Full Breakdown
India’s External Affairs Minister Flags US “Lonelier Power” and a Shifting Global Order
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Core Event: Remarks at the Munich Leaders Meeting (Oct 4-5, 2026)
On October 4, 2026, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar addressed senior decision-makers at the Munich Leaders Meeting in New Delhi, a two-day gathering organized by the Munich Security Conference. He described a “radical repositioning” of the United States, the rapid rise of China, and the growing agency of emerging and middle powers.
Background & Context
Jaishankar said the United States has adopted “a posture of choice” that has made it “deliberately become a lonelier power.” He linked this shift to a broader realignment in which China’s economic weight—about one-third of global manufacturing—translates into expanding political influence.
Emerging and Middle Power Cooperation
Jaishankar noted that emerging and middle powers are pursuing greater self-reliance (“Atmanirbhar”). He identified three practical dimensions:
- Strategic groupings – the Quad and BRICS as platforms for a collective voice.
- Connectivity corridors – the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, the International North-South Transport Corridor, and the Northern Sea Route as joint infrastructure initiatives.
- Issue-based alliances – the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster-Resilient Infrastructure, both launched by India, showing cooperation on climate and infrastructure resilience.
He argued that full convergence of views is no longer required; “enough touch points” and a “reasonable degree of convergence” suffice for cooperation.
India’s Role in the Russia-Ukraine Conflict and Ties with Russia
Jaishankar reiterated India’s call for a negotiated settlement in Ukraine. He said India has moved “beyond advocacy” to direct engagement with Moscow and Kyiv, focusing on Black-Sea shipping safety, grain-export logistics, energy-export concerns, and “non-attack possibilities.”
Official Statements & Responses
- U.S. posture – characterised as a deliberate choice to operate more independently, reshaping the global order.
- China’s rise – described as a “unique country” whose self-perception aligns with its expanding clout.
- Competition and interdependence – intensified rivalry leads to weaponisation of leverage, yet coexists with deep economic interdependence.
- Strategic hedging – countries will maintain relationships with multiple powers as a “strategy of advancing by hedging.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “No one in the room would disagree with the fact that the landscape today is primarily marked by a radical repositioning of the United States.” — Dr. S. Jaishankar
- “And we are looking at very sharp competition.” — Dr. S. Jaishankar
- “They come together where their interests require them to do so: they find working arrangements, develop an agenda, develop organisations, develop habits of cooperation, and this is today's evolving global order,” — Dr. S. Jaishankar