. I think we need to get over the syndrome of the past that the West is the bad guy and on the other side are the developing countries. The world is more complicated, the problems are much more complicated than that," Jaishankar said, reports NDTV.

The minister's interview was conducted by former Indian diplomat T P Sreenivasan for the channel.

On the question of Chinese President Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit in New Delhi, Jaishankar said the reasons were up for speculation.

In an indirect reference to Chinese trade and economic policies, the minister said that over the past 15 to 20 years, there has been a growing sense of dissatisfaction with globalisation, as countries have seen their markets flooded with cheap goods, resulting in the strain on their products, manufacturing, and employment.

The resentment and pain felt by many countries regarding the global economy have been building up for the past 15 to 20 years, according to the minister.

Factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ukraine conflict have further contributed to the increase in prices of energy and food items.

Countries are becoming increasingly frustrated with being utilised as an extractive resource to fuel the economy of another nation.

He added that the West cannot solely be blamed for this situation.

He emphasised that he was not favoring the West and highlighted the impact of globalization on economies worldwide.

Specifically, he pointed out the concentration of manufacturing, which is being supported and subsidized, and how it affects different nations.

The minister said that India's accomplishments in manufacturing, agriculture, scientific advancements such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and successful vaccination efforts have instilled a sense among the Global South, including the African Union, "that one of us has the ability to stand, grow and progress".

"So they identify with us in a way that they do not with other people," Jaishankar said.

During the interview, he also addressed the achievements of the G20 Summit during India's presidency and expressed concerns about Canada's support for the Khalistan group, which poses a threat.

Additionally, the summit focused on the Global South initiative, showcasing India's ability to lead and make a positive impact.

Jaishankar emphasized the transformation of India as a country, with increased confidence and new leadership.

The successful conduct of the G20 Summit further enhanced India's standing on the global stage and benefited the nation.

Jaishankar pointed out that the summit showcased that the agenda does not have to be dictated solely by the West or a select few countries and India too can shape it.

"By doing the Voice of the Global South (summit) and bringing 125 nations together, we straight away shaped the agenda," he said.

However, it should be noted that the Global South does not represent a new world order or a definitive entity, and India does not claim to be its leader, he said.

He also welcomed the proposed economic corridor with India at one end and Europe at the other.

This corridor, passing through the Middle East, would facilitate job opportunities for people in the region seeking employment in those areas.

The proposed economic corridor with India at one end and Europe at the other was warmly welcomed. This corridor, passing through the Middle East, would facilitate job opportunities for people in the region seeking employment in those areas.

He also addressed the activities of the Khalistan group in Canada and its impact on India's relationship with the country.

He said that the problem arises when countries allow such groups to have a presence in their political landscape, regardless of the reasons behind it.

The minister acknowledged the complexities of politics but stressed the importance of all individuals, especially in a democratic society, balancing their political motivations with a broader sense of responsibility towards the world and their own well-being.

"Forget us for the moment. You know the kind of force involved in all of this. They are not good for the country where all of this will happen. Today it is Canada, it could be something else tomorrow. We are focusing on generating that appreciation," he said.

When asked about how India managed to avoid blaming Russia for the Ukraine conflict in the G20 declaration, Jaishankar explained that it required compromise from all parties involved and there was a "lot of give and take".

He said what happened in the Bali Summit of G20, where Russia was blamed, could not be repeated in India and at the same time the clock could not be stopped there.

"This is New Delhi. So the New Delhi outcome had to be forged," he said.