India isn’t disruptive, it’s a decider rather than abstainer: S Jaishankar

PTI, Jan 15, 2020, 12:35 PM IST

New Delhi: India’s way is not to be disruptive and it is more of a decider than an abstainer, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said today.

In remarks that come at a time that several countries have called for a greater Indian role in the Indo-Pacific, the minister also said it is not the India way to be mercantilist.

Addressing a gathering at the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi, Jaishankar referred to tensions between the US and Iran and said they are two individualistic countries and what finally happens will depend on the players involved.

Discussing ties with China, he said it is vital for neighbours to reach understanding on crucial issues.

“It is important that two countries find equilibrium in ties… we have to get along with each other,” he said.

“India owes it to itself and to the world to be a just power,” he said.

India is not a disruptor and is firmly dealing with terrorism, Jaishankar added.

The country, he said, is a “prisoner of its past image. We have to get over it”.

“There was a time when we spoke more than what we did. It is changing now,” the minister said.