When Plato speaks about a philosopher king to rule a society, his argument derives from the fact that he will be the ultimate source of wisdom and knowledge. He suggests that knowledge is power and no law or ordinance is mightier than knowledge.
That is why the society governed by the philosopher king would be just, fair and peaceful. In the present context this theory may not be completely true in statecraft but in global diplomacy wisdom and knowledge do play an extensive role.
The wise argument based on reasoning not only helps in establishing cooperative friendly relationships but also helps in skilfully advancing the nation’s interest.
As diplomacy involves a tedious process of debate, discussion and argument, a person well versed with these prospects can only bring favourable results.
That is what S. Jaishankar, the Minister of External Affairs of India, represents. A man of knowledge, wisdom and years of diplomatic experience. He carries years of experience in foreign relations and is well versed with the rulebook of diplomacy.
His decisions are wise and in a completely chaotic world, he stands upright for India’s independent foreign policy. This has also been proven in his recent US visit. His statements during the UNGA and Washington visit truly makes him Plato’s philosopher king in the domain of diplomacy.
Statements of a Global Power
The Minister’s visit to the US was mostly associated with the 77th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 77). That is why statements of Jaishankar at the global platform became important.
In long speech of Jaishankar at the assembly, there were some words which clearly reflect India’s unique presence in the world.
For example, giving India’s clear cut stand on Russia-Ukraine war, Jaishankar standing at world’s highest assembly said, “As the Ukraine conflict continues to rage, we are often asked whose side we are on. And our answer, each time, is straight and honest. India is on the side of peace and will remain firmly there. We are on the side that respects the UN Charter and its founding principles. We are on the side that calls for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out. We are on the side of those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at the escalating costs of food, of fuel and fertilizers. It is therefore in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict.”
India on side of peace and will remain firmly there: Jaishankar on Russia-Ukraine war
Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/sBIgQzcqHU#Jaishankar #RussiaUkraineWar #India pic.twitter.com/vsthsCFVjy
— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) September 24, 2022
While taking dig at China’s constant support to terrorism on behest of Pakistan, S Jaishankar stated, “The United Nations responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators. Those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes even to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists; they do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation.”
Further, taking strong jibe at Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif’s statement on Kashmir, he said, “Having borne the brunt of cross border terrorism for decades, India firmly advocates a ‘zero-tolerance’ approach. In our view, there is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation. And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious, can ever cover-up blood-stains.”
Message to China & Pakistan by EAM Jaishankar during UNGA address:
-no rhetoric, however sanctimonious can ever cover up blood-stains
-those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril pic.twitter.com/jhQBe9u5Pj— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 24, 2022
Giving Pills to Americans in America
After the successful tour to New York, while interacting with people of the Indian diaspora in Washington, he also strongly objected to the US plans of arming Pakistan.
Jaishankar said, “For someone to say I am doing this because it is all counter-terrorism content and so when you are talking of an aircraft like a capability of an F-16 where everybody knows, you know where they are deployed and their use. You are not fooling anybody by saying these things.”
Further, reminding the US of consequences of relationship with Pakistan, he said, “Very honestly, it’s a relationship that has brighter ended up serving Pakistan well, nor serving the American interests. So, it is ready for the United States today to reflect on what are the merits of this relationship and what do they get by it.”
On US Pak F16 announcement, EAM Jaishankar says,"everybody knows wr F16s are deployed, you not fooling anybody'. Add,it is upto US to "reflect what are the merits of this relationship….Its not good for you, reflect on the history" pic.twitter.com/7akHa7GiIg
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 26, 2022
In the same talk, S Jaishankar also slammed The Washington Post and other biased media houses for negative coverage of India. Slamming The Washington Post said, “I look at the media. You know, there are some newspapers you know, exactly, what they are going to write, including one in this town.”
EAM Jaishankar talks about baises in American media for India in a public meet in Washington DC. Says,"thr are some newspaper you know exactly what they are going to write…Including one in this town" pic.twitter.com/8pasqin41S
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 26, 2022
Politics at Work?
Moreover, speaking about countering propaganda of media houses, he said, “This is something which we need to be aware of. It is important to contest. It isn’t because most Americans will not know what sort of the nuances and the complexities of back home, so, it’s important not to sit back, not to let other people define me. That is something which I feel as a community is very important for us”.
Also Read: Jaishankar roars as India overtakes Britain to become the 5th largest economy
“There is a big song and dance about the Internet being cut. Now, if you’ve reached the stage where you say an Internet cut is more dangerous than the loss of human lives, then what can I say?”, he added.
Speaking about the politicisation and global propaganda on Kashmir, he said, “If you look at A (Article) 370-issue. What was a temporary provision of the Constitution was finally put to rest; this was supposed to be an act of majority. This was supposed to be majoritarian. Tell me what was happening in Kashmir was not majoritarian?, I think the way facts are slanted, things are laid out. What is right, what is wrong is confused. This is actually politics at work.”
If removal of special status for J&K is "majoritarian, then tell me what was happening in Kashmir not majoritarian", says EAM Jaishankar. pic.twitter.com/8tSMAbH05Z
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 26, 2022
In above all the statements, addresses and talks, the Minister showed extreme presentation of his knowledge. Rarely in the past have we seen any foreign minister giving such a blunt smash to anyone? Speaking against America in front of Americans in America needs a comprehensive study of world’s history, politics and exceptional diplomatic experience.
It is the wisdom and knowledge of foreign minister that not only balanced India’s international relationship in a highly polarised world but also advanced national interest. He may not be Plato’s dream Philosopher King but he is definitely a Philosopher King in foreign policy.
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